Your Guide to Selecting a Wakeboard

Wakeboarding is one of the hottest trends in water sports in this year, and is not only a fun and adventurous activity, but it’s also a great workout! Wakeboarding is a combination water sport that shadows water skiing, snow boarding, and surfing. Wakeboarders are attached to a tow behind a boat, and stand on a board similar in design to a surfboard, except with foot straps that attach them to the board sideways (like a skateboard). The wakeboarder is released from the boat after it reaches a certain speed, and uses the power from the release to surf, ride a wave, or even somersault over the water. If that wasn’t enough, the adrenaline rush from the endless of variety of stunts and wake-riding styles will keep you busy for hours.

From Texas championships to Midwest seasonal kickoffs, fans and enthusiasts around the country are picking up speed on this addictive outdoor water sport. Tricks and stunts are possible depending on skill level, and using the wake from hitting ramps, waves, and boat cuts enables the wakeboarder to increase their experience and general performance.

This freestyle sport lets boarders slide, perform flips, ‘hop’ wakes, and even spin during air jumps. It is a soon-to-be extreme sport, and the U.S. is joined by Canada, the U.K., and various parts of Australia and Hawaii full of eager enthusiasts.

Ready to jump in on the action? Here are some tips and suggestions when you’re prepared to purchase. Follow these guidelines in selecting the best wakeboard for you:

� The length of the board should be proportionate to your height and weight

âÂ?¢ Smaller boards are easier to maneuver and control in the air, but they do nto have a strong edge; that is, they cannot ‘fly’ with a strong wake

âÂ?¢ To carry the most speed, the curvature of the wakeboard will tell you what to look for. The area between the floor to the tip of the wakeboard is known as the ‘rocker’, and the higher the measure of the rocker, the slower the speed and softer the landing.

� Beginners should choose a squared edge wakeboard as this will be easier to control. Rounded edges encourage faster speeds and high lift-offs.

� Twin tipped wakeboards are the most popular versions, and accomodate for flexibility and various skill levels.

� A shorter wakeboard is best for more experienced and smaller riders

� Large fins are best for rough waters, and small fins for smooth waters in all wakeboard styles

� Foot bindings should be snug, but not too tight; some are available with lace up features on most wakeboards

� You can always try out the wakeboard first to see if it is a good fit!

Do check with your supplier for other trends, accessories for your wakeboard, and general maintenance tips. These will all depend on the manufacturer you select, as each wakeboard is specially designed with exclusive features. Remember, practice makes perfect! You won’t have the technique completely under your belt within the first few tries, but it is a very easy skill to learn, and it helps if you have skateboarding or waterskiing experience. Take it slow, and before you know it, you’ll be performing Olympic-style stunts for your screaming wakeboard fanclub!