Several Beginner Wakeboarding Tips: Learn New Maneuvers
Wakeboarding can be a very fun and exciting activity if you keep yourself safe. Children and adults alike can enjoy the benefits of wakeboarding whether they are doing it to stay fit or simply to have fun in the water. Here are some beginner wakeboarding tips for both young and old water enthusiasts.
Be Comfortable
The first thing you need to focus on when you’re a wakeboarding beginner is to just be comfortable in what you’re doing. That’s one of the most basic of wakeboarding tips. You need to be comfortable with the water, your body, your board and the combination of the three. Try to find the most comfortable wakeboarding position for you and work your way to other positions from there. One thing you do not want to do when you’re starting with wakeboarding is to panic when the boat starts to pull you or when you fall into the water. Find the type of board you are most comfortable with because this will help you get the feel of the whole wakeboarding experience easier and faster. Once you have the right attitude, board, and position, you’re on your way to be a very confident wakeboarder.
Balance
One way of being comfortable with wakeboarding is finding a comfortable position in terms of placing your feet on the board. It is also in the placement of the feet that will enable you to find your balance. Having balance is the building block of your wakeboarding skills. One good way to find your balance on a wakeboard is by determining which of your feet feels more natural as the support for your body.
Start Slow
This is one of the most fundamental beginner wakeboarding tips. Start learning the whole feel of the experience by starting off slow, literally. Start the activity slowly, with a steady launch. You can ask the boat driver to do this for you. It is easier to get up on your feet as you are taking up speed. Every time you wakeboard, ask the driver to gradually increase the speed of the launch. This gives you the chance to gradually feel confident on the water.
Tricks
It takes a lot of practice, confidence, and great body condition to perform aerial tricks. As a beginner, it is not advisable for you to attempt daredevil moves for your own safety. Once you are already confident in basic wakeboarding, you can then work on improving your strength and stamina. This will prepare your body for sophisticated wakeboarding moves. Once you’re ready, you can then start practicing several tricks.
Wakeboard Equipment
Other than the board itself, there are other equipment that you need to have. Before going into the water, always wear a life jacket. Even if you do know how to swim, it would be very hard to stay afloat and have control when you fall into the water if you have a wakeboard strapped to your feet. The rope that connects you and the boat should be at least 15 meters long. As a beginner, you will find that it is easier to maneuver and learn basic wakeboarding moves when you’re far from the boat, where the water is calmer and smoother.
References
360 Guide: Wakeboard Tips for Beginners
WakeboardBum: Beginner Wakeboarding Tips