Still feeling the summer heat on your skin? It’s time to take advantage of the good weather while you can and pick up that boating hobby you’ve been putting off.
Boating is a brilliant pasttime that cools you off and gets the blood pumping. You can supplement it with a deep dive, a little wakeboarding or a few hours of fishing with close friends. Water sports have only grown more popular in the United States over the past few years, particularly when done with family and friends, and any large body of water is a perfect opportunity for positive memories. Learning how to use a boat and maintain it, however, is another story entirely. The last thing you want to look back on is failing to take care of your ballast pumping system at the end of a long day!
Here are some simple wakeboarding tips and boat maintenance questions to get you started on the right foot.
Did You Know?
Water sports have always been popular. They straddle that fine line between being incredibly relaxing and invigorating all at once, giving you an opportunity to cool off even as you get social and get fit. A study conducted back in 2016 saw nearly 15% of the American population over the age of six participating in one water sport or another. Another study just the year prior found over three million people participating in wakeboarding. Whichever sport you choose, asking ‘what does a ballast system do’ is going to be one of your smartest questions.
What Does A Ballast System Do?
A boat, just like a motorcycle or a car, is a complex piece of machinery that needs to be well taken care of. An estimated 12 million households in the United States own at least one boat…and it’s not just older families, either! Over 20% of Millennials participate in water sports, with boating particularly popular for its ability to fit easily alongside wakeboarding and fishing endeavors. A ballast system is used to maintain your boat’s stability as it moves through smooth or turbulent waters. Unlike old ballast systems of the past modern ones will actually use the water itself to make sure your machine doesn’t capsize or sink.
Are Wakeboarding And Wakesurfing Different Sports?
You’ve learned that water sports have never actually gone out of style. You’ve asked, “What does a ballast system do and is it worth taking care of it?” Now you need to know…what is the difference between wakeboarding and wakesurfing? To wakesurf the surfer will trail behind a motorboat on a small surfboard that’s around five feet long. Wakesurf ropes are usually 20 feet long, while wakeboarding ropes are usually much longer. Wakeboards, on the other hand, are usually smaller than wakesurf boards. It all comes down to preference in the end!
Is Fishing Actually Good For Your Health?
What does a ballast system do? Well, it’s not just a wakeboard boat ballast system you should be checking out to get the most out of your health. Fishing is also a great way to get in touch with your better side. Multiple studies have found a distinct link between fishing and reduced stress across all demographics. It functions well by giving you an activity that’s just specific enough to draw your attention, but relaxed enough to slow down your heartrate and encourage a peaceful state of mind.
Should I Get Into A Boating Hobby This Year?
The short answer? Absolutely. The long answer lies in whether or not you want to get the most out of your spring and summer weather. Wakeboarding is fast becoming the most popular water sport beside swimming and fishing, seeing millions of American families turning out to their lakes and oceans of choice year after year. Boat accessories are easier to come by than ever and go a long way in helping you maintain your watercraft. These range from a ballast pumping system that’s safe on the environment, waterproof floor mats and safety equipment, among others, and should be carefully tallied before you take to the water.
It’s not cold yet. Sign up for that wakeboarding class and get your heart pumping!
More Stories
Ballast Systems, Wakeboarding and Boats