Pontoon Boat Watersports

If you’re looking for a new and exciting way to enjoy the water, look no further than pontoon boat watersports. There are several adrenaline-pumping activities just waiting to be discovered. Oftentimes, the one thing that prevents people from enjoying these activities is the cost of a boat that’s needed for towing participants. This is one of the many reasons that pontoons have become a popular choice among watersports enthusiasts; they’re spacious, affordable, and they can be fitted with an engine that’s powerful enough for watersports.

Your local pontoon boat dealer, Germaine Marine, has gathered some helpful information on various types of watersports that go perfectly with this craft. Keep reading to learn more.

Tubing

Tubing is probably the easiest watersport to learn that’s also suitable for people of all ages. Children, in particular, love the act of riding an inner tube as it soars across the surface of a lake. This activity also refers to riding any type of inflatable that can be towed behind a boat. Use your imagination!

Some tubes are made for one rider a time, while others can hold more than one person at a time. You’ll find them available in all sorts of patterns and colors so you can really personalize your experience to your liking. If you’re a new pontoon boat owner, inner tubing is a good way to get your feet wet in the world of watersports. You won’t have to worry so much about maintaining a consistent speed or avoiding turns as you tow the riders.

Wakesurfing & Wakeboarding

If you’re not a beginner and you’d like more of a challenge, you can try wakesurfing and wakeboarding. These are more advanced in the sense that they require more agility from the rider and precision from the pontoon boat operator. Wakesurfing and wakeboarding both require a fair amount of dexterity and balance to master standing on a board that cruises over wakes generated by the boat.

With a bit of practice, a wakeboarder or wakesurfer can also master tricks and jumps. Generally speaking, though, you’ll want to start with the basics before you attempt pulling off these moves. The main difference between these two sports is that wakesurfers may let go of the tow rope and surf the wakes behind the boat without being anchored to it. Wakeboarders, however, are strapped onto their boards and will need a tow rope to perform flips and jumps as they coast along the wakes.

Kneeboarding

Another popular watersport is kneeboarding, which is a fun activity for older kids and teens who want to broaden their horizons. You’ll still need to put in a bit of practice to master the moves, but with time, kneeboarding is fairly easy to learn. It’s also one of the more affordable options, too, which is a nice bonus. Your boat doesn’t need to exceed 25 mph when towing a kneeboarder. For younger or more inexperienced riders, you should keep it around 15 mph for safety reasons.

Water Skiing

There are a few different types of water skiing to choose from depending on your experience and comfort levels. The two-ski option is the most common choice and it’s easy enough for children to learn. Slalom skiing involves riding one board and it’s best for more experienced riders.

If you’re an experienced or professional rider who’s looking for an adventure, barefoot skiing is a popular option. In this version, riders skim the water’s surface with their bare feet at high speeds while hanging onto a tow rope. Keep in mind, this requires a great deal of practice and dexterity. 

You’re officially ready to get out there and enjoy some watersports. For more tips or if you’d like to check out our pontoon boat inventory, stop by Germaine Marine. We’re proud to serve both Arizona and Utah.