Picking
Proper Equipment
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| Getting
started is easy. First, you need to have the
proper equipment that helps you to progress.
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1. Wakeboard
The
latest pro board is not always suitable
for beginners. It is recommended to get
started with a quality twin tip or "double
ended" board since a double ended board
offers higher stability and better control
on board direction e.g. ride fakie. Moreover,
most newer double ended boards are much
lighter and easier to jump with.
In
many cases, a particular model of wakeboard
is available in various lengths depending
on the manufacturer. Some of them are usually
designed for a particular riding style.
Consult your wakeboard retailer to pick
the best sized board for yourself. The following
is a rough guide for your reference
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Small
Person
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125cm
- 135cm
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Medium
Person
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135cm
- 140cm
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Large
Person
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140cm
- 145cm+
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| In
general, longer wakeboard offers greater stability
in starts and turns, so beginners should choose
a slightly longer board to make learning easier.
Wakeboard widths generally range from 39 to
43 centimeters. The width is made in conjunction
with the length of the board.
Click
here to view the TOP PICKS OF BEGINNER'S
BOARD
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2. Bindings
There
is a good variety of bindings such as bungee,
adjustable boot and high back boot. When
choosing bindings, make sure that they fit
your feet the best and are adjustable for
comfort. For most beginners, bungee bindings
may be a good choice. But beware that they
are not very long lasting and provide only
little support. Therefore, you need to upgrade
to a more supportive binding when you start
spins and decent jumps.
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Bungee
Bindings
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Adjustable
Boot Bindings
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High
Back / Boot Bindings
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| Usually,
bindings are available in different sizes
depending on the type of bindings and the
manufacturer. Bungee bindings are typically
free size for all, adjustable bindings are
available in about 3 different sizes and the
high back bindings have up to 7 sizes. Below
is a binding sizes reference. |
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Binding
Sizes Reference (US shoe sizes)
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XXS
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2
- 4
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XS
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4
- 5.5
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S
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6
- 8
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M
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8
- 10
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L
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9
- 11
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XL
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11
- 13
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XXL
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13
- 15
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| Click
here to see more about bindings |
3. Bindings Placement
and Stance
It
refers to how and where you stand on the
board. It involves the width at which the
feet are apart and the angle at which they
point. This varies from person to person.
The first thing is to determine your leading
foot. Those who have played other board
games will know what to do. For the beginners,
just follow below steps:
1.
Stand up on the shore
2. Feet together
3. Have someone behind to give you a gentle
shove
4. Whichever foot goes forward to catch
the fall is your leading foot.
After
determining the leading foot, you have to
set up the bindings on the board. Beginners
are recommended to place the bindings at
about shoulder-width with the rear foot
slightly farther back (closer to the rear
fin) to aid stability and ease of navigation.
The angle of your bindings is crucial. One
general advice is to start with a zero degree
placement of bindings with both feet pointing
straight ahead. A zero degree stance helps
the beginners to grab control of board directions,
like riding reverts. Over time, you may
need to adjust the angles of the bindings
to accommodate spins and jumps. Note that
this is only a rough guide and that your
stance should feel comfortable.
Click
here to see more about bindings
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4. Rope
To
go wakeboarding, you need a proper NON-STRETCH
rope which is different from traditional
water-ski ropes. A proper non-stretch rope
will give you better control in the air,
which is particularly useful for inverts.
Below are some options of ropes:
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Stiffer
normal ski line but still have a little
spring
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Stiff
lines but still a little flaccid;
may have knots and tangles problems.
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As
stiff as spectra, but the texture
is similar to Poly-E; can avoid most
tangle problems.
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Typically, a beginner should start with a
shorter rope - 50-55 feet and lengthen it
over time as your riding improves. A shorter
rope gets you closer to the boat in a bigger
wake and this will be helpful for learning
to wakeboard. On the other hand, a longer
rope allows you to gather greater speed before
you hit the wake, and therefore allowing bigger
air, and more time in the air. Most of the
pro riders are using 65 to 75 feet of rope
for, but for the average rider, 55 to 65 feet
is good to work with. Since the ropes are
available sectioned, you can easily and quickly
adjust the length of your rope. |
5. Handles
Wakeboard
handles are supposed to be more specialized
than water-ski handles because they offer
more features that make tricks and aerial
maneuvers easier. Wide handles (usually
15 inches) make it easier to perform tricks
like throwing Raleys or handle pass tricks.
Most wakeboard handles have neoprene foam
floats on them to keep the handle floating.
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 Double
handles have a special small handle half way
down the shaft which provides extra leverage
and pull for spins and inverted tricks. |
 Heavy
Braided Handles have a 360 Weave feature and
are an easy and comfortable design for aerial
maneuvers. |
6. Life Vest
Life
vests are a must for all levels of wakeboarding.
This is not only a basic safety equipment,
but it also saves you a lot of energy by
offering flotation. Moreover, some specific
vests are designed to provide the ride more
freedom of movement and some are lighter
to make riding more comfortable.
The
two main types of vests available are made
of either nylon or neoprene:
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More
durable, multi-purpose and cheaper
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comfortable,
flotative, provide warmth but more
expensive
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7. Other Stuff
Fins
- Beginners are recommended to start with
bigger fins. But once you can get up and
jump, you should turn to smaller fins. If
your board is double-ended, have fins on
both ends with the front fin being smaller
than the rear one. This makes fakie easier.
Actually, fins do not really matter that
much for a beginner.
Wetsuits
- Basically, they help keep warmth in cold
water and protecting you from slapping the
water hard. Beginners are advised to wear
wetsuits when attempting new tricks for
better protection and support.
Gloves
- They protect you from getting blisters
from the handle. Yet, you don't really need
them if you feel comfortable with only your
hands.
Before
you get started, double-check the security
of your fins and bindings. Do this every
time you hit the water. You should even
periodically check them during your ride
after a fall.
Now,
everything is ready. Have fun in wakeboarding!!
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