If you’re looking for a great last-minute Christmas gift, you may feel overwhelmed by all of the fun watersports activities to choose from. Water Skiing and Wake Boarding are two popular, adrenaline-pumping activities. Although they may look similar, these sports differ in many ways. The following outlines the key differences between riding water skis and wake boards.  (There are also Knee Boards & Inflatable Tubes for easier riding behind a boat.)

Water Skiing vs. Wake Boarding

Wake Boarding

Wake Boarding utilizes a single thick, shorter board. You are towed by a handled rope attached to a boat, but you typically don’t reach the high speeds you would on skis. Wake Board riders take a sideways, surf-style stance, with their feet strapped into boots/bindings. By turning your body, you can switch which foot is leading.

The sport is focused less on making wakes and more on jumping them—with practice, you can pull off flips, grabs, spins, and dozens more tricks. If the rider is new to water sports, it may be wise to spend some time on Water Skis before moving on to a Wake Board.  Snow Boarding experience will help move to Wake Boarding.

Water Skiing

There are two forms of water skiing: using two skis or one ski. Beginners start on two skis and then can learn to use one, which is called slaloming.

In both forms, you are dragged behind a boat at higher speeds by a strong rope with a handle. Riders take a forward-facing stance. On twin skis, each foot is in the pad of a separate ski. On a slalom ski, one foot sits in the front pad, while the back foot is tucked into a rear strap.  Slaloming can be performed on one ski at the start for more the experienced, or can be performed by starting on 2 skis then “dropping” the 2^nd when comfortable.

Water Skiing focuses more on cutting wakes and making hard, high-spray turns, which requires faster speeds. More experienced skiers can pull off exciting tricks and acrobatic-style performances. Wake Skis are shorter and wider than standard skis and great for tricking. Beginners may find dual skiing easier to pick up than Wake Boarding.

If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable supplier of water sports gear, Harbortown Marine is the leading source for marine equipment and boat supplies in Vermilion, OH. This marine supply store is home to top-quality recreational accessories and boat parts from the leading brands. From Wake Boards and Water Skis to boat care and service parts, they’re the one-stop shop For All Your Nautical Needs. To learn more about Harbortown, visit their website.   Call (440) 967-8072 to schedule an appointment over the winter until Harbortown returns to their 7-days schedule late-March.