When it comes to watersports, there are a variety of ways boaters can enjoy their wake. Whether you are a beginner or simply looking for a new way to enjoy your boating experience, here are several types of watersports that you may want to consider trying.

Waterskiing- Perhaps the most popular of all watersports, waterskiing is relatively a low impact sport and easy for beginners to learn. These skiers are pulled behind the boat on either one (slalom) ski, or two skis. Since there is no age restriction or special skill requirements for waterskiing, this is a good typically the best watersport to start with. However, if you are already experienced in waterskiing, a way to challenge yourself would be to try barefooting.

Kneeboarding- This type of watersport uses a kneeboard where the rider kneels on their heels while being towed behind the boat. Since the rider is not only secured to the kneeboard, but rides closer to the water, this is often a good watersport for beginners to start with.

Wakeboarding- Since this watersport was developed by combining techniques from water skiing, snowboarding, and surfing, it typically requires a more experienced rider. These riders are towed behind the boat on a wakeboard and typically ride at a speed of 18-25 mph. These speeds do depend on the board size, rider’s weight, types of tricks they want to achieve, and, of course, the rider’s comfort level. An added benefit for wakeboarders that ride on boats that are designed for wakeboarding, is that they often include towers, ballast bags, and pumps to increase the weight of the boat, which increases the wake.

Wakeskating- This watersport is similar to wakeboarding, but has it’s own uniqueness. These riders are not secured to the board, which creates m ore of a challenge for the rider. Additionally, these riders must use special shoes and a tow rope in order to achieve tricks similar to those of both wakeboarding and skateboarding.

Wakesurfing- Just like in surfing, these riders use a surfboard to surf the wake, which is created by an inboard boat. These riders do start out using a tow rope, but let go in order to surf the wake like an ocean surfer.

When choosing the type of watersport that may be right for you, it is always important to remember to have all the right equipment, not only for your safety, but in order to maximize your experience. Visit OnlyInboards to see all the boats and accessories we have to offer to make your ride the best ever.