{"id":126066,"date":"2023-06-02T19:19:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-02T19:19:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/?p=126066"},"modified":"2024-08-06T18:46:39","modified_gmt":"2024-08-06T18:46:39","slug":"wakeboarding-a-guide-for-beginners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.boatsmartexam.com\/blog\/wakeboarding-a-guide-for-beginners\/","title":{"rendered":"Wakeboarding: A Guide for Beginners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Summer is around the corner, and you\u2019re itching to get out on the water to enjoy those stinking hot days that we Canadians dream about all winter. But this year is different. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year, you have been scrolling through Instagram and have seen people doing one or maybe even two flips on their wakeboards<\/a>! You think to yourself, \u201cAlright, I have to try this.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This summer, you\u2019re not just getting on the water; you\u2019re getting on a wakeboard. However, before you do, read our tips for new wakeboarders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Where to Start<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here comes the question: what the heck do I need to start? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Well, not too much. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although we Canadians are used to bundling up for most things we do, you\u2019ll definitely be able to shed a few layers for your wakeboarding adventure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

First, you will need to get your hands on a\u00a0wakeboard\u00a0and rope<\/a>. Maybe your friend has one you can borrow, or perhaps you will have to make the purchase yourself. However, it will make your life a lot easier if you have a wakeboard and bindings that fit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wakeboards are sized to the rider’s weight, and bindings follow shoe sizing. It\u2019s worth looking at some sizing charts online before buying your first board, but you can read more about that in our Wakeboarding Gear Guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Put Safety First<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So now you have your wakeboard, bindings, and rope. The most important piece comes next. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, you will need a boat (or a PWC will work), but that\u2019s not what we’re referring to. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You need a Coast Guard-approved life jacket. <\/em>Safety is the most important part of any towed watersport, so having the required safety gear is necessary. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make sure your\u00a0lifejacket is sized correctly<\/a>, and you\u2019re ready to strap on the board! All you\u2019ll need now is a driver and spotter.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Image<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

Know the Wakeboarding Hand Signals<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Now you\u2019re on the boat, and you are pumped! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you jump in the water for your first wakeboarding attempt, there are some essential hand signals<\/a> to know that will allow you to communicate with your spotter in the boat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n