Are you interested in getting involved with wakeboarding?

If you want to know what equipment you'll need and learn the basics of riding on a wakeboard, then this is a great place to start.

Glossary of terms:
Knowing the lingo when around boat-towed water sports, such as wakeboarding, shortens the learning curve and helps with communication and safety. After you know the terms you won't be offended when someone calls you "goofy footed." Here is a collection of terms in a glossary format to get you started.

Buying a Wakeboard:
Deciding which wakeboard to buy can be a daunting task. Most cost several hundred Pounds/Euros and with that level of investment you'll want to purchase the best one to match your needs and skill level. A beginner wakeboarder doesn't need to make the mistake of buying a board made for an advanced rider. Click here for a more in depth look at wakeboard hardware.

Choosing Wakeboard Bindings:
Wearing the correct wakeboard bindings is just as important as the wakeboard you stand on when it comes to comfort and skill level on the water. If the bindings are too loose or too tight you won't be able to ride for very long. Before purchasing bindings of your own, learn the components of wakeboard bindings, including overlay, underlay, footbed, hardware, baseplate, and adjustment. The following guide will help you understand about wakeboard bindings in more detail.

Setting Up Your Wakeboard Bindings:
Once you have decided on which bindings (Boots) you want and have purchased them you will want to set them up to suit you. Your wakeboard bindings set-up on your board should reflect your skill level. Learn about binding placement on the board and your stance to maximize wakeboarding performance. For more info on setting up your bindings click here.

Wakeboard Fins:
Fins are an often overlooked part of the wakeboard set up when you start out, but you don't have to keep the factory fin set-up on your wakeboard. Experiment with the fins and how they change the way the board performs. Also, consider water conditions when selecting your fin set-up. Find out more on fin set up here.

Determining Which Foot to Put Forward on Your Wakeboard:
One of the first questions a wakeboarder has when learning to ride is which foot to put in the forward binding. There are several ways to help you decide which foot should go in the front binding. Check out which foot to put forward here.

Buying A Wakeboard Tow Rope:
If you are riding behind a boat just any old tow rope won't do when it comes to wakeboarding. A rope made for waterskiing may work fine to pull you out of the water, but when it comes to wakeboarding tricks, you'll want to buy a rope specific to that sport. Click here for more info on tow ropes and handles.

Choosing a Life Vest:
Before you buy a life vest suitable for wakeboarding use these guidelines to consider your purchase. A jacket with the right fit is key to a safe and comfortable ride behind the boat. Click here.

Wakeboarding Hand Communications and Signals (Boat pulled wakeboarding):
Hand signals are used by the wakeboarder on the water to communicate with the boat driver and crew inside the boat. Prevent confusion and keep safe by learning and using these hand signals. Click here for more info.

The Wakeboarding Deepwater Start:
Now that you know more about wakeboarding equipment, it's time to jump in the water and get it wet. A smooth deepwater start on a wakeboard is the beginning of a fun tow behind the boat. Tow rope length, the right boat speed, and proper body position are key elements. Check out these starter tips on wakeboard deep water starts.

Basic Wakeboarding Skills:
Clcik on this link to find out a little about starter moves. Here we discuss:
1) Generating speed into the wake
2) Creating power in the tow rope
3) Jumping the wake on the wakeboard

Once you get to the stage above you may want to check out out Intermediate, and advanced wakeboard tricks guides (Coming Soon).