Wakeboarding is one of the coolest sports in Australia, but it is also undoubtedly one of the toughest. Suppose one can withstand the innumerable times they’ll plunge face-first into the water and seriously straining their hands holding onto the handle, they eventually learn to balance using wakeboards.
In that case, wakeboarding offers much of a challenge and more. Although the association of WAWA for such water sports have always been trying to promote the safety of these sports under strict policies and guidelines, there are certain things that beginners should learn or lookout before starting:
- Build Proper Arm Strength: Wakeboarding requires people to use the arm muscles for long periods during the sport. Most importantly, build the necessary endurance to hold onto the ropes or handles for a long time. In the beginning, it’ll be a huge strain on the arms, and the muscles will ache for a long time. The key is to keep practising and testing the limits. Beginners have often reported aching muscles after their first practice, so expect that for a few days and seek out a medical professional if the problem persists.
- Hire A Coach: Why? They have seen everything and know more about wakeboarding through first-hand experience. They’ll know what to do, when to do and how to properly do it. Coaches can help beginners get off to a good start.
- Finding The Right Wakeboards: Renting wakeboards are a good option for first-timers, and once they get the proper feel, they can purchase a good one from any of Australia’s reliable stores. Buy larger boards and learn to ski in them first before moving onto complex or even fancier ones.
- Knowing One’s Limits: Don’t start strong and fast, especially if it’s the first time. It’s better to start slow and smooth and get acquainted with the speed before moving on to more challenging paces. Most importantly, let the driver of the boat and the coach know the boundaries or limits and let them know beforehand if it’s the first time.
- Don’t Forget To Warm Up: Limbering up for wakeboarding may not be a bad idea, and in fact, it can help relax the muscles and make them ready for the challenge. Do some basic stretching exercises to get those unworked muscles active and add in some wrist motions too.
- Wear The Right Clothes For The Sport: Swimsuits are recommended for beginners, but advanced learners can even wear shorts if they are going at it alone.
For women, swimsuits are better than bikinis as the former stays in place after a fall. Don’t forget the life vests.
- Clear All Doubts With The Trainer: Don’t go into it with a doubt in mind and clear any questions before starting. Wakeboarding requires a great amount of focus during the activity, and a slight distraction can lead the person away from proper manoeuvrability.
- Learn The Basic Works Thoroughly: This includes the proper hand signals used to communicate with drivers, spotters or other wakeboarders. Basic swimming skills shouldn’t even be a question and always learn how to tie a knot properly; it’ll come in more handy than people think.
- Stay Safe: Above all, staying safe is the number one priority for any sport. Always wear protective equipment like helmets and life jackets and have a spotter at the back of the boat for communication. Take care to engage in waterboarding only during the daytime, and don’t be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
