Wakeboarding is a little like water sking but with a board.

The rider jumps and performs tricks off the wake (break in the water behind the boat).

There are a few different ways that you can wakeboard .

There is the original way, pulled by a speedboat to around 15 to 20 mph or alternatively, pulled by a cable that is attached to a another cable that runs the length of the course. This is also known as cable skiing. You can also be pulled by a winch which is set up at one end of the lake with the wakeboarder holding the other end at the start of the lake or pulled by an ATV running alongside the lake.

When looking at buying a board there are a few things to consider.

ROCKER- The rocker is the bend in the board. There are two main types. A smooth curve that doesn't change from nose to tail and a board that has two bends in them like a skateboard. Curve for speed, bends for jumps.

LENGTH- The length depends on what the rider wants to do. Shorter boards for more free styling and tricks. Longer boards for a smoother rider and carving.

WIDTH- Again depends on what the rider wants. Narrow board means it will sit in the water allowing the rider to do aggressive turns and tricks. A wide board allows the rider to do more surface tricks and spins.

Where to go, Cost and Equipment

Where

If you can take a speed boat there then you can take a wakeboard. Check out the link for your nearest wakeboard locations.

www.wakeboardinguk.co.uk/locations.htm

Cost and Equipment

Lessons  -  These are normally booked out in 30 minute lessons at around the £25 mark. Once you have had a few lessons and have picked up the moves you book out the speed boat per tow. These are around £15 per tow.

Wakeboard  -  For the complete set of binding and board, look at paying around the £220 mark. Speed boat not included!

Life Jacket  -  Around £50 and up. Don't be tight and think you will be OK without one. Remember that your feet are strapped to the wakeboard!