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Wakeboarding first gained popularity in the late 1980's and early 1990's, and involves riding a single, specialized board with bindings attached to your feet. Speeds (in mph) are in the low teens to low 20's depending on rider height and weight.

As the boat creates a wake, the rider can perform tricks on the wake or the water's surface, such as jumps, spins and flips. The larger the boat wake, the larger the tricks can be. Although it's a fun sport behind any boat because of the board's ability to do surface spins and other tricks.

When buying a wakeboard, the two most important aspects are the size of the board (based on the height and weight of the rider) and the size of the bindings (based on the size of the foot of the rider). Board construction (rocker style, board material, etc.) are also things to consider.

Wakesurfing involves riding a wave created by the boat, without being directly towed by the boat. The rider uses a specially designed board, similar to a surfboard, and typically starts by being towed behind the boat with a rope until they gain enough speed to release the rope and ride the wave.

The boat creates a large, surfable wave by using a specific type of ballast system to weight the boat and shape the wake. The rider can then perform tricks on the wave, similar to surfing, such as cutting back and forth, carving, and doing aerials.

Wakesurfing is typically done at slower speeds than any other wake sport, which allows for a more relaxed and casual ride. It is often enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, including beginners who may find it easier to learn than other water sports like wakeboarding or skiing.

When buying a wakesurf board, the two most important aspects are the type of board (surf-style or skim-style) and the size of the board (based on height and weight of the rider). Surf-style boards are meant to be ridden just like they sound - like surfing in the ocean - with carving action up and down the wake and jumps off the top of the wake. Skim-style boards are designed to slide more easily and so are good for spinning tricks on the wake or in the flat water near the wake. Skim boards will require a bit larger wake, so if your boat has a smaller wake you may want to opt for a surf-style board.