| If you love to spend your vacation in the | | | | elasticity and length. The length of a |
| water and you are the adventurous type, then | | | | wakerope is normally between 60 and 70 feet. |
| wakeboarding is just the sport for you. This | | | | They may be one-piece, which does not allow |
| board sport is relatively new but has gained | | | | any length adjustments, or may come with |
| popularity during the last few years. | | | | adjustment loops. A tighter and stiffer rope |
| | | | allows little stretch and is used to perform |
| In wakeboarding, a boat with a rope tows the | | | | air tricks. |
| rider. The rider rides on a buoyant board, | | | | |
| called a wakeboard, and uses the wake to | | | | Wake boats nowadays come with wakeboard |
| launch himself up into the air and then back | | | | towers. Instead of the rope being mounted on |
| into the water. Though this may sound simple, | | | | the back of the boat, the rope is mounted on |
| there are quite a few tricks and spins to | | | | a tower, which is normally 2 to 3 meters from |
| learn before you can master the sport. | | | | the water level. Wakeboard towers allow a |
| | | | better pull and stability and also enable a |
| The essentials for wakeboarding are | | | | rider to gain more air height while |
| wakeboards and wakeropes. Wakeboard length | | | | performing tricks. The towers also provide |
| varies between 120 and 150 centimeters and | | | | additional space for wakeboard racks, |
| the wakeboard width is between 40 and 45 | | | | wakeboard speakers and lights. Fly High and |
| centimeters. Beginners should begin with | | | | Skylon are the more established wakeboard |
| longer wakeboards with square edges or square | | | | tower manufacturers and the price ranges from |
| rails. Square-edged boards are more stable | | | | $900 to more than $2000. |
| and easier to control, though round-edged | | | | |
| boards are easier to land. Round edges also | | | | Wakeboard accessories add color to the sport. |
| allow boards to easily gain speed, providing | | | | Wakeboard speakers may be attached to the |
| quicker lifts during air tricks. Krown, | | | | towers and can be used to play music or to |
| Hyperlite, Liquid Force and CWB are | | | | give instructions to the riders, especially |
| specialized wakeboard manufacturers and their | | | | beginners. Waterproof covers are also |
| wakeboards cost between $350 to $600. | | | | available for the wakeboard speakers. If you |
| | | | want to flaunt your skills at night, then you |
| Experienced wakeboard riders also take into | | | | can also add wakeboard lights. Handles should |
| consideration the rockers, fins, bindings and | | | | be comfortable to hold on to and most come |
| the design of the board. Bindings or boots | | | | with rubber padding. Beginners should also |
| provide a secure attachment to the boards and | | | | use wakeboard helmets for additional safety. |
| should provide a comfortable support for the | | | | Eye-catching wakeboard apparels are also |
| heel and ankle. Wakeboard ropes vary in | | | | available with wakeboard dealers. |