How to Build a Wakeboard Rail

Wakeboarding is an extreme sport in which a rider is pulled at tremendous speeds behind a boat while riding a wide board. The rider uses the waves or "wake" from the boat's motor to launch himself into the air. Riders looking for an extra challenge can also slide down a rail, much like a skateboarder grinds a rail. Purchasing a rail can be extremely expensive; however, you can make the perfect rail with only a few easily attained items.

Things You'll Need

  • 3 waterproof plastic barrels
  • 2 pieces of PVC pipe, 20 feet long and 3 inches thick
  • Power drill
  • 6 screws, 5 inches long
  • 6 nuts
  • Rope
  • 2 cinderblocks
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Instructions

    • 1

      Plan the length that you want your rail to be. The ideal length is at least 20 feet long. Mark on the ground a 20-foot distance and place your three barrels evenly spaced apart. For 20 feet, there should be one barrel at each end and one directly in the middle. Be sure to lay the barrels onto their sides.

    • 2

      Lay your two pieces of pipe along the barrels. Temporarily secure them in place with a piece of tape. Two pieces of pipe side-by-side ensures an easier and sturdier sliding surface for the rider.

    • 3

      Using your drill, screw the pipes to the barrels by placing one screw through the middle of the pipe and into the barrel. Be sure to sink the screw below the surface of the pipe, otherwise you run the risk of scratching the underside of the board.

    • 4

      Take the lid off of the barrel and place a nut onto each screw. Tighten the nut with your adjustable pliers. Make sure that the screws and nuts are as tight as possible, as you do not want a pipe to fall off during a slide and cause injury. Once completed, attach the lid to the barrel and secure the seal.

    • 5

      Tie a piece of rope to the end barrel. Tie the other end around a cinderblock, or another heavy rock. This will act as an anchor so your rail does not float away.