I don’t know about everyone else, but every time I go to the gas station and fill up my car, I can feel the pain in my wallet. Although gas prices have gone down a bit in the past couple weeks, they have still risen greatly in the past year. But, the passion to wakeboard hasn’t left, and unfortunately that means that we still need to fuel our boats! So, that got us thinking here at wakeboardstuff, what goes into purchasing a boat? What are the most fuel-efficient boats? How does a first-timer go about purchasing a boat, what are they looking for? Well, we did some research, and you’ll love the information we’ve come up with. It’s our very own beginners boat-buying guide! Over the next week, we will be presenting our guidelines for buying a boat, and our reviews of various different boats, so stay tuned!

There are so many things to consider when buying a boat: insurance, brand, warrantee, maintenance, and of course, how much it will all cost. Well, the average boater boats 75 hours/season, and 95% of boats are less than 26 feet, which does not have much of an effect on the cost of fuel. 64% of those buyers purchase less than 50 gallons of gas per season, that’s the equivalent of 2 trips to the gas station for an SUV. So, for a $500,000 large boat that uses 100 gallons in gas per weekend, if there were a $.50 increase in gas, it would result in an increase of $50 over the weekend. Whereas, a smaller boat, that only require 20 gallons a weekend will result in a $10 increase over the weekend.

That being said, now its time to figure out which boat is the right boat for you! There are so many to choose from, over 7 different brands, all with different models, features, and prices.

1. Well, one of the first questions you have to ask yourself is how often am I going to be boarding (realistically), and how experienced am I? If you are a beginner, and do not plan on boarding enormous amounts of hours for awhile, then a used or pre-owned boat may be the best way to go. If you have your heart set on a new boat, but you are a beginner, you want to make sure that you get a boat that does not create a large wake, instead get one that creates a small to medium wake, allowing yourself to increase your experience before you move on to bigger wakes.

2. Now, what is the difference between all these boats? You have inboard boats, all purpose fishing boats, bowriders, closed bow runabouts, cuddy cabins, deck boats, jet boats, pontoon boats… what do they all mean, and what is right for you? Well, for wakeboarding, any of the above can work, but the best type is an inboard boat. An inboard boat has a “v-drive” engine, which is placed in the rear of the boat, near the transom. This placement allows for larger wakes. There are also ballast tanks that help weigh the boat down (generally, they can be automatically filled or emptied to regulate the weight). Most boats also have something known as a wedge, a piece of metal that I behind the propeller, and helps to shape the wake.

3. Now, there are other things to consider, other than just the boat and operating costs. Maintenance can get pricey if your boat is not well taken care of. A freshwater wash down after each use, and keeping your boat covered between uses can go a long way in the life of your boat. There are routine maintenance costs, like with most big purchases, like oil changes and winterizing.

4. Next, is where you are going to keep your boat. You can’t store it in your driveway with your car, so what is the cost of storing your boat? Well, the cheapest solution os to keep the boat on a trailer on your property. But, you can also use rack storage which keeps you rboat in a covered shed. And, for those who want convenience or have larger boats, a marina slip, though a bit pricier is the way to go.

5. You also have to take into consideration insurance prices, which varies depending on the length and type, cost of the boat, and the level of coverage you are looking for. Before purchasing a boat be sure to contact your insurance agent and get quotes for insuring various boats before you make a final decision. You can always reduce your insurance cost by taking a boater’s education course too!

6. The best information you can get is from people who own or have owned boats, and can give you first hand experience, ask around, and find out what brands they liked and didn’t like. Then, go to various boat shows and dealers and talk to people about what you’re looking for and what their boats have to offer. Always make sure to test-drive the boat (yes, believe it or not you can actually do that!). It’s a lot like a car, it’s a big investment, and you want to make sure it’s the perfect fit and that you will be happy behind the wheel.

Stay tuned for more from wakeboardstuff’s boat buying guide! ...Read more

The Wakeboard World Championships will be taking place from Sept 5 through Sept 7 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. But, this isn't the same Wakeboard championships that was around in the past. For the first time, Fuel TV will air its first ever LIVE webcast. Not only will you be able to see the action live, you can email the commentators in real time in the announcers tower during the webcast. There will be boarders from 9 countries competing in these competitions. And fans will enjoy live music, athlete autograph signing, opportunities to win free stuff, and a lot more on land! For more information on times, ticket prices, or to see the live webcast visit King of wake ...Read more

Ever wonder where Wakeboarding ranks in the extreme sports fanbase? Just how popular is the sport compared to other extreme sports? Well, we did some research and found out. The Sun-Sentinel recently posted an article on the growing fanbase in extreme sports, and you would be surprised what was on the list. Everything from wakeboarding and inline skating to ultimate frisbee and cardio kickboxing. Although, I don't know that I would consider those extreme sports they are more popular than lacrosse, beach volleyball, fast-pitch softball, rugby, field hockey, ice hockey and roller hockey! Of the list of 14 extreme sports, wakeboarding ranked number 10, with a fan base of 3,521,000 in 2007 (meaning that many people above the age of 6 participated at least oncein 2007). The article blames the rising fuel costs for the lower ranking. While, inline skating got number one with 10,814,000. For the full article check it out here. Extreme Sports Growing fanbase ...Read more

The Wakeboard Camp, one of the leaders in wakeboard instruction has an amazing offer for the month of August. If you sign up for the month of August, you will receive 10% off of the normal rates, in addition to group and return camper discounts. The Wakeboard camp is located in Clermont, FL. If you sign up for the camp, you can expect to leave with more wakeboard knowledge and skill than you ever thought you could have. They will go over everything from the physics and science behind the sport, and everything that you can expect out on the lake, and then actually take you out on the lake. And, if you sign up for the mailing list at The Wakeboard Camp and be entered into a drawing to win a free week at the camp! ...Read more

So you've decided to start wakeboarding, first things first, getting a board. But what kind of things do you have to take into consideration when looking for a board. What does everything mean. Well, us here at wakeboardstuff.com have the answers!

1. First things first, squared edges or round edges? Well, squared edges are better for beginners because it allows for more stability and control. Rounded edges are better for more advanced riders, allowing the board to move faster, and allowing for easier landing of air tricks.
2. Single or twin tips? Single tipped boards are pointed at one end and squared off at the other. Single tips are good for one-directional riding. Twin tips, which are rounded on both ends, are good for switching up directions and landing tricks. (most boards manufactured are twin tips)
3. Width-length? Wakeboard length is between 120-150 cm, and width is between 38-44 cm. It is best to start out on a longer board because longer boards offer more stability when starting and turning. Longer boards can generally carry larger, heavier people, and smaller boards are usually best for lighter, smaller people.
   
4. Whats the difference between all the rockers? A rocker is how the board curves at both ends. lower rider allows a rider to accelerate better and gain control over the board. Higher rockers allow for easier jumping and landings.
5. Fins Smaller, thinner fins work better in smooth water conditions. While larger, wider fins work better in rougher waters.
   
6. Boots/bindings Make sure that your boots and bindings are snug but not too tight, bindings that are too tight can result in a broken ankle, foot, or other injury.

Once you have your board covered, you can move onto the real important stuff, like the boat, the tow rope, and actually learning how to ride!

When you start out any hobby, there are slews of questions that come up, and sometimes it's hard to find the answers. As a beginning wakeboarder, you begin to wonder everything from what board to pick, to what tow rope to buy. The internet is a huge place, and the amount of information that you get can sometimes be overwhelming and unecessary. But have no fear! the folks at about.com have put together a beginners guide to wakeboarding. ...Read more

It’s your passion, your drive; wakeboarding is your life. You’ve been going to different lakes and trying out different equipment, you and your friends bust your asses on your newest tricks to become the dream of the “Top Rider.” Your latest victory can be found on YouTube.com and now, it is time for new equipment.

Yeah! New equipment! You’re stoked already, but then you realize that you’re broke. Great.

Wait! Have no fear! We here at wakeboardstuff.com know that money can be tight, so we did a little research. Check out the sites below for the best deals on name brands such as Liquid Force, Hyperlite, O’Brien, and more.

• The CloseOutDude: This guy gets cheap gear straight from the warehouse at factory closeout prices.
• The House: Here you can find a large variety of wakeboard brands and equipment.
• Performace Ski & Surf: More wakeboard gear and cheap prices, you can also find your other gear for surfing, skiing, etc here.
• BuyWake.com: Strictly wakeboards, strictly cheap.
• RideWaterSports.com: They have a lot of water sport gear for the empty wallets!

Oh, and check out Tige’s new website for 2009 and be a part of something extraordinary!

How to do a Surf Carve:
1. Begin by starting outside of the wake and edging away hard from the boat to build some speed on your heelside edge

2. Quickly change from your heelside edge to your toeside edge and angle back towards the wake.

3. Right after you change edges, lean towards the water, the lower you get the better. Use the tight rope tension to balance you up. This should be in a quick motion like a surfer carves against a wave.

4.When you get back to the wake, switch back to your heelside edge and do a cutback carve on the wake like its a wave. The harder and faster you do this, the bigger the spray and the better it feels.

If you’re a wakeboarder, then you know Cobe Mikachich. You also know of his insane skill and his generosity. He’s been known to travel the U.S. and Canada and hold teaching clinics during his Fantastic Voyage Tour, and he has his own wakeboarding company, Clutch Wakeboards (check out Clutch at evogear.com).

“I want to be for the rider. To take the sport to the next level for the riders.”

Mikachich recently joined forces with Jon Beemis and they opened a new wakeboarding camp on Lake Ivanhoe (Orlando, FL) out of Ski World. Here they lead classes in teaching kids and adults how to wakeboard on the newest and latest equipment. Well guess what, they’re offering a weekend for a lucky aspiring wakeboarder at their new camp! Send your best appeal to editor@wakeboardingmag.com. The most convincing argument wins an instruction from one of wake’s top coaches. Check out this post at wakeboardingmag.com. ...Read more

Wakestock kicked off on Friday with some of the top pros competing on some of the toughest courses in the sport. The event of the day that drew the biggest crowd, however was the debut of the Sesitec 2.0 portable wake cable system at the Oakley Wakeskate Pool Jam. The system pulls the wakeboarders out of the Oakley launch pool, down a four rail stair set, out into the wake course and then back into the pool. This new cable system could be a huge step forward for the wakeboarding sport, elevating it to a new level. ...Read more