Wakeboarding for Beginners

Courtesy

Synopsis: Common courtesy isn't so common nowadays. The world would be a lot better place if everyone adhered to this guide to courteous boating.

There is an unwritten code of boater's etiquette. Unwritten, that is, until now. The underlying principle is be coureous. Be considerate and think of other boaters. When you're on the lake, relax and play nicely. There's no reason we can't all enjoy ourselves!

Be friendly. If someone waves to you, wave back. Boaters tend to be a tight-knit, friendly community. It's not uncommon to have a complete stranger give you a wave and a tip of the hat.

Respect other boaters' space. If there's a group of water-skiiers running a section of the lake, go somewhere else to wakeboard. Sometimes rollers are unavoidable, but try to use good judgement. There's enough water for all of us, so don't be a jerk.

Along the same lines, try to watch where your wake is going. Modern-day, big boarding boats put up a monster wake (that is what they're meant for, afterall). Be conscious of this. If there are fishermen on shore, for instance, don't keep going back and forth in front of them. The same goes for young kids swimming. Wakeboard-wakes have been known to wash young children onto the beach. Be considerate and observant.

Also try to listen to the concerns of other boat owners. If someone asks you to turn down your music, be reasonable. Don't get bent out of shape. Just turn your music down a little and be on your way.

Respect the authority of the lake-patrol or water-police no matter how off base they may be. You can ask for clarification or documentation, but do so respectfully. They are just doing their job and ultimately they make the water a better place.

Pride yourself on taking the high ground. If an intoxicated fellow-boater tries to pick a fight with you, be the bigger man. Drive away without incident. Don't let your emotions get the best of you.

Wakeboarders have gotten a bad wrap on some lakes as "punk kids." This is something we want to avoid. If our sport is to be respected and supported, we have to work to dispel this image. Try to put yourself in other peoples' shoes. Would what you're doing annoy or enrage you if the tables were turned?

By following these simple guidelines, we can make the water an enjoyable place for everyone.

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