Choose your method: boat or cable?
Boat
The method most people think of first. This is where you are towed by boat or jet-ski, using its wake to surf on. You can do it at sea or on lakes and rivers – although we’d recommend sticking to calm waters while you find your feet.
Pros
- You have more control as the boat will go as fast or as slow as you want
- You can ask to practice a particular move as many times as you need
Cons
- Can be expensive (unless it's included as part of a wakeboarding activity holiday!)
- Sometimes tricky to arrange
Cable
Overhead cables work on the same principle as ski lifts. There are two main types, full-length and tower cables. Full-length cables are used by several boarders at a time, tow lines move at a continuous speed. Just grab one at the beginning and off you go. If you fall, you need to go back to the beginning and start again. Tower cables have a single cable running between two or more towers. You will be the only wakeboarder using the cable, and the tow line will be operated by an instructor (who will take you back and forth at variable speeds). If you fall, the line stops and waits for you.
Pros
- More affordable than boat or jet ski hire
- Ideal when intending to progress to a boat tow
Cons
- Less control
- Having to swim back to the beginning can get tiring!
