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The Basics of Wakeboarding

Oct. 20 2023 How To By New England Watersports

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The sport of wakeboarding was invented in Australia about 40 years ago, and it’s only continued to grow in popularity since then. Wakeboarding is a sort of combination between the sports of water skiing and surfing, using a tow rope anchored to a powerful boat to allow the rider to jump wakes and surf the waves on a special wakeboard. If you’re new to this sport, here are some of the basics to help you get started.

1. Be Strong & Able to Swim

You can’t go wakeboarding if you don’t have some upper body strength or you don’t know how to swim. Lifting light weights and performing some exercises that use your body weight can help you get strong enough to hang onto the tow rope while your board pitches in the water. Take some lessons if you’re not confident in your swimming abilities.

2. Acquire Your Gear

For wakeboarding, you’ll need a wakeboard that’s suitable for your experience level and height. Shorter folks will need a shorter board, while taller folks will want a longer one. You’ll also need a wetsuit to keep you warm and dry when you fall in the water, which you’re going to do often as you learn how to wakeboard. A personal flotation device or PFD, also known as a lifejacket, is another must for any wakeboarder. You may also want to invest in a helmet and padded gear to protect your body.

3. Find Your Footing

Before you wakeboard, you need to figure out which foot you’ll lead with. To find your footing, run a short distance and stop suddenly. The foot you put ahead of you is your leading foot, which you’ll put towards the front of the wakeboard. “Regular” footing is where your left foot is in front, while “goofy” footing is where your right foot is ahead. It doesn’t matter which one you are, so long as you know it.

Need a wake boat for your upcoming watersports adventures? Visit our dealership in Naples, ME, to take a look at our wide stock of new and used wake boats for sale. New England Water Sports is proud to serve our Maine wakeboarding fans in the regions of Sebago Lake and Long Lake.