1. Get a boat. Wake Time have great boats for riding while you're saving up for your own.

2. Purchase a wakeboard or use our latest House Board. Consider the riding differences between a big fat board and a small thin board. Fat boards are more stable and make it easier to spin tricks and land after an air, while thin boards are faster, turn better, and are easier to jump on.

3. Consider the board's rocker (the curvature differential between your nose and tail and the center point of your board), fin size (bigger fins turns better; smaller fins spin better) and length (longer boards for taller people). Read through the board guides listed under Related Sites to learn more. Remember, however, that the real test is riding.

4. Make sure your bindings are snug and comfortable. There are several types of bindings, but the main thing to look for is a snug, comfortable fit. New bindings may even be just a little tight. Use some soapy water to help your feet slide in, and they will begin to wear in as you use them more.

5. Adjust your binding toward the rear of the board if you are a beginner. This helps sink the tail of your board and gives you more control. As you improve, you will want to move the bindings toward the center of the board for more difficult tricks.

6. Start out with about 43 feet of wakeboard rope from the boat (ropes are adjustable). Wakeboard rope is different from water ski rope in that it is slightly more elastic and the weave is flatter near the handle. This increases comfort on wrap tricks. Both types of rope work fine, though, so don't worry too much. Add more length as you improve on your board to make a bigger jumping gap from wake to wake.

7. Wear a properly fitted life jacket.