Scott Cohoon from Craig Cohoon Water Sports gives us his top tips for getting it right first time….

With craft getting bigger and more powerful all the time the potential for using your ski to tow family and friends on boards, skis and toys is growing with every season. PW are frequently used to tow skiers, especially into the surf, even at competition level. For many of you, this year will be your first foray into watersports, so we asked an industry guru for his advice on buying a board and how to avoid the expensive pitfalls.

A wakeboard package consists of…….

A board and bindings, but adding a padded bag is always a good idea too.

Make sure you avoid………

Cheap gear. A full setup for £150 may sound like a great deal but if you are using it more than a couple of times a year your ability will soon outgrow your bargain board and you will be forced to shell out for a more advanced one anyway. Cheap bindings are often made of rubber and tear very quickly, the same goes for second hand gear which can be damaged or nearing the end of its life with few outward signs of wear. You can be sure that branded equipment from your local board store will come with a warranty that will protect you should the worst happen and you need to replace your board.

You should expect to pay……….

For a decent package you will need spend at least £350. A good beginner’s package is available from Liquid Force, their Trip wakeboard with Liquid Force Index bindings comes for £359.99 (£70 less than buying the two items separately). I would recommend you spend a little more and upgrade the bindings if you can.

You will also need………….

A bag. A padded wakeboard bag will cost £30-£50 or more for one with wheels but they are worth every penny. Not only will they keep your board safe from knocks and scratches but they are big enough for you to put all your other kit in, like your wetsuit and buoyancy aid.
Safety gear - a buoyancy aid or impact protection vest. £60 to £100 should get you a comfy neoprene vest like the O’Neill Gooru. If you are planning to ride on obstacles such as sliders you must have a helmet and at only £40 they are a good idea even if you’re not planning to get too ambitious.

10 top tips to buying your first wakeboard

1. Check the manufacturer’s website for their size guide
2. Know your weight
3. If you can, try before you buy
4. Don’t pick one just because you like the picture
5. A board with a continuous rocker will be easier to learn on
6. If in doubt pick a bigger board rather than a smaller one
7. A large centre fin gives you more control on the water
8. Bindings can be as expensive as the board so be sure to budget for them
9. A training session at a local club prior to buying will help with your decision making
10. If there is no pro shop near you a boat show can be a useful place to try on bindings

Top tips to keep your board in prime condition

• Keep a screw driver with your board and tighten your binding screws before every ride. That also goes for your fin screws if you are riding a board with removable fins. If you use it on the sea or in salt water be sure to wash it down with fresh water before bagging it up.
• Don’t ride it over or into solid objects, the kickers and sliders at your local cable park will look like great fun and they are but they can do untold damage to your board. Using them also invalidates your warranty as does contact with any solid object so try not to drop it and don’t be tempted to ride up the beach either.