Safe Wakeboarding With The Right Gear
March 18, 2009 by Ken Chan
Filed under Health Articles
The water sport of wakeboarding has seen its popularity rise dramatically in recent years. It is very similar to what surfers and jet-skiers are used to and might explain why it has quickly caught on. Fans of extreme sports have also taken to it since it also relies heavily on the execution of moves under high pressure situations.
While the sport itself is fun, like all adventurous activities, there are risks attached to it. One must be sure to have a certain level of experience and practice before embarking on it regularly. To further safeguard against accidents and injuries, having the right wakeboard gear is also crucial for any participant.
Since you will be traveling behind a motor boat during the activity, make sure you do everything possible for proper protection against that fact alone. This includes having a safety barrier between you and the boat. Having the right pair of gloves and well tested wakeboarding rope will help satisfy that requirement.
Having a good pair of gloves is something most take for granted. However, they are necessary to make sure your hands are not subjected to the heavy tension and physical wear and tear that can result from grabbing onto the ropes. The other part of the equation can also be compensated by using a high quality wakeboarding rope. It should also be long enough to provide a balance between safety and the best wakes you can get from the boat tail.
There are usually two extremes for wakeboarders to choose from in terms of body wear. Many of those who prefer to soak in the sun and surf will prefer the bare bones approach. This constitutes no upper body clothes with a simple board shorts. The latter will normally be made from quick dry material with smooth water glide features.
The other form of wakeboarding body apparel consists of a full body suit. This is often safer but make sure the material used to make them provide full range of motion and flexibility. You do not want to be restricted in any motion range with your limbs, especially if you are caught in a bad situation in the water.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to wakeboard boots. There are more and more participants who have gone straight to wearing them since many hip designs have appeared on the market. But just as many wakeboarders prefer to use adjustable surf straps when engaged in the sport, which allows them to have a greater feel of the board and when executing tricks. The safer option though would be to get a reliable pair of boots as they do not expose your feet.
The importance of wakeboarding gear can never be underestimated in terms of both looks and safety. There is no harm in wanting to be decked out in the best looking equipment, but prioritize your safety over vanity. It would provide you with many more years of fun wakeboarding instead of suffering injuries that might end your enjoyment prematurely.