Wakeboarding for Beginners
You might have probably heard of
wakeboarding already. And you have the first impression that
this is a "no fear" game - for daredevils; that sounds
difficult. Perhaps you're right, but how you approach it is all
up to you. Getting started is easy if you follow these simple
steps.
Firstly - have the right equipment; the latest pro board is
not always the best to learn with. Give yourself a chance and
get a board that is forgiving and helps you to progress. Choose
a board which is light and easy to manage. A larger board with
one or more large rear fins helps to give the board direction,
which is important when learning.
Getting closer to the boat is helpful for learning to
wakeboard. Thus a shorter rope is highly recommended – about 15
meters (50'). Another essential bit of gear is a buoyancy vest.
It is not only basic safety equipment but it will also save you
a lot of energy as you hit the water regularly. The driver
should remember that you need a lot less speed to get going and
to stay planeing than water skiing - 35–40 kph max. A wakeboard
offers more resistance when starting, so start slowly!
If you have all the necessary wakeboarding equipments ready,
the next thing to do is to learn the stance - how and where to
stand on your board. Your first stage is to determine whether
you are a regular lead (left-foot-forward) or goofy lead
(right-foot-forward). For those who have skateboarded or
snowboarded before, this is easy. If this is your first board
sport, don't panic. Stand up, facing frward, feet together and
have someone push you from behind. Whichever foot goes forward
first is your lead foot.
Now that you know which foot you'll place forward, it's time
to set up your bindings. Riders just getting started should try
placing the bindings at about shoulder-width apart with the
rear foot slightly farther back (closer to the rear fin) to aid
with directional stability.
The angle of your bindings is important. Start with the rear
foot straight across the board (O degrees) or slightly forward
to 9 degrees (one set of holes in the base plate). Your front
foot should be at an angle of 9-27 degrees (2-3 sets of holes)
to get started. For your safety, before you get started,
double-check the security of your fins and bindings. Do this
again every time you hit the water. You should even
periodically check them during your ride after a fall.
Learn first the Deep Water Start by floating on your back
with a buoyancy vest. The board should be perpendicular to the
rope with your arms either side of your front knee. Signal the
driver to put the boat just in gear. As you are pulled slowly
forward, the pressure against the board will allow you to get
into the proper starting position with most of the board below
the surface of the water. Let the pressure on the board push
your knees into your chest, then push your front foot forward
toward the boat. Signal the driver to hit it and remain in a
crouched position.
As the boat begins to go, keep your arms slightly bent near
your lower stomach. Shift your weight toward the front foot
while keeping the nose above the water. As the water begins to
give you support, slowly rise to the standing position by
extending your legs until your knees are slightly bent.
Once you are up, get comfortable on your board with slightly
more weight on your rear foot. Let your hips and shoulders turn
away from the boat. Riders with a skiing background have a
tendency to try to face the boat, this will often lead to a
face plant as they catch or drop their front edge. Practice
getting comfortable in the sideways position and relax. The key
to the deepwater start is letting the boat do the work. Stay
down low and stand up slow!
Wake boarding has the inherent dangers of all water sports,
plus the dangers of motor powerboats, with screw propellers. So
always observe precautionary measures and you will not get into
trouble.
Niall has been wakeboarding for 2 years and enjoys combining
foreign travel and wakeboarding. Visit Wakeboarding
Supplies for news, views and information about
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