S2AS WAKEBOARD SHOP

Being towed behind a boat, cable or jet ski is one of the most addictive ways to spend a summer on the water, and the gear you ride makes all the difference. Our wakeboard and waterski shop brings together everything you need to get out on the water, from boards and skis through to ropes, handles, vests and bags.

This is our complete tow-sports department. You will find wakeboards and bindings, waterskis and boots, wakesurfers, tow handles and ropes, impact and buoyancy vests, helmets, boat accessories and spare parts, covering beginners finding their feet right through to riders chasing bigger air and faster slalom times.

Not sure where to start? The guide below explains how the gear fits together and how to choose for your style of riding. You can also go straight to wakeboards, waterski equipment, or wake accessories.

What Is the Difference Between Wakeboarding, Waterskiing and Wakesurfing?

All three are tow sports, but they ride differently. Wakeboarding uses a single board with both feet strapped in, ridden sideways like a snowboard, and is popular for jumps and tricks off the wake. Waterskiing uses either two skis or a single slalom ski, with the rider facing forward, and rewards edge control and speed. Wakesurfing is done behind an inboard boat at low speed, where you drop the rope and surf the boat's wake. Each needs its own board or skis and its own technique, though much of the safety and towing gear overlaps.

Choosing a Wakeboard

Wakeboard choice comes down to length, rocker and how you like to ride.

• Length: sized by your weight; a longer board is more stable and easier to learn on, a shorter board is more agile
• Rocker: continuous rocker gives a smooth, predictable pop, while three-stage rocker launches you more aggressively off the wake
• Riding spot: boat boards and cable boards differ in construction and base durability

Beginners are usually best on a forgiving, continuous-rocker board sized generously, then moving on to something more responsive as their riding develops.

Choosing Waterskis

If you are getting into waterskiing, combo skis (a pair, often with one ski set up to drop into a single) are the easiest way to learn, offering stability as you get out of the water. As you progress, a dedicated slalom ski lets you carve harder and run tighter through a course. Slalom skis are sized by rider weight and boat speed, so matching the ski to how you ride matters more than picking the stiffest or longest option.

Bindings, Boots and Fit

Wakeboard bindings and waterski boots should be snug and supportive without cutting off circulation. Open-toe wake bindings offer a flexible size range, which is handy if more than one person shares a board, while closed-toe bindings give a more locked-in, precise feel for committed riders. A secure, comfortable fit keeps you in control and protects your ankles when you land.

Ropes, Handles and Why They Matter

The rope and handle are easy to overlook but make a real difference. Wakeboard ropes have little or no stretch so the pull is consistent off the wake, whereas waterski ropes are built for the loads of slalom. Handles vary in width and grip to suit the sport and your hands. Using the right rope length and type for your discipline makes learning easier and tricks more repeatable.

Safety Gear: Vests and Helmets

A buoyancy aid or impact vest is essential kit. Impact vests cushion hard landings and give flotation for confident swimmers, while buoyancy aids and life jackets offer more flotation for added reassurance. A helmet is well worth it for cable riding and progression work. Choose a vest that fits snugly so it stays put when you hit the water, and make sure it suits your weight and swimming ability.

Looking After Tow Gear

Rinse boards, bindings and vests with fresh water after every session, especially after salt water, and let everything dry fully before storage. Keep boards out of prolonged direct sun and heat, which can damage the base and graphics over time. Check ropes and handles for wear before each outing, and store bindings away from damp. Simple care keeps your kit safe and performing season after season.

How Much Does Wakeboard and Waterski Gear Cost?

Prices reflect construction, materials and performance level. Entry-level boards, skis and combos get beginners riding affordably, mid-range gear offers the best mix of durability and performance for regular riders, and premium boards and slalom skis use advanced materials for lighter weight and sharper response. Ropes, handles and vests span a similar spread, so you can build a complete setup to suit your budget.

Getting Started on the Water

If you are new to tow sports, the smoothest path is to start with stable, forgiving gear and build up as your confidence grows. For wakeboarding that usually means a longer, continuous-rocker board and comfortable bindings; for waterskiing it means combo skis before a slalom ski. Getting up out of the water is the first hurdle for most people, and the right beginner gear, together with a sensible boat speed and a patient driver, makes it click far sooner.

It also pays to think about the whole session, not just the board. A properly fitted buoyancy aid gives confidence as well as safety, a no-stretch rope and a comfortable handle make the pull predictable, and a bag keeps your gear protected between outings. Many riders progress from simply riding across the wake to carving, jumping and eventually tricks, and the gear can grow with you. Starting with a solid, forgiving setup means you spend your early sessions learning rather than fighting equipment that is working against you.

Why Buy Tow-Sports Gear from Surface2Air Sports?

We have been fitting out watersports riders since 2002, with a shop in Poole and the full range online.

• Wakeboards, waterskis, wakesurfers and all the gear around them
• Ropes, handles, vests, helmets and spares in one place
• Trusted tow-sports brands for every level
• Honest advice on boards, skis and fit
• Options across a range of budgets

Whether you are learning to get up out of the water or refining your slalom course, we can help. Explore wakeboards and accessories to complete your kit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

What size wakeboard do I need?

Wakeboards are sized mainly by rider weight. Heavier riders need a longer board for stability; lighter riders can go shorter for agility. Check the model's weight range.

Should I start on combo skis or a slalom ski?

Combo skis are far easier to learn on because they offer more stability. Move to a slalom ski once you can comfortably get up and hold an edge.

What is the difference between wake and waterski ropes?

Wakeboard ropes have little or no stretch for a consistent pull off the wake, while waterski ropes are built to handle the higher loads of slalom.

Do I need an impact vest or a buoyancy aid?

An impact vest cushions landings and suits confident swimmers; a buoyancy aid offers more flotation. Choose based on your swimming ability and the reassurance you want.

What is wakesurfing?

Wakesurfing is riding the wake of an inboard boat at low speed after dropping the rope, surfing the wave the boat creates. It uses a dedicated wakesurfer board.

How do I look after my gear?

Rinse everything in fresh water after use, dry it fully, keep boards out of prolonged heat and sun, and check ropes and handles for wear before each session.

Can beginners and experienced riders use the same board?

Often not ideally. Beginners do best on forgiving, generously sized boards, while experienced riders prefer shorter, more aggressive shapes, so the right board changes as you progress.