When the weather is good, we enjoy engaging in outdoor activities, especially in natural surroundings. For such occasions, an intense, fun, and refreshing physical activity comes to mind: wakeboarding. Let’s delve into the world of this water sport through a beginner’s guide to wakeboarding.
Origins of Wakeboarding
The roots of wakeboarding can be traced back to the 1980s when surfers used to be towed by boats to access areas that were otherwise hard to reach. Gradually, these athletes started utilizing the travel time to surf. This gave rise to the term 'skurfing,' which denotes a blend of skateboarding and surfing. This concept emerged in New Zealand. Subsequently, there was a desire to push the boundaries, leading to the adoption of thinner boards. These boards, which had reduced buoyancy and offered greater speed, resembled those used in snowboarding, adapted for aquatic environments. The culmination of these developments resulted in the establishment of the World Wakeboard Association in 1989, officially recognizing this new sport.
Beginner’s Guide: Getting Started
Equipment
To engage in wakeboarding safely and comfortably, you require specific equipment. Often, boat rental companies provide all the necessary items for wakeboarders. The fundamental wakeboarding gear includes:
- A helmet for head protection.
- Bindings, either open or closed.
- A buoyancy aid (waistcoat) to keep you afloat in case of falls.
- A wakeboard of appropriate dimensions.
The selection of the wakeboard's length is contingent on your size. A rounder board facilitates smoother water cuts and turns. On the other hand, square boards offer a more agile ride with simultaneous water release. Opting for a board with a smooth, continuous curve promotes stability, which is ideal for beginners.
Getting Started
For beginners, wakeboarding can swiftly become an enjoyable and thrilling experience with perseverance during initial attempts. Start by positioning the wakeboard sideways in the water. Place one foot forward and position your arms on either side of your front knee. Assume a squatting stance to maintain a low center of gravity, which will aid in transitioning to an upright position later.
As you attempt to stand up, shift most of your weight onto your front foot. You can adjust your weight distribution once you are standing. Maintain a low squat to enhance balance. During your initial efforts to stand, keep the boat's speed moderate. Gradually increasing the speed can be attempted as you gain confidence.
Wakeboarding Stances
Understanding proper stances is vital for maintaining balance while wakeboarding. Two primary options are:
- Duck Stance: Stand with your feet slightly turned in opposite directions. This stance provides increased stability when leaning left or right.
- Wide Stance: Begin with a low squat, emphasizing a lower center of gravity, then rise while widening your stance slightly. Your positioning should mimic sitting in a chair, with your buttocks moving towards the back of the wakeboard.
For beginners, focus on mastering these foundational stances before attempting more advanced maneuvers. Don't be disheartened by falls or challenges; they are integral to the learning process. Through patience, dedication, and proper technique, your wakeboarding skills will progressively improve over time.
New activities with Move Sports
In Move Sports, we think that it's never too late to learn how to practice a sport. We plan and organize sports experiences and events. Find out about our training camps and sports experiences, tournaments, and events, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Linkedin to keep up to date.
