What to Wear While Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is a water sport derived from a combination of surfing, snowboarding and water skiing skills and techniques. Boarders hang on to a tow rope attached to a boat that moves at speeds up to 25 miles per hour, depending on the water conditions. When wakeboarding, you should dress for both comfort and safety. Most wakeboarding gear and clothing can be found at sporting goods stores.

  1. Wakeboarding Helmet

    • Always wear a proper wakeboarding helmet. These prevent the possibility of a head injury if you fall and your head comes into contact with the board. Wakeboard helmets are designed to have water drain out if you do fall, rather than forcing you to remove the helmet to drain it. The helmet must fit on your head comfortably, but tight enough so it won't move back and forth. The helmets have a strap that will fit under your chin. Try on the helmet for size before purchasing it, and make sure that its chin strap is long enough to fasten snugly.

    Life Vest

    • Select an appropriate life vest. A personal floatation device must be one that is an approved United States Coast Guard device. A brightly colored vest helps the boat driver see you in the event that you fall while wakeboarding. When you try on any life vest, it must fit you properly according to weight and your height. The vest must fit snugly, but not tight enough to rub the skin when you move your arms. Put the vest on and lift your arms above your head. The vest should not touch your chin when you turn your head left or right, or when you look over your shoulder.

    Wetsuit

    • Consider a wetsuit. These are not required, but helpful: water can be cold even if you are wakeboarding on an inland lake. Wetsuits come in different styles, including full body-length suits, and others that consist of a short-sleeve top and shorts; the amount of coverage necessary should be determined based on the temperatures of the water where you will be wakeboarding, and personal acclimation to cold waters. In some situations, a short-sleeve wetsuit top and a pair of swimming trunks will provide adequate coverage.

    Rash Guard

    • Wear a rash guard also, particularly if you have sensitive skin. A rash guard is a polyester, nylon or spandex shirt worn as a shirt or under a life vest to protect the skin against chafing and irritation where the vest rubs against it. The rash guard will also protect the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

    Miscellaneous Wear

    • Customize your basic swimming wear to make it more appropriate to wakeboarding.
      In contrast to swimming trunks or Speedo styles of swimwear, boardshorts are a popular choice of swimwear among wakeboarders, because this style of shorts is more comfortable and lightweight when wet. These shorts are most commonly found in knee-length varieties; shorter, baggier styles are also available in nylon or polyester, which also dries quicker. Sunglasses or goggles may be worn to protect the eyes from the bright sun and water spray, and protective wakeboarding gloves may be worn to protect against chafing from the tow rope.