Many thrill-seekers who love being on the water choose wakeboarding as their preferred watersport. But if you aren't careful, you could be severely hurt and find yourself in the emergency room.
The annual number of wakeboarders who visit
the ER in the U.S. is in the thousands. Strains and sprains are the most
prevalent injuries sustained, with the legs being the most common site of
injury, accounting for 21%. Regarding wakeboarding injuries, cuts are the most
common, especially to the face and head, accounting for 47.9%. Traumatic brain
injuries are more common in wakeboarders.
Wakeboarding may be fun and rewarding if you
follow simple safety precautions. This is why you must ensure your wake surf boat is in excellent
condition. Let us look at the five most important factors for a fun, secure
wakeboarding adventure.
5 Essential Things for a Safe and Exciting Wakeboarding Trip
1. Inspect Your Equipment
Doing this regularly is highly recommended.
Always double-check that the sport boat
and the gear you're using are in good working order and meet your needs in
terms of dimensions and design before venturing into the water.
To ensure the rider's safety, the board should
be free of any sharp edges or projections, and the ropes/cables, along with
other attachment hardware, must be in satisfactory condition with no signs of
fraying or cracking.
2. Always Wear Your Life Jacket
As its name suggests, this is a lifesaver.
This will be useful when you fall off or separate from the board. If you wore
the life jacket, you would float on the water.
When wakeboarding, a good and approved life
jacket should meet safety standards and allow you to float. However, it must
also be water resistant, properly fitted, and comfortable enough to enable you
to move freely.
3. Wear a Helmet
Many wakeboarders would disagree, arguing that
doing so increases the risk of neck and head injuries due to buoyancy.
Additionally, many helmets don't protect your ears; thus, wearing one could lead
to an eardrum rupture due to the resulting pocket.
All these concerns are valid, but what's
important to know is that you may recover from a hurting neck or an eardrum,
but it is difficult to recover from brain damage.
Don't let your child or yourself be deceived
into thinking they'll look ridiculous in it. Numerous professionals wear
helmets. Also, wearing a helmet when practicing extreme maneuvers makes sense,
as you will feel more confident and safer doing so.
Related: Travel Destinations for Those With an Active Lifestyle
4. Learn the Common Communication Signals
Communication with the crew of a wake boarding boat is critical. Keep in
mind that even if they're the ones pulling you along, you're the one dictating
the terms based on your current capabilities and goals. Here is a rundown of
the most crucial institutionalized signals:
●
The OK symbol means that everything is well.
●
Make a cross with your arms to show it if you
are near the swell.
●
Showing a thumbs up or down means it's time to
pick up the pace or slow down.
●
You ask for the boat to be balanced by tilting
your hands and head.
●
Crossing one's arms, extending the index
finger, and twisting the wrist all mean that you want to spin around 180 degrees.
●
A hand to the head means to halt whatever
you're doing and return to the beginning.
● Making a "neck cut" gesture with your hand or finger means you want the boat to come to a halt.
5. Avoid Wakeboarding in Shallow Waters
You are bound to fall into the water several
times, especially when you are not a pro. Shallow waters contain rocks and
other dangerous things that might hurt you when you fall into them.
The water should be of considerable depth to
facilitate the life jacket's function if the participant cannot swim.
Conclusion
Wakeboarding is a thrilling activity in which
the participant improves their abilities by trying new tricks and improving
their technique. Before venturing onto the water, it's crucial to familiarize
oneself with the necessary precautions. Always inspect your equipment, wear the
required safety clothing, and ensure you know the signals to enjoy a safe and
exciting wakeboarding trip.
