Editing Wakeboarding (section)

==Equipment==
[[File:Wakeboarding-arakawariver-tokyo-2018-03.webm|thumb|Wakeboarding in [[Tokyo]], 2018]]
When wakeboarding, a wide variety of safety equipment is used. These include life vests or other buoyancy aids which prevent water-related injuries and deaths, as they keep the wearer buoyant until they are picked up. These vests especially help in situations where the rider is knocked unconscious or cannot tread water.<ref name="beginner-gear">{{Cite web|url=https://mpora.com/wakeboarding/wakeboarding-beginners-gear|title=What Essential Wakeboarding Gear Do I Need?|website=Mpora|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-20}}</ref> Furthermore, wakeboarders use water-resistant helmets that are able to ventilate water so that the helmets do not fill up with water.<ref name="beginner-gear"/> Even the length of a wakeboarder's rope is important in providing safety; if the rope is too long, a wakeboarder will land on the flat part of the wake instead of the downside, and their knees will buckle.

Wakeboards themselves are also important to consider when preparing to ride. Four of the most common wakeboard styles include the continuous rocker, the three-stage rocker, the five-stage rocker, and the hybrid rocker.<ref>{{cite web |title=Wakeboarding |url=https://www.flypgs.com/en/extreme-sports/wakeboarding |publisher=Pegasus |access-date=2022-02-15}}</ref> Rocker refers to the curve of the board from head to tail and each type of board has a different placement and amount of curve that works best for different types of rides. The presence or absence of fins on the bottom of a board can also make a drastic difference in how it rides. Beginning riders are usually better off with deeper fins. Wakeboards can also vary in the amount of fins they have which can be up to 5. Fins will make it easier to turn and stay level for beginners but should be removed for tricks and spins since they can make it easier to catch an edge on a jump or during a spin.[https://www.wakemakers.com/blogs/resources/wakesurf-fins-explained#:~:text=The%20three%20fin%20setup%20known,to%20make%20big%20bottom%20turns.&text=A%20quad%20fin%20setup%20give%20your%20board%20acceleration%20and%20speed.] Another part of the wakeboard itself to consider is the size of the board and the material, which are usually a wood or foam core with a fiber glass or carbon fiber coating.<ref>{{cite web |title=What are the common types of wakeboards |url=https://www.wakesports.com/blogs/updates/what-are-the-common-types-of-wakeboards |publisher=Wakesports Unlimited |access-date=2022-02-15}}</ref>[https://www.saertex.com/en/services/references_overview/referenz/handmade-carbon-wakeboards#:~:text=HANDMADE%20CARBON%20WAKEBOARDS,fiber%20and%20a%20wooden%20core.]

At the same time, the length of a wakeboarding rope will vary based on the rider's preferences. Beginner ropes usually go from about 50’ to 75’ in total length, while more advanced riders will want a rope that goes from 65’ to 85’.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Waterski Ropes Vs. Wakeboard Ropes |url=https://www.wakehouse.com/waterski-ropes-vs-wakeboard-ropes |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=WakeHouse |language=en}}</ref> A longer rope may allow for more preparation and momentum before performing tricks,<ref name=":32">{{Cite web|url=https://humanoidwake.com/wakeboard-rope/|title=Adjusting your wakeboard rope is the best kept secret to crush your trick list.|date=2018-08-15|website=Humanoid Wakeboards|language=en-US|access-date=2019-06-20}}</ref> whereas a shorter rope may require less speed and height to travel between wakes.<ref name=":32" />
In addition to this, the material of the rope being used can make a significant difference in ride experience. The less stretch in the rope, the better it is for the rider to learn how to ride and do various tricks. Some of the best rope materials include Dyneema, Poly E, and Spectra. Each of these is known for its abrasion resistance, affordability and absorption, and durability respectively.<ref>{{cite web |title=Choosing a Tow Rope for Wakeboarding |url=https://monstertower.com/blog/post/choosing-a-tow-rope-for-wakeboarding |publisher=Monster Tower |access-date=2022-02-15}}</ref>