Snowboarding and wakeboarding are two sides of the same coin. They have clear differences, but the sports are surprisingly similar. Both involve extreme balance when using a board to slide over a surface, and both are essentially solo activities. Skimboard-style wakesurfing also involves jumps and aerial tricks, albeit without a rope, unlike wakeboarding.
Surf-style wakesurfing mainly involves surf maneuvers similar to those of the ocean, such as up and down, improvised turns and snapbacks. The mechanics of spinning on a wakeboard are very similar to that of a snowboard. To turn, move your weight to the side and apply pressure to your toes or heels. What's the key difference that makes wakeboarding a little easier? You have to hold on to a rope. Snowboarders travel the same mountain slopes as skiers.
The difference is that snowboarders stand on a board with a lateral posture, similar to a wakeboarder, skater or surfer. In addition, just like in skiing, wakeboarders hold on to a rope, connected to the boat all the time. Wakesurfing doesn't require the cyclist to hold onto a rope all the time. Like wakeboarding, surfers take a rope to stand on the board, but when they regain control of the body and balance on the board, the cyclist releases the rope and begins to surf the waves created by the boat.
If you're having trouble getting on the water, check out this valuable resource from USA Water Ski.
