Summer’s here and it’s time to get your Campion Boat loaded up and ready to hit open water for some fun in the sun. Perhaps you’re already an avid water skier but looking to change things up a bit or new to watersports altogether. We recommend trying your hand at wakeboarding! Many experts say out of all the watersports, wakeboarding is the quickest to learn.
We’ve put together a brief guide on wakeboarding including tips and what you’ll need to get started.
Equipment You’ll Need
The first step to a successful wakeboarding trip is making sure you have the right boat. Boats designed for watersports featuring a built-in bowrider, such as the highly anticipated 2021 Campion Muskoka high-performance boat, are ideal for elevating the tow point making it easier for the wakeboarder to get up and stay up in the water. It’s recommended beginners use a shorter tow rope at first – about 65 feet. A shorter rope combined with slower speed will create wider and bigger wakes making it easier for you to jump them.
If you’re confident enough to create a bigger wake, you can add weight to the back of the boat. The more weight you place in the back, the higher and shorter the wake will be. As a beginner wakeboarder keep in mind you may want to start off with shorter wakes until you get more comfortable.
Now that your boat is configured, it’s time to gather your wakeboarding equipment. Look for a local sporting goods store that offers board and equipment rentals so you can determine if you want to invest in your own down the road. Most likely, you’ll be able to rent everything you need to get started with expert guidance.
There are a couple of things to consider when selecting a wakeboard, board type and your own body. There are three types of wakeboards; hybrid, surf, and skim style boards. As a beginner, select a surf-style board designed to make it easier to learn from.
Next, pick your board based on your weight. Reference the chart as seen on discoverboating.com to determine the best board for you. You can also ask an expert to help you find the right board for your body and skill level.
Wakeboard bindings are boots that are anchored to your wakeboard, allowing you to maintain your balance, ride waves and perform fancy tricks. Bindings should be snug but not so tight they’re painful. Most bindings are designed to fit a range of shoe sizes, while some higher-end boots are single sizes. With so many options such as closed toe, open toe, and various closure systems, it’s best to ask an expert to help you decide which is best and most comfortable for you.
It’s critical, especially as a beginner, to stay safe while wakeboarding which is why life jackets are so important. Wakeboard life jackets are designed to keep your head above water and provide buoyancy if something should go wrong. These jackets are lightweight and flexible enough to allow for movement and are more comfortable than traditional life jackets.
Once you have all the recommended equipment, the last step is to hit the water! Here are some things to keep in mind:
For beginner tips on how to get up and stay up on a wakeboard, you can visit Boating Magazine’s “How to Get Up on a Wakeboard” and you’ll be wakeboarding like a pro in no time at all.
There are few things better than a fun-filled day on the lake with your family in your Campion boat. From fishing to watersports, and everything in between, there are so many activities to enjoy as a boat owner. While it’s great to have a good time, boating safety should be a priority for every boater. Just as there are important safety rules for adults hitting the water, a few extra steps should be taken when boating with kids.
If you’re new to boating or just need a refresher, we’ve put together a list of safety tips to help kids stay safe on the water.
Even before your child steps aboard, it’s important they continue to practice and improve their swimming skills. Although they will be wearing a life jacket aboard, its critical kids learn to respect the water at a young age and become strong swimmers just in case something unforeseen should occur.
When kids are aboard, you’ll want to be sure you have a few extra items on your packing list.
Wearing a life jacket is the single most important thing anyone can do to help themselves be safer on the water. Pick out an appropriate life jacket that fits your child well but is also comfortable. Have them get used to wearing vest in the water by going for a test swim so they can get an idea of what it will feel like. It’s the perfect time to teach them to relax and allow the jacket to keep them afloat. Tips for choosing the right life jacket
It’s recommended children wear life jackets anytime they are aboard small, open boats. If you are aboard a mid-sized to larger boat, rules can be a little more relaxed if kids stay below deck or inside an enclosed cabin. Be sure to check your child’s life jacket each year to make sure it still fits properly and isn’t damaged.
In order for everyone to have fun in a safe way, there need to be a few simple rules. Remind kids about the rules of your boat. Your rules may be a little different but we’ve listed some important ones below:
Kids love any type of towed water sport, so chances are, you’ll be setting up the boat for a day of tubing, waterskiing or wakeboarding. It’s very important for an adult to serve as a spotter. The spotter sits right next to the captain to keep an eye on the rider and let the driver know when the rider hits the water or if there is any trouble. The rider should always be wearing their life jacket.
It’s never too early to start teaching kids about boating. The earlier they learn, the more comfortable and knowledgeable they’ll be as they get older. Take the time to show younger kids how to drive the boat, how to use the radio to call for help, even how to dock or throw an anchor line. They will begin to understand how operate a boat in a safe manner and even provide an extra set of hands in case of emergency. You’ll be surprised how quickly they master these things, with your help!
As a parent, set the example. Make sure you’re always following proper safety protocols (and your own rules) so kids can follow your lead so everyone can continue to have amazing days on the water.
Get in touch with your dealer today to find our more Campion’s line up of high-performance boats.
Summer’s here and it’s time to get your Campion Boat loaded up and ready to hit open water for some fun in the sun. Perhaps you’re already an avid water skier but looking to change things up a bit or new to watersports altogether. We recommend trying your hand at wakeboarding! Many experts say out of all the watersports, wakeboarding is the quickest to learn.
We’ve put together a brief guide on wakeboarding including tips and what you’ll need to get started.
Equipment You’ll Need
The first step to a successful wakeboarding trip is making sure you have the right boat. Boats designed for watersports featuring a built-in bowrider, such as the highly anticipated 2021 Campion Muskoka high-performance boat, are ideal for elevating the tow point making it easier for the wakeboarder to get up and stay up in the water. It’s recommended beginners use a shorter tow rope at first – about 65 feet. A shorter rope combined with slower speed will create wider and bigger wakes making it easier for you to jump them.
If you’re confident enough to create a bigger wake, you can add weight in back of the boat. The more weight you place in the back, the higher and shorter the wake will be. As a beginner wakeboarder keep in mind you may want to start off with shorter wakes until you get more comfortable.
Now that your boat is configured, it’s time to gather your wakeboarding equipment. Look for a local sporting goods store that offers board and equipment rentals so you can determine if you want to invest in your own down the road. Most likely, you’ll be able to rent everything you need to get started with expert guidance.
There are a couple things to consider when selecting a wakeboard, board type and your own body. There are three types of wakeboards; hybrid, surf, and skim style boards. As a beginner, select a surf-style board designed to make it easier to learn from.
Next, pick your board based on your weight. Reference the chart as seen on discoverboating.com to determine the best board for you. You can also ask an expert to help you find the right board for your body and skill level.
Wakeboard bindings are boots that are anchored to your wakeboard, allowing you to maintain your balance, ride waves and perform fancy tricks. Bindings should be snug but not so tight they’re painful. Most bindings are designed to fit a range of shoe sizes, while some higher-end boots are single sizes. With so many options such as closed toe, open toe, and various closure systems, it’s best to ask an expert to help you decide which is best and most comfortable for you.
It’s critical, especially as a beginner, to stay safe while wakeboarding which is why life jackets are so important. Wakeboard life jackets are designed to keep your head above water and provide buoyancy if something should go wrong. These jackets are lightweight and flexible enough to allow for movement and are more comfortable than traditional life jackets.
Once you have all the recommended equipment, the last step is to hit the water! Here are some things to keep in mind:
For beginner tips on how to get up and stay up on a wakeboard, you can visit Boating Magazine’s “How to Get Up on a Wakeboard” and you’ll be wakeboarding like a pro in no time at all.
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