A text by Torsten Moench and David Vervenne
In this article we describewhat you need to consider when buying a wakeboard and the necessary accessories. Now we'll show you how to get started in the water behind the boat. It is important that you take it easy and that the boat speed is not too high. For beginners, 20 to 25 km/h is completely sufficient at the start. Another important point is not to work against the pulling force of the boat.
In plain language: the arms remain stretched at all times. The boat does the pulling, not the wakeboarder. For the first start, it is advisable to make the line short (15 metres). The angle of the line is then steeper, which makes the water start easier. By the way: The higher the line is attached to the boat, the easier it is to launch.
Before your first journey: check your equipment
- Wakeboard, bindings, waistcoat and helmet must fit correctly.
- Leash is ready to hand, not twisted.
- Line length approx. 15 m
- Boat speed about 20 to 25 km/h
- Do not use cruise control at the beginning
Photo tutorial: Getting into the water with a wakeboard
By the way, it is much easier to put on your wakeboard equipment on the boat's bathing platform than in the water. You then support yourself with your arms on the bathing platform and jump into the water. Be careful not to let the board slide uncontrollably on the surface of the water and bump into the platform.
Photo tutorial: The wakeboard start
Photo instruction: Let go of the leash
If you want to finish your ride without falling, simply drop the barbell, try to keep your balance for as long as possible and slowly sink into the water in a controlled manner.
Once you have gained some confidence and can take off without any problems, you can make the line longer for the next few trips and increase the boat speed. Increase the line length to around 20 metres and the speed to around 30 km/h. This has the advantage that you can sail in calmer water and don't get caught in choppy stern water or waves.
