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Wakeboarding / Wakesurfing

Wakeboarding is a relatively new boardsport, it was created from a combination of water skiing, snow boarding and surfing techniques. Before we called it wakeboarding, it was first called skurfing. As in water skiing, the rider is towed behind a boat, or a cable skiing setup, but typically at slower speeds (18 - 24mph). Instead of using skis, the rider wears a single board with stationary non-release bindings for each foot, standing sideways as on a snowboard or skateboard. The boards, which can float, are typically 130 - 147cm long and up to 45cm wide (shorter and wider than a snowboard) as well as being convex (tips 15 - 25cm) rather than concave as a snowboard.

A wakeboarding boat is similar to a water ski boat except that the rope is normally mounted on a tower about 2 metres above the water line and the boat is also weighted and trimmed, with strategically placed large water ballasts tanks, to give a larger wake. The wake is used as hits or ramps would be in other boardsports. Steering the board by a combination of direction and cutting the edges into the water, the rider can move outside of the wake, then cut rapidly in toward the wake, hitting it and launching themselves into the air. Heading towards the wake shoulders facing the boat is known as heelside cutting, approaching from the other direction with shoulders facing away from the boat is know as toeside cutting.

As with many freestyle sports such as snow boarding and surfing, there is almost a separate language of terms to describe various tricks (Off-axis, Tantrum, Elephant, Whirlybird, 5, 7, 9, 10). Tricks can be performed from either heelside or toeside cuts, for example a toeside 360 is approaching the wake toeside followed by a 360 spin in the air. The sport is growing in popularity as it is fairly easy to pick up, but offers a wide opportunity for self-expression. A limiting factor to a beginner wakeboarder is often the cost of the boats. One of the best boats, the Correct Craft Super Air Nautique, can fetch upwards of USD 60,000 on the "new" market. A related variation is wake skating, which has extremely close ties to street skateboarding. Liquid Force and Hyperlite are two leading wakeboard manufacturers. Correct Craft, Malibu, and Master Craft are the three leading wakeboard boat manufacturers.

External Links

Waterwake.ch - Swiss Wakeboard School
Waterwake is a professional wakeboard school located in Erlach on the shores of the beautiful swiss lake Bielersee. Enjoy wakeboard and waterski lessons for affordable prices. This school is as well the swiss wide reseller for famous Tigé waterski boats. (german)

The Malibu Crew - Wakeboard Forum
Welcome to theMalibuCrew.com, the site owned & operated by owners of Malibu boats for the owners of Malibus. Of course, the owners of other brands are more than welcome as well, just be prepared for a bit of ribbing. This community is about sharing the fellowship & camaraderie that we all have known on the water. Getting grief from your ski partner at how late you were in getting to buoy #3 & how bad your form was getting there. Hanging with your buds between sets & razzing one of them on how great that faceplant was. How your buddy didn’t keep his toes up on that maiden long line ‘footing attempt.

WakeWorld.com
here are a number of ways to become a better rider and instructional videos are definitely one of the easier options. Other options you have would be to attend a wakeboard clinic or ski school or even compete in local wakeboard tournaments. But instructional videos are a good way to work up to these other methods and can be done at your own pace and in the privacy of your own home. The greatest advantage is that you can watch the videos over and over until the tape wears out!

WakePics.com - Wake Media Mega Portal
WakePics.com is the premier site on the internet for wake related images and video. With over 22.9 GB of wakeboarding, wakeskating, wakesurfing and lifestyle pictures there is sure to be something that catches your attention. Register today and become a part of this wakeboard community. It's quick and easy, and a great way to share your pictures and videos with your friends.