Wakeboarding is a water sport similar to water skiing, with the key difference being that it’s practised on a board resembling a snowboard, while a boat tows you via a cable system you hold onto with your hands.
Depending on factors like weather conditions, your weight or height, the speed you aim to reach, or the features of the towing boat, you can glide between 29 and 38 kilometres per hour, approximately.
Wakeboarding and similar water sports offer endless possibilities, with numerous tricks you can practise using your board and the right gear. Here are some manoeuvres to master:
- Grabs: These will be the first spins you learn, but don’t underestimate them—they’re trickier than they seem! Grabs vary in style based on difficulty and height. Examples include the Indy (grabbing the toe-edge mid-board with your back hand), the Nosegrab (grabbing the board’s nose with your front hand—right for goofy stance, left for regular), and the Roastbeef (passing the board between your legs while grabbing the heel-edge mid-board with your back hand). Others include the Tai Pan, Palmer, Chicken Salad, and Canadian Bacon...
- Surface Tricks: These refer to sliding techniques on the water. Techniques range from the beginner-friendly No Hander (holding the handle between your knees while releasing your hands) to the Backside Butterslide (rotating the board 90 degrees to slide on the wave’s crest). Others include the Slide 360 (a full rotation after descending the wave) and the Surf Carve, Surface 180/360, or Nothing Butterslide.
- Spins: Any skilled rider should master spins along an imaginary longitudinal axis—or even deviate from it. Styles vary: a frontside spin faces the boat, while a backside spin turns away. With practice, you’ll nail more advanced tricks!
- Inverts: Once you’ve mastered grabs and spins, inverts will come naturally. These involve airborne manoeuvres where your head is the body’s lowest point. Examples include the HS Backroll (a sideways backflip) and the HS Frontflip (a forward roll). Ask your instructor about the TS Backroll, TS Frontflip, Frontroll, or Tantrum...
- Raley Tricks: Related to inverts, these involve breaking vertical posture using the handle—without rotation. Their versatility allows combining them with grabs or spins.
- Handle Pass Inverts: More advanced, these combine inverts with spins (frontside/backside) and may include a handle pass.
To practise wakeboarding and perform spectacular tricks, your best option is a professional wakeboarding school with expert instructors and top-tier equipment. Remember: choose a board suited to your skill level—otherwise, you risk mishandling it or accidents.
Wakeboarding is an adventure sport requiring full-body coordination and sharp reflexes. Ready to give it a go?
