Since it was invented in the late 1980s, wakeboarding has become one of the most popular water sports in the world. Wakeboarding consists of riding a wakeboard behind a boat and using the boat’s wake to jump into the air and perform tricks. To wakeboard, you will need several pieces of equipment: a board, bindings, a rope, and a life jacket. In this guide, we will go over everything you need to know in order to choose the right gear for wakeboarding.

Choosing the Right Wakeboard

When it comes to selecting a wakeboard, the most important thing to consider is your height and weight. These measurements will assist you in determining what size wakeboard you need to use. Also, if you’re sharing a board with others, the measurements of the largest rider should be your guide. For beginners, longer wakeboards are easier to control and will provide more stability.

As you become more experienced, you can start experimenting with different sizes and shapes of wakeboards to see what works best for you. The weight of the wakeboard is also important as it affects how the board will ride on the water. Heavier boards are easier to control but are not as responsive to turns. Lighter boards are more responsive but can be difficult for beginners to control, especially in choppy water conditions.

Selecting Wakeboard Bindings

In order to keep your feet securely attached to the wakeboard, you will need to purchase bindings. When choosing bindings, it is important to make sure that they fit both your boots and the wakeboard. Most bindings come in sizes small, medium, and large.

The most significant detail to consider while shopping for bindings is how they fit on your feet. You want to be sure you pick tight enough bindings to stay on your foot while riding the wake but flexible enough to allow movement on the water.

The perfect wakeboard bindings should be comfy without being painful or limiting. If you have any concerns about how they should fit, go see a specialist when trying them on. It is also important to consider the type of closure system you prefer, as several options are available. The most popular closure systems are lace-up, Velcro, and quick release.

• Lace-up bindings provide a more customized and secure fit but can be difficult to get in and out of.
• Velcro bindings are easier to take on and off but may not provide as snug of a fit.
• Quick release bindings are the easiest to take on and off but may not provide as much support.

What to Look for in a Wakeboard Rope

The rope is one of the most important pieces of equipment while wakeboarding. It is what attaches you to the boat and allows you to be pulled through the water. There isn’t as much variation in wakeboard ropes as there is in other pieces of equipment. The primary difference between ropes is the length. The length you’ll need will be based on the size of the boat and how far away from the back you plan on riding.

Wakeboard ropes also come with different handle options, which include traditional and two-handle ropes. Two-handle ropes are generally more difficult because they provide less stability. Traditional ropes are more comfortable for beginners because they offer more stability and are easier to hold onto with both hands.

What to Wear Wakeboarding

What to wear when sailing is much different from what to wear while wakeboarding. Before you go out on the water with your new wakeboard and bindings, make sure you’re properly dressed. Everyone has a different style regarding what they wear, some people wear one-piece and others two-piece.

If you watch other riders, you may see that some wear wetsuits, a popular choice among water sports athletes. The primary goal of a wetsuit is to keep your body warm and protected from the potentially harmful effects of the sea temperature.

A wetsuit is typically recommended for beginners since they spend considerably more time in the water than on their board. However, you’ll also want to wear a life jacket, especially if you’re a beginner. With a comfortable life jacket, you’ll be able to practice your skills without restricting your movement because it will allow you to get close to your body with a tight, tapered fit.

A helmet is another essential safety item to bring. Helmets are available for use when participating in a water sport like wakeboarding, so search for one of those. A high-quality helmet will be manufactured from sturdy materials that are both tough and substantial on the outside with a thick inner layer.

Accessories for Your Wakeboard Boat

Assuming you have the proper tow boat for water sports, the final thing you will need to purchase is accessories to outfit your boat with. You need to outfit your wakeboard boat with a few things to ensure you have the best possible experience.

The first is a tower, which is an elevated structure that extends off the back of the boat and is used to attach the rope. Towers come in several different styles, including pylon, arch, and periscope. Pylon towers are the most common type of wakeboard tower and are typically the most affordable. Arch towers provide a sleeker look and are often made from aluminum, making them lightweight and easy to move.

Periscope towers are the tallest type of wakeboard tower, which provides more height for jumps and tricks. For wakeboard towers, check out Aerial Wakeboarding. You’ll also need to get a wakeboard rack to hold your board when it’s not in use. Wakeboard racks come in several different styles, including gunwale, pylon, and suction.

Gunwale racks are the most common type of wakeboard rack and attach to the side of the boat. Pylon racks are similar to gunwale racks but attach to the wakeboard tower. Suction racks are the easiest to use because they attach to the side of the boat with suction cups.

Final Notes

Wakeboarding is a fun water sport that the whole family can enjoy. With the proper gear, you’ll be able to safely and comfortably enjoy your time wakeboarding. By following this guide, you’ll be able to choose the right wakeboarding gear for your needs. With the right gear, you’ll be able to have a great time wakeboarding.