Wakeboarding: try something different this weekend

EXTREME GETAWAY

If you're tired of shopping, eating and lying on the beach why not try something different this weekend. Wakeboarding is a great water sport

for getting fit and healthy, whilst offering a fast-paced experience that is both fun and exhilarating. There are a host of companies in the UAE that offer wakeboarding lessons to beginners and classes for those who are more experienced at fairly reasonable rates.


WHAT IS WAKEBOARDING?

Wakeboarding involves a rider being towed on a wakeboard behind a boat, generally over a surface of calm water at speeds of between 20-28kph. The sport was originally developed through a combination of water skiing, snowboarding and surfing techniques. It was started in the late 80s by a couple of water sports enthusiasts in Florida and has taken off to become an official sport.


GET PROFESSIONAL COACHING

Before you jump into it it's important to get the right information and guidance from a qualified professional; this will save you time, money and frustration. A qualified professional will make sure you are using the right equipment, practising the right technique and will keep you motivated in the difficult learning phase, an absolute must.


THINGS TO CONSIDER

A large wakeboard with one or more large rear fins helps give the board more direction and is ideal for starting out. Beginners are generally given a shorter rope, which gets them closer to the boat and makes it much easier to control the board.

Safety equipment, such as a buoyancy vest is also provided. Apart from keeping you afloat, the buoyancy vest also saves your body energy when crashing into the water, which is inevitable when starting out. Your instructor will start by finding out what stance on the board is comfortable and natural and determine whether you have a regular left-foot-forward stance or a right-foot-forward one. Those who have snowboarded or skateboarded will know this already.

Finally, before taking to the water, learn your hand signals. This is one of the most important safety aspects of the sport and the instructor should go through these, explaining how to inform the boat to stop, turn or slow down during your wakeboarding session before starting.


WHERE TO START?

There are many companies in Dubai that offer wakeboarding lessons to beginners. The Wakeboard School in Al Ghantooth is a good place to start. The school offers lessons at Dh100 per 20 minute lesson. Dubai Marina's Wakeboard School is also recommended. It costs Dh100 for a 20 minute lesson. For details of both schools contact 050 768 9504.