| Wakeboarding is an adrenaline pumping water sport, | | | | pull-point gives the rider more control and makes it |
| which combines water skiing, snowboarding and | | | | easier for the rider to maneuver. Another unique |
| surfing techniques. Wakeboarding involves riding a | | | | feature of the wakeboard motorboat is that the |
| board on a surface of water, while being towed by a | | | | engine is rotated 180 degrees and placed in the front |
| motorboat. The speed of the motorboat depends on | | | | of the boat. This enables better weight distribution |
| many things, such as the rider's experience, the | | | | and also ensures the rider's safety. |
| water conditions, the board size, etc. | | | | Basics of Boarding: |
| The Board: | | | | Before beginning their boarding experience, it is |
| Boards for this sport are buoyant, and their core is | | | | essential to have good quality equipment and an |
| usually made up of foam or honeycomb mixed with | | | | experienced driver. Nothing can ruin a boarding |
| resin and coated with fiberglass. Also, metal screws | | | | experience like an inexperienced driver! Once all the |
| are fitted in the board to enable riders to attach fins | | | | equipment is set, you must figure out which 'foot |
| and bindings according to their preference. A rider | | | | forward' you are. You must figure out with which |
| may alter the fins according to his/her needs For | | | | foot forward are you most comfortable. The bindings |
| instance; shallow fins are best suited for surface | | | | also must be adjusted according to your height and |
| tricks. Manufacturers producing newer lines of boards | | | | your comfort level. The bindings must be well |
| are experimenting with the shape and material to | | | | secured. Most boards come with pre-attached fins. |
| reduce the drag and ensure a smooth wake boarding | | | | You must make sure these fins are tightly secured. |
| experience. | | | | Long fins give a feeling of stability in the water. While |
| The Motorboat: | | | | shorter fins give a looser feeling and provides more |
| Although it is possible to use any motorboat that can | | | | freedom to maneuver in the water. Longer fins are |
| achieve a minimum speed of about 18mph, it is | | | | recommended for beginners. |
| advisable to use a motorboat especially constructed | | | | Wakeboarding Maneuvers: |
| to meet the needs of wakeboarding. A major | | | | Once the basics of wake boarding have been |
| difference between a regular motorboat and a | | | | mastered, it is time to take your skill to the new |
| wakeboarding boat is the presence of the | | | | level. Mastering these maneuvers requires patience |
| wakeboarding tower. The wakeboarding tower is | | | | and can be dangerous if proper safety measures are |
| normally constructed of thick-walled stainless steel or | | | | not in place. Thus, it is advisable to always have an |
| aluminum tubing. | | | | experienced mentor and driver, and also always wear |
| There is a pull-point situated on the wake boarding | | | | a life vest. |
| tower, about 7feet from the water's surface. A high | | | | |