Why it is Important That a Wakeboard Floats

Why it is important that a wakeboard floats?

Floating or buoyancy is a physics term that essentially means that the density and volume of an object placed in a fluid create a situation in which the object does not sink. Neutral buoyancy occurs when the objects mass is equal to the volume of the fluid displaced. Wakeboard construction has evolved over the past several years since its introduction as a sport in the early 1980’s. The first wakeboards were essentially just downsized surfboards that were designed to float on top of moving water. These old style wakeboards were difficult to master and inhibited many athletes from attempting the sport. Late in the 1980’s, neutral buoyancy wakeboards were introduced. Neutral buoyancy boards neither floats nor sink, which made the addition of bindings or foot attachment feasible. They also made it possible for riders to easily mount the boards while in the water. This development made the sport easier for beginners and more manageable for experienced wakeboarders to perform skilled maneuvers.

The importance of floating is important in several respects. First, of all the wakeboarding is a surface water sport. As silly as it may sound, if the wakeboard sank it would be very difficult to get the board up. If the board sank, you would not be able to stand or maintain your stance on top of the water. Second, wakeboards are attached to the rider through the use of not releasing bindings. A floating or neutrally buoyant board makes it possible for the rider to easily get into position to perform maneuvers. Another aspect important for floating wakeboards is the speed in which the sport takes place. Water skiing generally takes place at speeds of 25 to 30 miles per hour while wakeboarding takes place at speeds of 16 to 23 miles per hour. The slower speed makes it necessary for the object of the sport to float or semi-float whereas in water-skiing, the speed of the boat makes the rider rise up on top of the water. Very experienced wakeboarders sometimes operate at speeds of 23 to 25 miles per hour. Even small variations in the speed of the boat can drastically affect the shape of the wake created. In order to create the maximum wake at the slowest speed possible, special wake attachment or wake boats are available for use in the sport. As with any sport, safety is always an important factor. Wakeboards are specially engineered to ensure the protection and enjoyment of the wakeboard sport.
-Lisha Fant