How to start wakeboarding in the UK
How a beginner starts wakeboarding in the UK, on a basic ride behind a boat or a cable.
In this guide
Wakeboarding is riding a board while a boat or a cable pulls you along the water. A beginner starts with that basic ride, not with a jump, a kicker, a ramp or a rail.
A first session
British Water Ski & Wakeboard (BWSW) is the UK governing body for water skiing and wakeboarding, behind a boat and on a cable. The UK government recognises it as a national governing body.
BWSW describes a beginner's first few sessions on a cable as a lesson on land, a deep-water start on a straight-line cable or a dock start on a full cable, the correct riding position, heel and toe edging, and the corners.
What to take
Take swimming clothes, a towel and a change of clothes. BWSW says you will be provided with a wetsuit, in a range of sizes, a wakeboard, a helmet if one is needed, and a buoyancy aid or a life jacket.
Our club map shows some UK wakeboarding clubs, and it is a starting point rather than a full list.
If you would like help finding a coach, ESP can match you. The fee is £29.99. Nothing is charged when you send the form. The coach's own fees are separate. We refund the fee if we cannot provide a coach, or if your health means you cannot train. If the student is under 18, we need a guardian's consent, we contact that guardian, and the guardian travels with them.
