How to Wakeboard for Beginners (Tips and Tricks)

Wakeboarding, unlike most watersports, has a satisfyingly steep learning curve. Depending on your previous experience and confidence on the board, you could be carving up a watery storm and popping ollies in just a few tries.

Wakeboarding is one of the most exciting and adrenaline-pumping sports you can try. It's fast, furious, and exciting, but it can be intimidating for first-timers.

But don't let that deter you. All you need to get started is the proper wakeboard equipment and some confidence. Let's get started with the fundamentals of wakeboarding so you can start gliding across your favorite lake.

How to Wakeboard for Beginners

What is Wakeboarding?

Wakeboarding is a cross between water skiing, surfing, and snowboarding. It is an extreme water sport in which riders standing on wakeboards are towed across the wake by boats at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour. You'll feel like you're riding an endless wave as you glide above the water and can perform aerial maneuvers.

How to Wakeboard for Beginners

Do you want to learn how to wakeboard but don't know where to begin? Here are some simple steps to get you started:

Step 1: Select the Correct Wakeboard Size

Choosing a suitable wakeboard is the first step toward developing the skills required for stability, control, and balance on the water. Consider your height, weight, and wakeboarding skill level when selecting a wakeboard. The size of your wakeboard can make or break your wakeboarding experience.

Step 2: Attach the Rope to the Boat

To increase your chances of success, tie the rope to the wakeboard boat as short as possible. It will increase the boat's upward pull, allowing you to stand steadily while gliding. For your safety, the wakeboard rope and handle should be strong.

Step 3: Properly Set Your Wakeboard

Set up your wakeboard with your feet shoulder-width apart and turned out slightly. This will provide you with stability as you glide through the water. You must also face outwards toward the back of the boat. This allows you to squat into the water while sitting on the swim step.

Step 4: Get in Position With the Wakeboard Boat

Wakeboarding requires you to let the boat do the heavy lifting. To begin, align yourself with the boat, arms straight and resting on your knees. Allow your knees to bend toward your chest once the boat begins to move. In this manner, the boat can assist you in rising while on the water.

You may find yourself straightening your legs as a beginner. This is not advised because it will simply keep you out of position. Hold the crunched position instead until you're over the top of your wakeboard.

Step 5: Slowly stand up.

You can start standing up as soon as you're over the top of your board and the boat pulls you forward.

Reduce your chances of falling over by moving slowly. To begin wakeboarding, gently rotate your dominant foot to the back. You can now begin performing wakeboarding tricks that you are comfortable with.

Beginner Wakeboarding Tips and Tricks

Once you've mastered the wakeboard, you can try out some exciting tricks. On your next wakeboarding adventure, try out these simple beginner tricks:

1. Edging

Edging is the movement of the heel and toe sides within the wake. To edge, put pressure on your front toes and heels and move in the direction you want to glide. To get the most out of edging, keep your arms relaxed.

2. Getting Across the Wake

After some time on the water, you can cross the wake by turning your chest and shoulders toward the boat. Maintain your focus on where you want to go while applying pressure to your heels and toes. Make sure your knees are bent and your arms are relaxed before crossing the wake.

3. Surface 180

Surface 180 spins are a great way to get started with wakeboarding tricks without leaving the water's surface. While keeping your elbows locked, bend your knees and turn the wakeboard 180 degrees with your hips.

You can practice the front side spin by turning your chest toward the boat, or the backside spin by turning your chest away from the boat.

4. Surface 360

You can work on Surface 360 once you've mastered Surface 180. The spin is similar to Surface 180, but you must advance your hips further to come all the way around. Maintain tension in your shoulders to avoid falling back toward the motorboat.

5. Ollie

The Ollie can serve as a springboard for more difficult tricks. To get a good Ollie, start on your heel side edge and push your back leg forward toward your front leg.

After you've nailed the heel side, move on to the toe side. For the best results, keep your arms relaxed.

6. Jump the Wake

Air tricks are the most exciting and may be the reason you started wakeboarding. As you improve your skills, you can start by cutting and pulling from your wake.

When the boat pulls you back in, turn back to the wake with your knees bent and your ropes pulled to your front hip. This facilitates landing. Stand tall when leaving the wake to develop the pop you need to get some air.

7. Tail Grab

Once you've mastered the wake jump, you can add a tail grab. Keep your handle and hips forward while bringing the wakeboard toward you until you're in the air. Bend your knees and pull them toward your chest. Remember to let go before landing.