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Wakeboarding Tips for Beginners

Jun. 28 2021 Lifestyle By Club Royale

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Are you looking for a new water hobby? How about wakeboarding?

For starters, wakeboarding is a thrilling watersport wherein the rider is bound to a single, floating fiberglass-coated board while they hold a tow rope that is anchored either to a wake boat or an overhead cable. As a beginner, you can learn the ropes while wakeboarding at a cable park and gradually move to a body of water near you. Then again, if you are confident, you can start your journey at a lake or the ocean. 

To get you started, the experts at Club Royale have created this guide. Keep reading to learn the basics, then head to our dealership in Waterford, Michigan, to peruse our collection of wake boats for sale. We’re happy to serve those from Rochester.

The Basics

Wakeboarding is a sport that requires you to improve your upper-arm strength. Don’t worry if you aren't as strong. With practice, your arms will be strong enough to support you, and you can enjoy the sport to its fullest. Be prepared for some aches and pains, though, after your first few attempts.

While you’re wakeboarding, allow the rope to pull you. Don’t pull the rope yourself and keep your grip firm, but not too tight. Also, avoid locking your elbows too hard, or you may end up damaging your joints.

Additionally, be prepared to hit the water a few times because it’s natural that you’ll fall while you’re learning the sport. If you know how to swim, you’ll naturally stay afloat and even avoid slamming yourself too hard on the water surface when you fall.

As a beginner, use a larger wakeboard and a shorter tow rope so you can find your balance sooner. Pay attention to your instructor or the person operating the boat while you work on your technique. Ensure your safety and make the most of your time spent on the water!

The Equipment

You’ll need the following pieces of gear for wakeboarding:

  • A wakeboard that matches your weight.
  • A wetsuit to keep you warm.
  • A life jacket.
  • A padded impact vest.
  • A helmet, especially if you’re cable riding.

Footing and Balance

When it comes to wakeboarding, it’s important that you identify your natural footing style rather than using a stance that you won’t be comfortable with. Your footing style should give you the stability you need to maintain your balance and keep you comfortable, too.

When you get on your wakeboard, you’ll need to strap your feet into the bindings that are attached to the board via metal screws. If there’s a boat that’s towing you, you’ll be partially submerged in the water while it will pick up speed. However, with a cable, you’ll be on a kneeboard before you hit the water.

Standing Up

As you become comfortable, slowly straighten your legs, and keep your arms stretched out. You’ll want to watch the boat ahead of you instead of looking down. Keep your knees slightly bent and bring the handle to your side, aligning with your hip that’s extended towards the front.

If you need more tips or want to check out our inventory of wake boats for sale, visit Club Royale in Waterford, Michigan, where we also proudly serve our friends from Rochester. We can show you our latest collection and help you choose a wake boat that’s right for you.