Wakeboarding is one of many water sports. It was originally coined as "skurfing" or ski surfing but is now known as wakeboarding due to the piece of equipment used. It first emerged in Australia nearly 40 years ago when a group of friends started creating their own boards that could be taken out on the water behind boats. Now, the World Wakeboarding Association is responsible for organizing events worldwide.
Wakeboarding is a type of water skiing on a board that is connected to a larger boat by a rope that the rider holds. Beginners should use a non-stretch rope that is on the shorter side, as this is the easiest way to get acclimated to the sport.
The boat speeds across the water, and discharges water out of the back of the boat, which causes multiple "wakes." Wakes are areas of moving water behind steady water, which is just another term for ripples or waves. This is what provides the waves that surfers ride and jump.
The rider's feet are clipped into the wakeboard. Because of the clips securing your feet, it is important to have great balance while on the board. Sixty percent of the rider's balance should be in the front foot. Riders should keep their legs and knees bent and have a firm grip on the rope.