Riding a Wakeskate

Wakeskating is a relatively new sport that derived from wakeboarding. The main difference between wakeboarding and wakeskating is the board used during wakeskating is not attached to the feet of the rider. This sport requires a boat to pull the rider by a cable through the water, while the rider balances on the wakeskate.

  1. The Wakeskate

    • The wakeskate is a combination of a skateboard and a wakeboard. Wakeskates are composed of wood or fiberglass with a deck slightly larger than a skateboard. A grip-tape or foam surface encompasses the exterior top of the wakeskate. Similar to a wakeboard, the deck edges on a wakeskate are curved and slanted to cut through the water. Additionally, a fin can be added to your wakeskate to increase your traction.

    Beginning Your Ride

    • Riding a wakeskate begins by learning how to mount the wakeskate. You can mount a wakeskate using one of three methods. Mounting the wakeskate on top of the water allows you to relax on your back and let the boat pull your weight onto the wakeskate. Mounting the wakeskate underwater is a method used by more experienced riders. The rider stands on the submerged wakeskate and resists the pull of the boat by leaning back on the rope. The power from the boat brings the rider and wakeskate to the surface of the water. For the advanced rider, you can start from a dock and jump onto your wakeskate prior to making contact with the water.

    Riding the Wakeskate

    • Riding a wakeskate requires balance and arm, back, chest and core strength. Holding the cable continuously uses your back, chest and arm muscles. Maintaining balance on the wakeskate traveling approximately 20 miles per hour tests your core strength. Water conditions, such as windy and rippling water, can cause difficulties with balance.

    Tricks and Stunts

    • The sport of wakeskating offers a myriad of performance tricks and stunts, such as wake jumps, shuvits, ollies and flip tricks. If you are a beginner wakeskate rider, slow the boat to 10 to 15 miles per hour and practice sliding the wakeskate in the water to familiarize yourself with the board. The ripples of the water can assist you in gaining height to attempt a jump.