Friday, July 10, 2009

Wakeboarding Beginners Guide

By Ricky Green

Wakeboarding is a challenge and a lot of fun. But did you know that knowing the right gear to buy can be just as challenging? Don't fret! Information on the basic things that you need is available anywhere.

Don't jump on the first wakeboard that you see in the store just because it's stylish. First, you have to know your skill level. Also, wakeboards have different features, so you also need to know the type or style of boarding that you want to do. Remember that the shape and size of a wakeboard determine its performance.

If you are a beginner you don't think about big air tricks. Choose a more stable board and the one that you can have more control on. For beginners, a board with squared edges is highly recommended. Advanced riders are better suited with rounded edges which help them land easier when they do air tricks. This design allows less chance of catching an edge when landing. It also helps give the board more speed and lift when jumping.

Wakeboards are also designed with either single or double tips. Single tipped boards are pointed at one end and squared off at the other. Double tipped boards are rounded at both ends which makes transition when switching directions and landing tricks easier. The majority of the boards available are double tipped.

Double tipped boards are best for beginners. It allows an easy execution of some basic skills like changing board direction. Also, it is much lighter and easier to jump with.

Usually, a wakeboard comes with a set of fins but if yours doesn't then you will need to buy fins that suit your board and your preferred riding style. Secure your fins tightly with the wider end to the outside of the board. Longer fins will track more easily in the water giving you a more stable feeling on the board. Shorter fins will release from the water more easily and give a looser feeling on the board.

Secure your rope to the pylon or tower and it depends on the wake created by the boat. The closer you are to the boat, the smaller the wake will be. If you are new to this, you probably want a smaller wake anyway. When you get better, move from the boat to get a bigger wake.

Beginners prefer to stay closer to the boat but not too close to experience the rooster tail. However, when you get much better and more experienced, you can start extending your rope farther to where the larger wakes are. Also, a longer rope will allow you to take a longer cut at the wake, and by doing this, you will be able to take bigger jumps and that will also get you much more air.

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