Three Things for the Beginning Wakeboarder to Remember

Wakeboarding is one of the fastest growing water sports around. More maneuverable than a Slalom Ski, Wakeboarding is considered more akin to Snowboarding than water skiing. In fact both are recommended as crossover practice for the other sport. If you haven't given Wakeboarding a try there are a few things that you should know before you start. These few tips will help you begin as a Wakeboarder and progress much faster, into the sport.

Regular or Goofy Foot

The first thing you need to figure out is your riding stance. Which foot should you put forward? If you have experience skateboarding or snowboarding, you already know this. If you don't use this simple test to find out, kick a ball, a can, or anything handy. The leg you swing will be your back leg when wakeboarding. If it is your right leg you are a regular rider. If you kick with your left foot you ride goofy, left foot in back.

Shorter Ropes, Better Control

One of the biggest mistakes many beginning riders make is using too long a rope. Longer ropes leave more lag between the boat and boarder. This causes the rope have more of a torquing effect on the rider, creating control problems from the outset. The best rope lengths for beginners are in the 30 to 50 foot length range. Begin short and stretch out as you gain experience.

Center Your Back Foot

The key to learning control as a Wakeboarder is centering your back foot. When adjusting your bindings, be sure to have your back foot centered directly over the boards fin. This will give you maximum leverage and maximum control. From getting up on the board to learning to turn this setup will help you stay balanced.

If you haven't tried wakeboarding, give it a shot. You will find it an exhilarating sport.