Boating Tip 002: Wakeboarding Tips | via DiscoverBoating

10 TIPS TO GET YOUR RIDER READY FOR THE WATER!

1. Wear a Life jacket
   Our wakeboarding tips section is no exception to this important boating safety rule. Be sure to wear a personal flotation device (PFD) at all times when you are in the water.
2. Use a spotter
   A basic boating safety tip for all water sports is to make sure there is a designated spotter to help alert the driver to your position at all times and keep an eye out for other approaching boats or objects in the water.
3. Put your best foot forward
   Before you go out on the water for the first time, one of the most basic wakeboarding tips to remember is to decide which foot you want to face forward.  The foot you choose should be the foot you always intuitively place forward, whether it’s because you’re about to kick a ball or you’re regaining your balance.
4. Use a beginner wakeboarding stance
   Using a beginner wakeboarding stance will make the board easier to control and navigate. The easiest stance for beginner wakeboarding is to place the back binding far back towards the end of the board and align it at zero degrees, so that the rider’s weight is able to press directly on top of the rear fin. The front binding should be at about a 15-27 degree angle, slightly pointed towards the front of the wakeboard.
5. Use a shorter rope
   Another helpful beginner wakeboarding tip is to use a shorter rope that makes it easier for beginners to get up and out of the water. Our recommended length is somewhere between 30 and 50 feet.
6. Stay close to the board at first
   Keep your arms and knees tucked in and stay crouched down until you are fully out of the water. Then, try standing slowly and deliberately so that balance and weight distribution are evenly maintained.
7. Distribute your weight correctly
   When trying to get up and out of the water, most of your weight needs to on your front foot (about 60%). However, once you are in a standing position, remember to shift the weight back.
8. Keep the tow handle low
   Beginners will find it easier to stay up if the rope handle is held in a lowered position that is parallel to the water (instead of perpendicular, as is common with waterskiing).
9. Use the correct boat speed
   Be sure to remind your driver that wakeboarding requires less boat speed than waterskiing or other water sports. The maximum recommended speed should be around 14-19mph.
10. Take your time
    Our most important wakeboarding tip is to take your time, stay relaxed, and remember that practice makes perfect! Don’t become frustrated if it takes several tries or more to get up your first time. Mistakes and spills are a normal part of the learning process.

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