The following is based on reference material, industry information, our personal experience (wakeboarding, combo and slalom skiing, barefoot skiing, and training others to do the same), and our opinions. We are not affiliated with any vendor or company so our opinions are unbiased. We go boarding/skiing from March through November as much as twice a week and sometimes even more. Our goal is to be the first ones on the lake at dawn to reap the calm (glass) water.

The first surf boards designed to be pulled by boats were called skurfers (ski + surf = skurf - er). We find skurfers very hard to ride and they respond like a soaked log. Skurfers are typically thick with an air space between the top and bottom of the board. The first real wakeboards (sometimes called ski boards) were designed to be uni-directional and are actually very easy to ride. The HO Hyperlite S model is an excellent example. We find this style to be the easiest to ride and the best to learn on. The edges are flat or dull and squared off instead of sharp so they do not dig in and catch the edge. The deck is big and stable and the big fin(s) does a lot of work. Boards and skis are curved from top to bottom to a varying degree which is called the rocker. Ski boards easy and provide a quick path to the experience needed to ride the hot new twin-tip boards if you so choose. One caveat is that they let you cheat your stance so you can ride it more like a slalom ski. Ski boards are probably not for the hard core, snow boarder type rider with more extreme tendencies even if they are beginners.

Time Behind the Boat = Experience = Progress

As spinning the boards (180 degree switch) became desirable, the front tip design gave way to a symmetrical twin-end design commonly referred to as twin-tip. Then with the need for speed the rails (edges) were sharpened to carve quick and deep to accentuate the cut for maximum speed into the wake (ramp). This is where the sport becomes extreme. There is even a radical group of riders that go so far as to jump up and slide on fixed rails and docks like snow boarders.

More Speed = Bigger Air

As you improve and gain experience you will notice that more speed into the wake is desirable to obtain bigger air. Even so, you will probably back off your speed as you head into the wake to maintain control. You are able to handle the board better and face-plants are not as frequent. Remember sharp rails dig in whether you want them to or not and the flat spot in the center of the board is usually quite slippery. So you are like - WHOA - sliding sideways after a jump (especially to your off-side), trying desperately to pull it back straight, and then -

Whoa - Another Face-Plant!

No one likes face-plants. They can include nasal and eyeball enemas. If you are allergic to water-born pollen or algae, antihistamines are a must. It is not uncommon to want to give up after so many face-plants. In addition, it is a tad bit scary stuffing your feet into the bindings as the boat drifts away while you hold the rope under your arm.

What a Rush!

So anyway then, the newest designs incorporate fins and sharp rails into the molding process. Some boards are designed to be ridden without bolt-on fins. There is a whole new jargon like hooked rails, dual-concave tunnels, vented-channels, etc. The channels act like (reverse) fins, channeling and directing the water to achieve better tracking. The bottom of the board - the wetted surface - is designed to provide both molded-in fins and water channeling effects. The tips and tails are designed to reduce weight and are sometimes cut out to aid in the release from the top of the wake into the air.

The surface area of the board that contacts the water when you are up and riding is the most important factor when calculating board size. Thus, board width is also important. We have considerable experience with many different boards and we are all shapes, genders, and sizes. We test ride many different brands and models and teach people to ski, barefoot, and wakeboard.

Wakeboard design is like car design. The hot expensive ones are like sports cars. Others are built to last with design elements that withstand the test of time. Some have the desired color, size or shape while others have a cool name. Different styles of riding utilize different shapes and features. Through the years of evolutionary design there are certain models that will always be sought out for their specific and unique features. Some of today's standard design elements came about years ago from smaller pioneer companies that could afford to experiment and push the envelope. Manufacturing costs, R & D, and fashion all contribute to the demand for flashy new boards; not to mention the planned obsolescence of the previous years' models.

Boots vs. Sandals or Wraps

If you are a beginner, boots are probably not for you. They are hard to size and you should never try on a boot dry. Bindings should be tried on wet. Boots require lubrication to get them on and should used by more experienced riders. You have to pull hard (struggle) to get properly fitted boots on. Sandals on the other hand allow a lot more freedom of movement and let you recover and regain your balance easier. Sandals and wraps are easy to share with other sized riders and are my recommended choice for beginners up to intermediate. There are other styles that split the difference. Know what you are getting into before you buy a pair of boot bindings just to find out that they are too hard to get on and too restrictive.

Who and What to Follow

As my ski partner Steve says when I am about to jump into the water - John, you follow me! The type of boat is important too. An inboard wakeboard boat with a fat-sac and a tower is the hottest setup for wakeboarding. Fat-sacs increase the size of the wake and enable bigger air for flips but we find that our wakes are just fine without expensive enhancement. Towers on the other hand are quite nice and I recommend them. They are nice for barefooting, too. How often you go and how patient the driver is makes a big difference too. Driving the boat is a skill in itself and should be taken very seriously. I won't even try to go into all the issues important to piloting the boat. Most importantly, be very careful and watch for other boats and debris in the water. NEVER drive the boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Big air is high enough.

You may also have to remind your driver to slow down. Don't be afraid to go slow - as slow as possible without sinking. Never exceed 22 MPH on a wakeboard. Slalom ski speed is about 30 to 35, and barefooting speeds can reach 40 or more. Bear in mind that boats need to reach a certain speed before they can plane up on top of the water. Always protect the skier/boarder - person in the water. Make sure other boats see them and don't run over them yourself when you race to pick them up after a fall or the end of their run but pick them up ASAP. You should also have a watcher in addition to the driver to monitor the status of the skier/boarder. It is a good idea to position the boat between your skier and any other watercraft on the way to pick them up. A trip to the lake and 3 hours of boating can easily use up to 20 gallons of gas or more.

Always Offer to Help Pay for Gas.

Personal Water Craft (PWC's) are sometimes designed to pull skiers and can also pull a wakeboard. I don't know of any wake enhancement for PWC's and I have never seen one with a tower either. Remember the speed limits will be the same regardless of the water craft pulling the rider.

Stay Low and Stand Up Slow

Keep you weight back for as long as possible (especially on a slalom ski) and then as the boat reaches speed, leg-press up to the standing position. Once you are up (as a beginner) spend plenty of time learning how to cut back and forth and don't be in a big hurry to jump the wake. If you are left-foot forward (regular) your off side will be on the right. If you are right-foot forward (goofy foot) your off side will be on the left. Your off side will feel uncomfortable because the direction of the pull wants to pull you in an awkward direction throwing off your balance. It also makes the board rotate in the wrong direction. This is where you are most likely to do a face-plant. It can be a good idea to start on your on-side and refrain from crossing the wake for a while until you gain experience and control. Instructional videos are available and most go into detail demonstrating the basics. Don't try to skip the basics or you might eat more water than you ever imagined. Relax, take your time and build up confidence. That's when the fun begins.

Enjoy!