What Kind Of Wakeboarding Equipment Do I Need?

Are you looking for the right wakeboarding equipment?  If you are a beginner just starting out, I've got some great ideas for you that are inexpensive.  What equipment do you need when you wakeboard? Where can I purchase these items? If you are a beginner, then you may not know where to look to find the right wakeboarding equipment that will best suit you.

Wakeboarding Helmets and Vests

I know what you are thinking, why do I need a helmet? Although wakeboarding is a water sport, it can also lead to serious injury or cause death. Taking the right precautions will allow you to put more focus on learning the sport and most of all, having fun.  If you do not have a local water sports dealer, you can use the internet to shop and find a helmet that will fit your needs. 

Purchasing a vest should also be  your priority.  You want to purchase a wakeboarding vest that is snug-fitting, comfortable, and CGA (Coast Guard Approved). To ensure that the vest you are interested is approved, you need to check the inner imprint on the vest. It will list the approval number given by the coast guard.  If you are shopping on line for a vest read the description given for the product.  The description will give you some background information on the product and it should give a listing that the product is CGA.  If your vest is not CGA you may subject yourself to penalities and/or laws guided by the state that you are residing in.

Wakeboard and Bindings

Your wakeboarding equipment will also include your board and bindings. There are multiple types of boards and bindings on the market that are available to you.  If you are just starting out I would highly recommend that you look into purchasing a used wakeboard.  You can visit your local sporting goods retailers to verify if they offer used equipment.  You want to pick a board that is within your weight class. There are also different types of board depending on what kind of wakeboarding you want to take part in.  Your riding style and ability will most likely be your #1 factors in choosing the right board for you.

In binding selection, this will be a personal preference.  But don't take picking out your bindings too lightly.  Would you buy a pair of shoes that didn't fit? Your bindings are going to be one of the most important pieces of wakeboarding equipment that you are going to use.  A good pair of bindings will make all the difference in your riding.

Rope and Ride

Now if you already have a water ski rope, you can not use it for wakeboarding.  Wakeboarding requires a stiffer rope than does water skiing.   A tighter rope that does not stretch will assist you in getting more air and you will be able to pull yourself through your flips and spins if you are an experienced rider.  I would recommend getting a rope with a handle that floats and is vibrant in color.  If you are like me, after hours of riding, my hands begin to hurt.  When that happens, I just put on a pair of neoprene gloves.  You can get these from any sporting goods retailer. 

I think we have covered the required wakeboarding equipment that you will need.  Now its time to put that information to work.  Once you've got your equipment, find a smooth surface on your favorite lake and enjoy.   The rest is up to you.  I have been wakeboarding for over a year now and I truly enjoy it.  I hope you will too.