Waterski & Wakeboard, Watersports
Learn to Wakeboard or Water Ski: a beginners guide
… First time on water skis or a wakeboard? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
Learn to wakeboard or water ski with a few simple things to keep in mind as you progress from your first ride.
… a blog post by Abi Muir
Before working at Latchi Watersports, I had never placed my feet on any kind of board, let alone learn to wakeboard. The one time I did try skis resulted in me being stretchered down a mountain near Geneva. I felt it seemed that I’d just have to come to terms with the fact that I was not very good at these kinds of sports.
My colleagues here in Latchi have a genuine passion for wakeboarding and water skiing. Whenever they get the opportunity, they will be out on the water behind towed by a boat.
One day, my manager offered me a shot at getting familiarised with these kinds of water sports.
Flashbacks of being strapped to a stretcher came flooding back, and butterflies fluttered in my tummy. Although I felt nervous, the people working with me were very enthusiastic and supportive. Even if I was not going to be very good on a wakeboard, I knew I had to give it a chance!
I took the correct board for my size and had an in-depth briefing before going to the boat. It was hugely beneficial to understand how to adapt my posture and perfect my stance while still on dry land.
We walked down the beach and jumped on the ski boat. I was undoubtedly nervous. However, it was similarly difficult not to feel excited and eager, especially when the instructor is also excited for you!
Once the engine was turned off, I jumped into the gorgeously warm water. I think the water temperature actually helped with my nerves as it relaxed my whole body.
Tucking my knees up to my chin, I held onto the rope and was ready to begin.
My colleague talked me through what was going to happen. The boat would go forward at a steady pace, and I would naturally be pulled up and out of the water. He emphasised the need to push down on the wakeboard to help bring my body up onto the side-on standing position.
Then with a clear signal from the driver, the boat moved forward!
To my amazement, I managed to stand up on the first go. Though, as soon as I realised I was boarding, I fell immediately. It was nice knowing that I wasn’t hitting my body onto hard snow but instead plunging into the warm water when I lost it this time. What a relief!
Before I knew it, I was up again and being towed behind the boat. I could feel muscles being used that I did not even know I had. The surreal feeling of gliding on top of the water in the sunshine was unbeatable.
Each time I fell, I was greeted by my supportive instructor, providing positive feedback and tips on improving.
Although I was only wakeboarding for 10 minutes, I could feel that my body had been given some good exercise.
Over the next few months, any opportunity I could get, I would be out on the water. Learning to cut out of the wake behind the boat was the next challenge. I found that I could easily do that on my heel side. It was getting back into the wake on my toe side that was proving difficult. However, with some practice, I became more comfortable and confident.
In hindsight, it made me realise that I was easily capable of learning and enjoying board sports. And there is nothing to stop you trying it too with Latchi Watersports.
You can download our guide too by clicking [HERE]
While I am here then, I thought it would be good to answer some commonly asked questions about learning to wakeboard and water ski…
I haven’t wakeboarded before – do you give lessons, and how do I get started? The best option is to book water ski or wakeboard lessons with us. We tailor each lesson to individual needs. After a chat about your confidence levels and experience, we can either get you straight onto a wakeboard behind the boat or attach you to our training bar. The bar extends from the boat’s side and helps you to stand.
How long is a session? Durations vary depending on whether you book a lesson or a standard tow. A class is 20 minutes. Whereas a tow is 10 minutes. If you wish to extend either, you can.
What should I bring with me? We will provide all the necessary equipment, but you should bring: Swim gear to wear, a towel, water-resistant sun cream, drinking water, and Flip Flops or beach shoes for the hot sand
Can I just turn up or do I have to book? It is definitely better to book as are extremely busy, especially in summer. To book just give us a quick call, email or chat us on Facebook. You can also use Whatsapp or Text/SMS to schedule your booking on +357 96 603 611.
Download our guide by clicking [HERE]
What is the best time of day to learn to wakeboard or waterski? Mornings are definitely the best conditions. Most mornings, the water is glass-like, and consequently, the prime booking spots are between 8 and 11 am. Lunchtime the wind tends to pick up and then drops in the afternoon between 4 pm and 6 pm.
Is wakeboarding child friendly? How young can kids start? Indeed it is. Children as young as 3 years old can learn to ski using our unique platform trainer that leaves from the beach’s shore. This year our youngest ever student at 5 years old learned to wakeboard in just one session.
Can my family and friends come too? Family and friends can come as passengers on the boat. We ask there be no more than five (including the wakeboarder/skier) to ensure enough room for the instructor to safely manoeuvre around the boat. If you have any more questions, please feel free to call us or send a message, and we will be more than happy to book your adrenaline rush!
Thanks for reading!
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And, if you want to give wakeboarding & water skiing a try, click HERE.
… a blog post by Abi Muir
Abi Muir
Boat Hire / Sailing
I first started at Latchi Watersports in 2019. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect as, although I had experience driving boats and sailing, it was my first job in the watersports industry. Immediately I was welcomed into the Latchi family and shown the ropes of the company.
