Pontoon Boat Water Sports

Pontoon boats may not be as fast as speed boats, but they can still join in on all the water sports fun! Pontoons offer great towing capacity, making it easy to engage in top water sports. We gathered up our favorite uses of pontoon boats below. If you are in the market for a new boat, check out a range of new and used models at New Jersey Outboards. We are located in Bayville, New Jersey.

Tubing

Pontoon boats can take people of all ages on a thrilling bouncing inner tube. Kids as young as four years old are able to safely ride them. They can fit one passenger or multiple passengers. Some are even built so you can lay reclined for a more relaxing cruise around the water. Most are made from canvas or nylon, making it easy to skim the water at top speeds. Pontoons let you go as fast as your tubers want, even hitting some waves for extra thrills.

Waterskiing

Waterskiing is a broad sport with many different styles available to pursue and they all are able to be towed behind pontoon boats. The most common style is the standard option with two skis. It’s the easiest to learn, making it an approachable choice for newbies or little kids.

Another option is slalom skiing where riders only use one board. It looks like a water sport version of snowboarding. It is more physically demanding than standard water skiing, but does let you carve deeper into the water.

A third style is barefoot skiing. It’s just like it sounds - there are no boards used here at all. Riders use their bare feet to skim the surface of the water. Pontoon boats will need to maintain higher speeds to keep the skier stable. Not surprisingly, this style is the most difficult to attempt and to master. But it’s also the most impressive!

Kneeboarding

Kneeboarding and wakeboarding are similar. Both use a wide board to skim the surface of the water. But kneeboarding is the more beginner-friendly option. Most people find it easier to learn. Plus, the equipment is cheaper.

Riders will kneel down onto a board while holding onto a tow rope. Pontoon boats will need to go between 15 to 25 miles per hour for the rider to stay upright. Riders can enjoy a nice ride around the bay (and even get some air by riding the wake!)

Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is often described as a mix of waterskiing, snowboarding, and surfing. Pontoon boats need to not only go fast enough, they must also be heavy enough to make a wake for the individual to ride. Wakeboarding is a very physical activity, so it’s better for older kids and adults who are in shape. It also requires more pricey equipment (though you can find them used for better pricing). Once beginners get a hang of this sport, they can pursue tricks and jumps. It makes this sport a great option for adrenaline junkies.

Fishing

Not all water activities require a tow rope! Fishing is a great option on pontoon boats. The open seating makes a comfortable spot to recline while waiting for a nibble. You’ll need to putter your boat out to your ideal destination. Anchor it and turn it off (so that the fish acclimate to its presence). Eventually, they will become bold and come close enough to see your fishing hook. Pontoon boats can handle freshwater or saltwater, which opens lots of options for the types of fish you can pursue. There are even accessories compatible with pontoon boats that make fishing easier, like rod holders. These lets you keep your pole stable without needing your hands, letting you rest your arms or set and hole another pole.

Pontoon boats allow you to enjoy the water and hot summer days in a plethora of ways. People of all ages can join in on the fun, from your young child riding in a tube to grandpa joining you on a fishing trip. When you’re ready to check out pontoon boats, visit New Jersey Outboards. Choose between new or used pontoon boats of all price ranges. We are located in Bayville, New Jersey. We see customers from a range of areas including Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Delaware.