The first official wakeboarding competition happened in Orlando, Florida in 1990. No real surprise there, because the lowest temperatures in Florida are still warm enough for you to be in the water. Not everywhere in the United States gets to have a year-long summer. Warmer weather states can definitely be advantageous to practicing water sports, but there are ways around not having a beach in your backyard.   So, you want to keep your wakeboarding skills tuned up during the winter, but all the water around you freezes or gets too cold to hop in. We know a few ways, traditional and...

In 2015, over 3.2 million people wakeboarded in the United States, making it one of the most popular water sports out there. Wakeboarding is undeniably awesome, and a very tempting option for newcomers to water sports. However, not all wakeboarding basics are the easiest to understand or pick up. Here are some excellent wakeboarding tips for beginners to get you up and wakeboarding in no time.   You're going to fall: It may sound harsh, but it's true, and it's true for everyone in the sport. When you first start out with wakeboarding, you're going to make mistakes, and you're going to...

In 2016, about 13.8% of the U.S population above age six participated in water sports. That number is rising year by year and leisure boating is among the most popular water sports. Freshwater and saltwater alike, there are vast aquatic territories we drive over unaware of the potential ecological risk factors. Invasive species prevention is probably not the first thing you think of when hopping on the boat to go wakeboarding, but it's important to address. After your time on the water is done, your boat runs the risk of carrying invasive species to new environments they can overrun. Called invasive because they dominate...

Recreational and water sports are exceptionally popular in the United States. More than 12.7 million households in the U.S. own boats. Add in snowmobiles, ATVs, dirtbikes, and any other manner of recreational vehicle and you'll find the number is even more vast. An unfortunate user disconnect regarding safety is that there is an assumption that these vehicles are less dangerous and shouldn't be held to the same safety standards as vehicles on the road. Even more unfortunate is that this attitude, exacerbated by alcohol, has sown tragedy across recreational activities meant to bring joy. Such is the case in Minnesota. Earlier this...

Surfing is probably the most fun you can have in the water: the buildup of choosing the right wave, catching it, and using every muscle in your body to balance out, stand up, and ultimately ride it is an extremely satisfying experience. Unfortunately, access to actual waves can limit the amount of surfing you can do in your life, usually only benefiting those living near tropical coastlines with decent wind speeds which produce surf-able waves. Luckily, thanks to the invention of wakeboarding and wakesurfing, now you can go surfing anywhere boats are allowed! Wakeboarding is done when a rope (usually between...

Summer is nigh and it's high time we hit the water. Maybe you're new to it, maybe you're not, but 19.6% of Millennials participate in water sports. If you aren't a part of that number, we encourage you to get out there give it a go. For all levels alike, it's important to set your boat up the right way for the optimal wakeboarding experience. Luckily, you have us and we know exactly how to put your vessel together, right down to the boat accessories. Here's what you need. Boat Surprise! You need a boat. Almost any boat will do as long as...

For beginners to water sports, making mistake after mistake can be frustrating. This is especially true when it comes to wakeboarding since all you want is to flawlessly soar above the water. But if you find yourself making the same mistakes every time you get out on your boat, it's likely time to pause and correct your form. The following are some of the most common mistakes that beginners face and the wakeboarding tips to fix them. The Mistake: Falling Forwards The Fix: Straighten Up Most of the time, boarders fall forwards because they are bending their arms while riding. Wakeboarding ropes, which...

Every wakeboarder dreams of hitting that perfect wave. You grip the handle, catch a thrilling amount of air, and sail right back down. But how can you get there? For even the most seasoned water sports enthusiast, building that wave is an art. No matter your level, try out these tips to make your boarding experience as satisfying as possible. Weigh Your Boat Carefully  Every wakeboarder should invest in a quality wakeboard boat ballast system. For bigger waves, you want more weight in the back. This pushes the boat into the water to create a good amount of water displacement. If...

Anyone who operates a boat and enjoys water sports should know about the risk of invasive species. As your boat moves through the water, it also moves small sea animals and bacteria from one area to another. This is generally how invasive species travel. If you are one of the 12.7 million households that own a boat, use this guide to understand just how critical you are in preventing the spread of invasive marine species. What Is The Impact Of Invasive Species? When invasive species populate a new area, they can have major negative effects on the existing ecosystem. These new strangers...

Wakeboarding has grown into one of the most popular water sports in the United States. In 2015, over 3.2 million people tried their hand at the sport. If you are interested in fitting your boat for wakeboarding, it's important to know how to manage your wakeboard boat ballast system. By following these tips, you can weigh your boat properly and create a bigger wake. Place more weight in the stern. To create a bigger wake, more weight should be in the back of the boat. The more weight you place in the back, the higher and shorter the wake will...