In My Wake

Wakeboarding and Wakeskating come of age

Wakeboarding and wakeskating, like all extreme sports, are a lifestyle and not just a sport. The history behind them is complex and interesting. Wakeboarding and wakeskating developed partially from surfing. The earliest form would most likely be from surfers getting pulled in to a massive wave that they were not able to paddle in by themselves. History tells us that at some point surfers got a ski rope and towed themselves behind a boat or a truck on the shore. From this, shorter boards started being used. And in 1985, a San Diego surfer named Tony Finn developed the Skurfer- a hybrid of a water ski and a surfboard. In the summer of 1985, Mike and Mark Pascoe, two windsurfing friends of Finn gave him a couple of foot straps and inserts to drill into the skurfer. The sport of ski-boarding was born, evolving into wakeboarding. Wakeboarding, we know today, got a real facelift in the early 90's when more and more people got interested in the sport and wakeboard equipment was developing rapidly.

Wakeboarding

Today millions of people consider themselves professional or amateur wakeboarders. Wakeboarding itself doesn't entail more than a reasonably fit body, good balance, enthusiasm, willingness to practice and learn. There is an endless list of tricks a beginner wakeboarder can learn, starting with bunny hop where rider jumps in the air without the use of a wake to more complicated grabs and slides. The downside of wakeboarding is the expense. Wakeboarding just costs a lot of money – for the boat, boards, ropes, wet and dry suits and lessons to name but a few expenses. Whilst some of us are blessed with living next to water, most have to consider that picking up wakeboarding will require travelling. Many professionals argue that wakeboarding is a dying sport. Because of its cost, most of the sport's young cultivators choose cable wakeboarding over wakeboarding, where instead of a boat (how many of us own a boat), the rider is attached to a cable, which runs from a shore-mounted winch. The other alternative of course, is the less expensive wakeskating.

Wakeskating

Just like wakeboarding, wakeskating dates back to the late 70s. Originally, riders would surf behind boats with long boards, but eventually the evolution leaned towards boards that were much shorter which allowed riders to launch airs off the wake. Unlike wakeboarding, the rider is not bound to the board in any way, which gives the sport its own unique challenges. Instead, the top surface of the board is covered with griptape or a soft, high-traction foam covering that is kinder to riders in the inevitable crashes. Riders usually wear shoes while riding to afford themselves extra purchase on the board, similar to skateboarding. Wakeskating is increasingly popular in youth culture across the globe. An aspect of wakeskating that draws many is progression without the need for the large and extremely expensive boats. An alternative to using wakeboard boats to tow riders is using high powered jet skis. Jet skis are better for shallow water or where water obstacles are available to perform tricks on. Another recently popular way of wakeskating is behind a winch made specifically for wakeskating.

Wakeboarding vs. Wakeskating

Wakeskating tricks are inherently more technical than wakeboarding. The tricks are based firmly on skateboarding as opposed to snowboarding. For that reason, the experts say that wakeboarding is far easier to pick up than wakeskating. If you like flips and giant air, wakeboarding is the way to go. Wakeboarding also offers the rider a more fluent ride because the feet are strapped on the board. Wakeskating needs less preparation. One can wakeskate anywhere where there is water and a device to pull you, be it car or winch or a really good friend with a jetski!

Both sports will continue to evolve and to grow. Many of today's boarders have grown up on the lakes without any slalom, trick, jump or barefoot experience. Wakeboarding and skating are about personal expression. There is a tremendous amount of room for innovation and creativity. This melting pot of cross-over athletes has created two sports which are exciting to watch and more fun to perform.

UK top wakeboarding/skating locations

Point Breaks, Devon - One of the UK's top surf spots with all level surfing courses, shops and great views.

Calmwater Bay, Yorkshire - It's a members only club. It is the home of Waterskiers, Wakeboarders, Kneeboarders, as well as Ringo and Banana Riders.

Ellingham lake, New Forrest - Skis, wetsuits and buoyancy jackets to suit for loan at no charge. Male and Female heated changing rooms, hot showers, a clubhouse with drinks and snacks and picnic benches.

Windermere, Lake District - Using modern waterskis, wakeboards, kneeboards and wake-surfers, Mastercraft waterski boats and British Water Ski training techniques you can take to the water.

Poole Harbour, Dorset -  It's a great place to ride when conditions are right. On weekends riders have to pay harbour fees £10 per day.

Loch Lomond, Scotland - No matter which way the wind blows Lomond is always blessed with flat and calm water. On its shores  Lock Lomond Wakeboard is Scotland's first purpose built wakeboarding and wakeskating school.

Abersoch, Wales - Offaxis Wakeboard and Surf Academy is a wakeboarding and surfing centre run by professional wakeboard and surf coaches.

Who's who in British wakeboarding/skating

Dan Nott

Having begun wakeboarding when he was thirteen years old, Dan Nott has achieved a great deal in his short professional career. The biggest of those achievements was becoming the UK National Champion and Pro European Champion. Dan is currently ranked 3rd in both the European and world standings.

Nick Davies

The two-time British National Open Men's Wakeboard Champion peaked this year when he won the Wakeboard World Championship.

Jonty Green

A 14-year old rising star in UK wakeboarding scene. He has already won all there is
to win in his age category from British Boat Nationals to European Boat Championships.

Nicola Butler

This 16-year old wakeboarder, originally from South Africa, made history in 2008 by having the best ever season by a female wakeboarder.

Oliver Moore

A rising wakeskating star from Peterborough, UK, Oliver won this years men’s Open British Nationals and thanks to that is the 1st Junior British Wakeskater.

Louis Floyd

This 17-year old Londoner became the first fully sponsored wakeboarder and wakeskater in UK in 2008.

Sam Filsell

Perhaps the most popular and well know female Scottish wakeboarder who jump-started the biggest Scotish wakeboarding contest, Loch Stock.

For more info check out: http://www.wakeboard.co.uk

For tricks and tips: http://www.wakeboardbum.com