How to get Started Wakeboarding
By Chris Eller

With the popularity and access to wakeboarding still increasing at a rapid pace there a few simple rules to think about when getting started. Choosing the right gear and learning the fundamentals correctly from the beginning will make progression to harder, more advanced tricks happen more quickly. Even more importantly than the gear and technique to the beginner’s success is the driving. 

Wakeboard gear can be inexpensive part of getting started. In general, the goal is to find a board, boots, and vest that “will work for everyone.” And when I say “everyone” I mean little sister, brother, mom and dad. This is not only uncomfortable but is not safe for all riders to share gear. Three things to think about are board size, boot size, and life jacket size.

First your board, you can get a board ranging from $150 to $600 without boots.  Typically every manufacturer’s mid-level to advanced board packages are what you are looking for to be able to continue to progress once you are on the water. As a general rule the cheapest boards are just that and the rider will soon outperform the board itself.  If you are willing to buy last years’ graphics you can often get great deals on the best boards. Once you have determined your price range get a board that is sized appropriately. A general rule of thumb would be as follows:

• Under 70 lbs - 110 cm board
• 70-100 lbs - 111-125 cm board
• 100-120 lbs - 129 cm board
• 120-150 lbs - 135 cm board
• 150- 180 lbs - 137 cm board
• 180-200+ lbs - 141+ cm

Boot fit is an important safety factor as well. The boots should fit more tightly than most people are used to, but not be painfully tight. This will give the rider good board control and decrease the risk of injury due to a binding pre-releasing or a foot being twisted inside of a binding that is too large.  When fitting these boots refer to each manufacturer’s sizing chart.

Life jacket price range and selection is as broad as board and boot selection.  The goal here again is a good snug fit. This is especially important for smaller, beginning riders. An ill-fitting vest can cause a traumatic experience that may leave a bad taste for the first timer. The vest should not be easily pulled up off of the shoulders of the rider, because they can slide out the bottom of the vest if it is too loose.

For a beginner rider a 60’ line length is a good place to start. When trying for the first time remember that you have a “four foot plow attached to your feet.” There will be a lot of pressure when the boat begins to pull. Remember the harder you push on the board the harder it will want to push back against you. Keep your knees close to your chest with your arms straight and on the outside of your knees. If you are right foot forward as you begin to rise out of the water bring the handle to your right hip. If you are left foot forward you will bring the handle to your left hip.

As a driver myself, I use the rule that “less is typically better” when giving gas to a new skier or rider. You can always add more power if the skier appears to need it, but once you pull them over the front of the board you can’t take the power back away.

A good goal to outfit a new rider is around $350 for board, boots, and life vest that will last for many years. Remember to be patient and you will have lots of fun learning to ride like a pro this summer.

April Coble Eller and Chris Eller own and operate Coble Waterski and Wakeboard Camp in Lillington, North Carolina. Operating since 1995, it is the largest water ski and wakeboard camp in the world. You can visit them on the web at www.cobleskischool.com for lessons and www.proshop.cobleskischool.com for gear.  Coble Ski School is sponsored by MasterCraft Boat Company, StraightLine Ropes and Handles, HO Skis and Connelly Skis.