Wakeboarding fits itself into the action sports scene and, for a time, was front and centre in the likes of X-Games next to BMX, Skate, and Snowboarding. Built around that same thrill-seeking foundation that clicks surprisingly well from a fitness perspective.
However, when it comes to wakeboarding and some safety points, there will always be a few questions regarding helmets and safety gear. Can you wakeboard at night, and is it possible to wakeboard while pregnant? We will dive into these questions below and answer them for you.
Why do people wakeboard, and why is it fun? But also, why is wakeboarding so hard?
First things first, what makes wakeboarding so fun, and why do they do it? Apart from the general well-being benefits of being outside, in the sun, and the advantages of Vitamin D and clearer air, it also comes down to other aspects. Depending on your personality, if you're someone who has that desire to push yourself and progress, wakeboarding provides you with a natural challenge to continue to take the next steps, while also being a full-body workout.
The other thing that makes it so fun is the social aspect of wakeboarding and the community it fosters. Spending the day out on the boat with friends and all that goes along with being in a boat together, whether that be pushing each other to ride harder behind the boat or simply the banter that comes along with it.
On the flipside, why is wakeboarding so difficult? There's not simply one answer as wakeboarding utilises so many aspects from not just the rider personally, but also the boat and even the driver and their ability to keep a consistent speed for line tension.
The most significant setbacks in wakeboarding are the crashes, and as you aren't landing on a firmer surface, you have less room for error. You know what we're talking about if you've ever caught a heel or toeside edge. But some of the biggest reasons people find wakeboarding and wakeboard progression hard are how your body needs to adapt.
Wakeboarding is a physically demanding sport that requires plenty of core strength, balance, and spatial awareness to be able to position yourself and set yourself in the correct position both coming into and out of tricks, and while it is difficult when you do stick those landings, they are all the better.
How can I make wakeboarding safe?
The easiest way to make wakeboarding safe is to follow the recommended safety precautions that you can find in both waterway rule books and shop recommendations.
A life jacket is the best thing and also a requirement to go wakeboarding in Australia and in many other countries, as in the case of any accident, it will help to keep you afloat, and any approved jacket will be buoyant enough to keep your head out of the water.
Secondly, in safety, there are helmets. While they are more common in a cable park environment to protect your head from features, they can also provide safety from concussions behind the boat by shielding your head from direct impact from the water if you catch a nasty heel or toeside edge.
Can You Wakeboard While Pregnant?
This question comes up from time to time and comes with a myriad of safety complications. While wakeboarding can be fun, it is in many cases a high-impact sport that can have you hitting the water fast and abruptly.
In almost all cases, doctors will almost always advise against wakeboarding during pregnancy due to these inherent risks to not only yourself, but the child. While it may be tempting, it may be best to watch everyone else for the duration.
Can I Wakeboard at Night?
Well, you can technically wakeboard whenever you want. The better question is, is it legal to wakeboard at night?
In Australia, you are only allowed to do towed watersports such as wakeboarding during daylight hours due to the lack of visibility that comes along with the dark and the inability to see obstacles in narrower riverways and on lake that are littered with tree stumps.
In the US, the laws on wakeboarding at night change from state to state, and while in areas it isn't illegal, we recommend only doing it if you are a confident rider and have an experienced group with you.
While we're not here to tell you how to live your life, we advise against it, even if you have a light bar and want to get some great footage.
Ready to get riding? Come visit us at Skiforce for the best wakeboarding gear, tips, and community.