Getting Started
The first important step in wakeboarding is to make sure that the driver of the boat you are using knows how to pull a wakeboarder. First the driver needs to idle along to get the rope tight so that the rider doesn't suddenly get pulled forward. You need to know how to get up out of the water while being towed by the boat. You do this by having your legs crouched up close to your body, with the wakeboard perpendicular to the surface of the water. You hold the rope with both hands while reaching forward so that your knuckles are just past the edge of the wakeboard. When you are ready, let the driver know and then the driver must accelerate slowly to about a speed of 20mph. When the boat is starting off, keep the wakeboard sideways to resist the flow of water for as long as you possibly can, until the force of the water is too strong, and you can't hold on any longer. When you get to that point, very gradually turn the nose of the wakeboard forward. If you are a regular rider, your left foot will go first, and if you are goofy your right will lead. (You can find out which one you are by having someone push you from behind and which ever foot you put forward to stop yourself is the foot you put forward when wakeboarding, skateboarding, or snowboarding.) It may take many tries at starting off until you find yourself stable enough to go for a while without falling. After you feel comfortable going straight, its time to begin turning and going over the wake. To turn, slowly put more weight on you toes (or heels) so that the board tilts in the direction you want to turn. You don't want the board to be sliding while you are turning because you will probably end up falling on your face. Just lean slightly in the direction you are turning, don't make quick turns as you may lose your balance and fall. If you practise turning and going over the wake, you will be more comfortable doing this, which will help for doing any kind of jump later on. Have fun wakeboarding and remember to wear your lifejacket.