News 24 january 2025 Michael
Guy's getting ready to go wakeboarding in Kyiv

Wakeboarding: riding mistakes, where to rent in Ukraine

Wakesurfing & wakeboarding in Ukraine is becoming more accessible, and with it the number of rental offers. Some owners on Bimbarent even purchase special towing boats that create a long, big wave.

Before we get into riding technique, let’s take a quick look at the difference between wakesurfing (1) and wakeboarding (2). Wakesurfing – here the legs are free, the hands are free. Wakeboarding is the opposite – the legs are rigidly fixed (like on a snowboard), also in the hands of the halyard is a rope with a special handle that is tied to the boat. The WB tow speed is 2 times higher than for wakesurfing (28–40 km/h).

Wake riding is popular where the surface is calmer – that is, on lakes & in rivers. Two types of tractor are also possible – a boat or a jet ski. Do not settle for a jet ski, as it constantly pulls you under water.

A family teaches wakeboarding to a boy in a blue and yellow vest.

It is best to pay attention to special tugboats, they are re-equipped for comfortable and safe riding. First, it is a metal arc about 2.5 m high above the water for attaching a halyard (tower). The second, a screw rearranged under the bottom, so as not to hook a person in the water. Thirdly, this is a modified steering system that allows the boat to be manoeuvrable, return in a short radius for a fallen wakeboarder.

Recommendations for choosing a wakeboard depending on the rider’s weight – chart

Rider Weight (kgs)Wakeboard Length (cm)
<45 kg< 130
45-67.5 kg130-134
58.5-81 kg135-139
76.5-112.5 kg140-144
90-123.75+ kg> 144

What to wear while waking?

Most rentals carry a pair of boards with boots and a large to medium sized life jacket.

Equipment. Guys are advised to bring surf shorts or just long swimming shorts. Girls – gloves that will protect your hands from calluses, and a wetsuit. Unlike a swimsuit, it does not fly off when dropped. Take your life jacket in your size.

Standard Mistakes

Wake riding will be easier for those who can skateboard, snowboard. Still, it is easier for girls. Why? The guys are stronger – with normal traction, they try to pull the boat towards themselves – they start to sink. But if you straighten your elbows and let the boat pull you out of the water, you will go.

So, to the start, attention, march! Do not straighten your knees before the board moves in the direction of the pull. Otherwise, the cable handle will be pulled out of your tenacious hands.

Tips on how to properly stand on a wakeboard.

I fell, how do I turn around to start?

Think snowboarding. If you turn your shoulders, your whole body will turn. You can enhance the effect by turning your knees in the right direction.

When you first get up out of the water, try to shift your weight onto your front foot. And when you get on the board, transfer your weight to your back foot.

I’m standing, what’s next?

So you stand, even follow the wave quite well. Do not try to pull the rope towards you. So you force the nose of the board to sink into the water, which leads to a fall.

And remember that the stand should be such that if you lose the halyard from your hands, you remain standing on the board. We have noticed that guests often stand on very bent legs with their chests tilted forward. So you definitely won’t keep the balance. Straighten up and lean back.

A motorboat pulls a wakeboard on the river.

For beginners, we recommend using a shorter rope length – 10-15 meters, and asking the captain of the boat to pick up speed when the rope is taut.

Injury hazard

Wakeboarding is safe until you start jumping (doing tricks). A helmet and other protective equipment is required. Also ride only during daylight hours (at night you can fall on a snag or run into someone).

If you fall in a place where there is an active movement of boats, raise your legs with a wakeboard above the water – this way you will be noticed faster.

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