Final showdown

This is my last blog! I will summaries my previous blogs and give you a final impute on wakeboarding. First off I showed you a picture of me wakeboarding at my uncles cottage in Saskatchewan. Then I showed you some names of great wakeborders and what it takes to get there. We saw the best locations for wakeboarding and in what weather one would want to wakeboard in. We learn about making jumps and some other pretty cool moves. Finally, we learned what boat will get the job done.

All in all, we learned just how cool wakeboarding really is. I wish that everyone get to try it. Even if it gets really frustrating, trying to rise from the water. The feeling of accomplishment can really make it worth it. It’s becoming a more and more popular sport and I hope to see it maybe one day on TV or in a movie. For my part I continually try to improve in the greatest sport ever!!!

Nice boat!

If you’re tired of relying on others to get your wakeboarding time in, I guess it’s time to consider getting your own boat. In many ways a boat is more upkeep than a car. It costs a lot more in fuel, it needs to be cleaned and removed out of the water for winter storage. Also you will need a pickup and trailer for transport. Getting a boat is a big investment, but you’re sure to have loads of fun.

For wakeboarding you need a boat that produces a big wake. Why? A bigger wake means bigger jumps. There is boats called wake setters that are made to adjust the size of the wake by moving water that is held within, to the back for bigger, forward for smaller. But those boats are only for the truly wealthy. A cheaper way is to move the passengers on the boat from the front to the back after the boat has planed.

There is always the chance that if you’re good enough you can be sponsored and they will buy everything for you.

You got the moves!

Some of the best parts of wakeboarding like snowboarding is the moves or tricks you do. Unlike snowboarding you don’t need to build a ramp because the ramp is always there, is the wake itself.The most basic trick is a simple jump of the wake. It’s easy enough to pull but it may take a little practice and some falls to get it right. The basic prep for a jump is to leave the wake on witch ever side you’re least comfortable in, go out as far as you can or want to and return on your good side. All you do after that is pop just when you’re on crossing the wake and with enough speed you could even clear the wake which gives you a much smoother landing. Here a list of some tricks:

· Heelside 360
· Ollie Blind 180
· Powerslide
· Surface 180
· 80 Air
· Front Side Back Rolls
· Backflip

How’s the weather?

Another important issue when it comes to wakeboarding is the weather. As with many other outdoor sports, the weather can make the difference in having a great time or a nightmare. The rain doesn’t necessarily need to stop you from wakeboarding, because you will be in the water a lot anyways. It’s the amount of wind that really makes the difference. Every wakeborder knows that when its white capping, it’s not the time to be on the water. Sometimes even a small wind can make it harder for you. It’s the constant hits from the waves that get you really tired. The time to go wakeboarding is in the early morning or the afternoon, when the water becomes like glass. Then it’s only pure joy because you feel like you’re flying over the water. It’s really a great feeling!
It’s great when the water is nice and warm. It makes it so much easier to get in it. If it is cold thought there is always the option of putting on a wet suite which will keep you warm for a while.

Location, Location, Location

The only places you can really wakeboard are lakes and some large rivers. The sea would be way to rough on most days so it would not be the ideal place. You need quite a bit of room to wakeboard, so if theirs too many boats or the lake is too small you can’t go wakeboarding. It’s especially important that the water is deep enough because you don’t want hit your noggin after crashing into the water. It not an extreme/dangerous sport be any means, but it still fun and exciting. In many way’s it’s a safer choice than many sports because if you fall you don’t hurt yourself very much by entering the water. I think the worst possible fall in my experience is landing head first which will give you a mighty headache. There is one thing though you’re practically sure to be sore after your first time because it’s a position that your body definitely is not used to.

The best of the best

Who are some of the best wakeborders in the world?
· Toh Beng Kuang, won first price in 2008 world cup
· Tan Chi Chien, Alan
· Tan Kian Wee
· Nicola Butler

What does it take to be the best?
Well, it takes a whole lot of determination if you want to be greatest, it always seems like there’s someone better out there than you. But with hard work and a strong resolve you can overcome any challenge. Technique is key, but you can’t be expert until you practice. Wakeboarding may seem challenging, but once you get the hang of it, it’s like riding a bike, you never forget how. The most challenging part when you are a beginner is simply rising out of the water. Because it’s like no other sport or thing you have ever done. It can be bit tricky, but with some help and practice anyone can do it.