Wakeskating

Wakeskating is a watersport in which a rider on a small, board-like platform known as a wakeskate is towed by a boat or cable, performing tricks on the surface of the water. Unlike wakeboarding, the rider does not wear bindings; the board is ridden with bare feet (or with light traction) and the rider uses a tow rope and handle for control and pop.

Wakeskate boards range in length from roughly 31 to 40 inches and resemble skateboard decks but with a hydrodynamic rocker and a kicktail. They typically have traction pads on the deck to provide grip when the rider bears weight, and some models include small fins to aid tracking. Most riders are barefoot, though some wear water shoes. A tow rope with a handle connects the rider to a boat or cable system. Protective gear such as helmets and impact vests is commonly used, especially by beginners.

Riding involves edging into the wake to generate lift, then popping off the wake to catch air, similar to an ollie. Tricks draw from skateboarding and wakeboarding and include ollies, shove-its, kickflips, 180s and 360s, grabs, and rail-like slides on features at cable parks.

Wakeskating emerged in the late 1990s as a skateboard-inspired extension of wakeboarding and has grown into a global community with sponsors and regional competitions.

Like other water sports, wakeskating carries risk of impact injuries and rope entanglement. Proper instruction, suitable water depth, life jackets for beginners, and protective gear help reduce risk.