Wakeboard

Wakeboarding, wakesurfing, water skiing: what are the differences?

To keep you busy during your weekends on the lake, there are several water sports to choose from: wakeboarding, wakesurfing, kneeboarding and water skiing. Although similar in form, these sports offer different gliding sensations.

As far as wakeboarding is concerned, we know that this sport is a mixture of snowboarding, surfing and water skiing. To practice this acrobatic activity, you need a sufficiently wide board, as well as boots, a safety vest and a tow rope. Wakeboarders are towed behind a boat. This enables them to move forward on the water, as is the case with water skiing. However, there are many differences between these sports. For example, the board splits in two for water skiing. Rudder bars are also required.

Less well known, kneeboarding, as its name suggests, involves gliding across the water on your knees on a rigid board. Kneeboarding, for example, bridges the gap between water skiing and wakeboarding, since it's more accessible. A knee support strap is essential, however.

Finally, wakesurfing is extremely similar to wakeboarding. There is, however, one notable difference: the tow is not continuous. Waves created by the boat allow riders to let go of the rope.

Why choose these sports?

Sports such as wakeboarding and water skiing are perfectly suited to those seeking adrenalin and thrills. With waves, speed and the ability to perform acrobatic tricks on the water (Front Flip, Surface 180°, etc.), you can challenge yourself and aim for ever greater goals with practice.

What's more, these water sports help to strengthen the various muscles in your body. By practicing one of these activities on a regular basis, you'll see positive changes in your strength, endurance, flexibility and balance. The benefits are many!

If you want to discover or progress rapidly in one of these disciplines, you'll need to choose equipment designed for your particular board sport. Beginners, for example, can opt for our complete water-skiing package, which contains all the essentials (buoyancy vest, rudder pedal, etc.). To find out more, check out all our equipment at DECATHLON !