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Friday, February 27, 2009

Understanding Safe Wakeboarding Gear

By James McFadden

The water sport of wakeboarding has seen its popularity rise dramatically in recent years. It is very similar to what surfers and jet-skiers are used to and might explain why it has quickly caught on. Fans of extreme sports have also taken to it since it also relies heavily on the execution of moves under high pressure situations.

You can have many hours of enjoyment out by the pool wakeboarding under the sun. However, you must also be aware of the dangers that it exposes every participant to. Do not attempt any maneuver without first having trained for it. Make sure you use the best equipment possible to keep you at arm's length from possible injuries.

A motor boat is part of the whole wakeboarding experience. You will be trailing behind it making use of the wakes produced to perform your stunts and moves. It is therefore obvious that you must take adequate precautions against any accidents that might result from this, starting with the ropes used and the gloves worn to hold onto them.

Having a good pair of gloves is something most take for granted. However, they are necessary to make sure your hands are not subjected to the heavy tension and physical wear and tear that can result from grabbing onto the ropes. The other part of the equation can also be compensated by using a high quality wakeboarding rope. It should also be long enough to provide a balance between safety and the best wakes you can get from the boat tail.

When it comes to body apparel, most wakeboarders opt for a minimal look. It should go beyond that purpose but fashion sense often overrides safety concerns. If you prefer the same style, simple board shorts will do, with a quick drying feature.

For those who prefer to err on the side of caution, there are also full body apparels for wakeboarders. They are similar to what some surfers and jet-skiers wear, providing other benefits such as better water glide ability. The extra layer of clothing also helps shield you from the weather elements. Sometimes they might protect you from unwanted contact with hard surfaces or collisions.

There are two schools of thought when it comes to wakeboard boots. There are more and more participants who have gone straight to wearing them since many hip designs have appeared on the market. But just as many wakeboarders prefer to use adjustable surf straps when engaged in the sport, which allows them to have a greater feel of the board and when executing tricks. The safer option though would be to get a reliable pair of boots as they do not expose your feet.

Wakeboard gear has grown over the years to include trendy elements. But we should not neglect the greater benefits they provide us other than looking good while wakeboarding. Choose the right ones wisely, and you will be able to enjoy the sport for a longer time free from incidents and injuries.

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