Wakeboard safety
- Skill:
- Know the cable park rules
Wakeboarding can seriously injure or kill you. That is not park lawyer-speak, it is the reality of being pulled by a cable at speed among ropes, handles, hard features and other riders. You ride at your own risk the park or this website is not responsible for your body or your board.
The good news is that almost every serious injury is avoidable, if you follow these tips in this article.
Before you ride
- Life jacket, always. Certified, the right size, buckled and tightened. It stays on the whole time you are in the water.
- Helmet made for water sports. Snug all the way around your head. Non-negotiable once you ride features.
- Check your gear. Screws tight, bindings snug, board in one piece. Your equipment is your responsibility.
- You must be able to swim. No recreational swimming or diving in the riding area.
- Tell staff if it is your first time, or if you have a medical condition. They will help you.
- Never ride under the influence, with headphones in, or beyond your ability. Ride under control.
On the water
- Both hands on the handle in thight turns or when starting from zero speed. Never between your legs, around your neck, or with an arm through it.
- Ride between the corner buoys. If you cannot make the corner, let go before it, not in it.
- Watch for fallen riders and give them as much space as you can when you pass.
- Exit where the park tells you to, usually between marked buoys before the motor tower. Not at the start dock.
When you fall
- Let go immediately. Holding on is how shoulders get hurt.
- Look back for the next rider and the empty handles coming around behind you.
- Swim to the outside shore or dock to get out of the traffic. Do this fast.
- Duck under if a rider or handle is coming and you cannot get clear.
- Never grab a rope or empty handle from the water.
- Cable stopped? Let go, sit down, swim to the outside.
- Need help? Cross your arms above your head so staff can see you.
On features
- Features are for riders who already ride clean laps. Start with simple hits and build up.
- Scope the landing before you go. Never hit a feature if a fallen rider is near it.
- No power tricks on the corners. Let your carrier clear the pulley first.
- Only boards the park allows on features. No metal fins.
Learn more
There is this great video with animations here:
Video by Wake Island Waterpark
Video by a cable park safety briefing - the park is specific, the rules apply everywhere.
Please take your time and watch an extra video here:
Video by Courtney Angus