Wakeboarding, as you might have guessed, blends "wake" (meaning the boat's trail) with "board" - quite literally a board.
This sport traces its roots to skurfing, an activity born from passionate New Zealanders, Californians and Australians who - lacking waves in their practice areas - decided to combine waterskiing and surfing.
1985 saw the creation of a board with a hybrid, monochromatic design, towed by a boat via rope.
Time worked its magic, and by 1989 wakeboarding emerged as the pinnacle of progression: engineered boards, refined techniques, and riders finding their groove.
However, it wasn't until 2010 that the original French Waterski Federation officially added "and Wakeboard" to its name, cementing the sport's recognition.
Today, wakeboarding is practised using different propulsion methods, primarily cable wakeboarding and boat wakeboarding.
Cable Wakeboarding:
Cable wakeboarding refers to wakeboarding using a cable ski system. This installation debuted in the 1960s, credited to German waterski enthusiast Bruno Rixen. His vision was to make the sport more accessible by reducing costs and wait times. Wakeboarders simply adapted to share these facilities with skiers.
Some setups feature modules (launch ramps) with cables positioned 8-10 metres above water. This innovation allows experienced wakeboarders to perform advanced tricks while helping beginners recover from falls by grabbing the cable.
Adjustable speeds cater to riders of all levels, making it universally accessible - a factor that established Rixen as the market leader.
The configuration of pulleys determines the riding pattern: either back-and-forth (2 pulleys) or continuous loop (multiple pulleys).
This discipline has grown so significantly that cable parks now host wakeboarding competitions.
Boat Wakeboarding:
Boat wakeboarding involves being towed by a specialised boat using a rope and handle. The boat type is carefully selected - its stern must create sufficiently large wakes for executing tricks.
Typically, wakeboard boats feature V-shaped hulls and added ballast to enhance wave formation - all meticulously engineered for optimal performance.
That said, riders can be towed by any vessel (even jet skis or yachts), as wakeboarding remains enjoyable in any setting.
This explains why it's now considered more thrilling than waterskiing for adrenaline seekers: its nonconformist spirit, extreme freedom, and that signature sensation of effortless, dynamic gliding.
Young, energetic and full of spirit? Try wakeboarding near your home or holiday destination to experience absolute freedom through breath-taking tricks. Share your stories in the comments!
See you on the water!
