Glossary
- Knowing the lingo when around boat-towed water sports, such as wakeboarding, shortens the learning curve and helps with communication and safety. After you know the terms you won't be offended when someone calls you "goofy footed." Here is a collection of terms in a glossary format to get you started.
- Wakeboarding, Wake Skating, and Wake Surfing Terms
- Boating Terms
Buying a Wakeboard
- Deciding which wakeboard to buy can be a daunting task. Most cost several hundred dollars and with that level of investment you'll want to purchase the best one to match your needs and skill level. A beginner wakeboarder doesn't need to make the mistake of buying a board made for an advanced rider.
- Tips on Buying a Wakeboard
- Top 10 Beginner Wakeboards
- Compare Prices for Wakeboards
Choosing Wakeboard Bindings
- Wearing the correct wakeboard bindings is just as important as the wakeboard you stand on when it comes to comfort and skill level on the water. If the bindings are too loose or too tight you won't be able to ride for very long. Before purchasing bindings of your own, learn the components of wakeboard bindings, including overlay, underlay, footbed, hardware, baseplate, and adjustment.
Setting Up Your Wakeboard Bindings
- Your wakeboard bindings set-up on your board should reflect your skill level. Learn about binding placement on the board and your stance to maximize wakeboarding performance.
- Learn Proper Binding Placement
Wakeboard Fins
- You don't have to keep the factory fin set-up on your wakeboard. Experiment with the fins and how they change the way the board performs. Also, consider water conditions when selecting your fin set-up.
- More on Fin Types and Placement
Determining Which Foot to Put Forward on Your Wakeboard
- One of the first questions a wakeboarder has is which foot to put in the forward binding. There are several ways to help you decide which foot should go in the front binding.
- Learn More on Which Foot Forward
Buying A Wakeboard Tow Rope
- Just any old tow rope won't do when it comes to wakeboarding. A rope made for waterskiing may work fine to pull you out of the water, but when it comes to wakeboarding tricks, you'll want to buy a rope specific to that sport.
- Learn More on Buying a Wakeboard Tow Rope
- How to Grip a Wakeboarding Tow Rope
Choosing a Life Vest
- Before you buy a life vest suitable for wakeboarding use these guidelines to consider your purchase. A jacket with the right fit is key to a safe and comfortable ride behind the boat.
Wakeboarding Hand Communications and Signals
- Hand signals are used by the wakeboarder on the water to communicate with the boat driver and crew inside the boat. Prevent confusion and keep safe by learning and using these hand signals.
The Wakeboarding Deepwater Start
- Now that you know more about wakeboarding equipment, it's time to jump in the water and get it wet. A smooth deepwater start on a wakeboard is the beginning of a fun tow behind the boat. Tow rope length, the right boat speed, and proper body position are key elements.
- Learn a Deepwater Wakeboarding Start
- Determine the Best Boat Speed for Wakeboarding
Basic Wakeboarding Skills
Boat Buying Guide
- Once you are hooked on wakeboarding you may want to take the next step and purchase your own boat. Like shopping for a car, deciding on which boat to buy can make you want to pull your hair out. Avoid disappointment and do your homework prior to the purchase.
- Tips on Buying a NEW Boat
- Tips on Buying a USED Boat
Driving a Boat
- Once you purchase the boat you'll need to be aware of rules and skills specific to boat-towed water sports.
- How to Drive a Boat and Wakeboard Responsibly in Traffic
- Retrieving a Downed/Fallen Wakeboarder