COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE FUNCTIONING OF WAKEBOARDING WORLDWIDE

Abstract

Introduction. Wakeboarding, as an extreme water sport, is gaining increasing popularity in various parts of the world. In different regions, the development of wakeboarding is shaped by cultural traditions, natural conditions, levels of infrastructure, and support from both the government and the private sector. The challenge lies in the lack of a comprehensive analysis of wakeboarding development in both well-established and less-prominent regions for this sport. Research Objective. To explore the features of wakeboarding development and functioning across countries in North and South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia, considering the organizational structure, infrastructure, financing, and popularity of the sport in different regions. Research Methods. The study employed an analysis of specialized scientific literature and internet data, comparative analysis, systematization, and generalization. Results. In the United States, wakeboarding enjoys high popularity due to its well-developed infrastructure, government support through Olympic programs, and active involvement of clubs and schools, such as the Orlando Watersports Complex. A similar situation is observed in Canada, where more emphasis is placed on natural water bodies like Okanagan Lake. In South America, particularly in Brazil, wakeboarding is commercially oriented. Clubs such as Naga Cable Park play a crucial role in attracting athletes and organizing competitions. In Australia, wakeboarding thrives with the support of federations like Wakeboard Australia and numerous clubs. The popularity of cable wakeboarding is linked to government backing. Australia also exemplifies the effective use of state funding to support young athletes. European countries demonstrate a high level of wakeboarding organization, especially in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and Italy. For instance, Germany actively utilizes natural resources for cable wakeboarding development, while France stands out with government support through specific federation programs like FFSNW. Asia is at an early stage of wakeboarding development, yet Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines show significant progress. Thailand boasts one of the most advanced infrastructures in the region, while Japan emphasizes supporting young athletes through government programs. The study highlights the role of state support and private investments in popularizing wakeboarding, as well as the influence of climatic and geographical factors. Conclusion. Wakeboarding worldwide exhibits universal characteristics, but its popularity and organization significantly depend on local conditions. The sport is most developed in the United States, Europe, and Australia, where robust infrastructure, active federation and government support, and high competition participation levels exist. Asia demonstrates rapid growth in wakeboarding popularity, driven by the development of modern wake parks, particularly in Thailand and Japan. Emphasis is placed on the integration of recreational activities with professional sports, which ensures the inclusion of diverse social groups in the sport.