How to Personalize Your Wake Ride

Once you’ve mastered the basics of boarding, skiing or tubing behind a boat, you may be wondering—how can I shake things up and add some flair to my on-the-water routine?

Water sports are equal parts style and skill, so it’s only natural that you want to find ways to personalize your ride! And with that, we’ve got you covered. Read on as we share a few simple ways to make your ride as unique as you are.

Make a riding playlist

It seems like every professional athlete has a song or playlist they listen to before a game, or during a practice session, to pump them up, get in the right headspace, and, of course, show off a bit of their personal flair. So do the same for yourself on the water! You and your fellow riders can each curate a custom playlist to blast over the transom speaker as you ride. It’s sure to get you into ride mode and help define your on-the-water rhythm for many runs to come.

Create your own Ski Mode profile

Much like a personal playlist, the Ski Mode setting on your Vortex gives you the chance to craft a custom ride experience—this time, by letting you change the speed and acceleration profiles for individual riders! This makes it easier for riders to enjoy their own definition of a “perfect ride,” while also allowing those back on board to switch between settings effortlessly. 

Pick the perfect rope length

Personalizing your ride is a great way to earn some style points—but it’s a practical step, too, one that will ensure even smoother runs! For example, many of us will start our wakeboarding adventures by opting for whatever rope happens to be around—but by selecting a rope length that’s suited to your unique experience level and on-the-water preferences, you can enjoy an even more thrilling ride. Beginners can often benefit from shorter ropes, because they can still stand up with a taut rope even while the boat is going slower. If you’re a more experienced rider looking for a way to master complex tricks and spins, a longer rope gives you more room to work with when it comes to crossing wakes and trying new moves.

Master a signature move

Once you’ve mastered the basics, move on to a signature spin or trick that’s all your own! Stylish tricks are sure to “wow” on the water—whether they’re tried-and-true moves like the poke, where you pop your board out of the water and catch vertical air, or hybrid moves that are uniquely yours.

Pick out custom gear

If you’ve been riding for a long time, the next big step might be to pick out some custom gear! Once you’ve nailed down the moves to go with it, a stylish board or suit is a surefire way to help you stand out on the water.

This summer is the perfect time to personalize your ride and enjoy even better runs on your favorite waterway! We hope these tips help you do exactly that.