Be honest… what do you automatically think of when you hear "pontoon boat?" A leisurely lake cruise with the grandparents, right? Perhaps the John Candy character from "The Great Outdoors?" A pale suburban dad with a ridiculous hat, goofy shorts and flip-flops, hoping to avoid the crazy go-fast boat for something safe, steady and reliable (read: boring)?

Yeah, us too. In fact, most people probably think of the stereotype… until we discover that today's pontoon boats are not the same as our parents' party barges. Now, don't get us wrong. Contemporary pontoon boats are still spacious, stable and comfortable, with plenty of room for lounging and stowing a day's worth of gear. But they also can be wicked-fun if they're properly equipped.

All you need to do is make a few key decisions. First, choose the appropriate engine for your pontoon boat. You'll want to select the largest-size engine your budget will allow, without exceeding the limit recommended for your boat. Next, talk to your dealer about high-performance options. He or she will help you assess your family's needs based on everyone's watersports experience levels and exactly how you plan to use your boat.

One such option is a third "center log" pontoon with aluminum spray shield, which allows for higher-horsepower outboards, increased carrying capacity, a smoother ride and improved handling. Another option to enhance your pontoon's performance: lifting strakes that allow the boat's pontoons to ride higher in the water, reducing drag and increasing top-end speed.

If you plan on spending hardcore hours on the water, you'll also want to consider hydraulic steering. And, as a high connection is critical for serious wakeboarding, you'll probably also want to have the ski pylon that sticks above the pontoon's fence.

By design, your pontoon boat already features an elevated helm station for superior 360-degree views, which is critical for towing skiers, boarders and other tow-behind toys; a sturdy, wide-step boarding ladder that is vastly superior to those aboard most water-sports boats; and an unbelievable amount of storage for all your equipment.

So you're all set there.

But… what if you've never strapped on a wakeboard in your life? You've always wanted to try wakeboarding, but what if the very thought of it brings to mind that
same John Candy character, dragged around the lake behind Dan Aykroyd's monster boat in the most dramatic display ever imagined on any lake, anywhere?

We have some suggestions for you. First, there are some great resources available online:

• www.wakeboardingmag.com
• www.wakeworld.com
• www.sbcwakeboard.com
• www.wakeboardbum.com
• www.wakeboarder.com

(Lest we offend anyone, we must point out that there are many other resources out there. These are just a few that we particularly like.)

If you'd like to actually watch someone on a board, simply visit YouTube.com and search for "Learn to Wakeboard" and "Beginner Wakeboard Tricks," and a variety of videos on how to kneeboard will be at your fingertips.

If taking virtual lessons on the computer doesn't seem as helpful as the real thing, you might want to find a local waterski/wakeboard school near you. Do an Internet search of your area (where you live — or where you boat, if they're not the same place) and "wakeboarding lessons" or "wakeboard school."

And don't worry if you don't live somewhere like Florida or the Great Lakes. There are quite a few such schools out there, often in surprising locations. This particular editor was
delighted to see a waterski/wakeboard school thriving in Colorado's Front Range, just west of Denver.

Just remember: Every new sport starts with a first step. Do a little homework, take a few lessons if you like, and give it a try! There's a whole new world of fun and adventure waiting for you, and your pontoon becomes the perfect wakeboard boat.

Tips:

As with all watersports, remember: SAFETY FIRST!

• Always have a spotter aboard. The captain's job is to drive the boat, yours is to rip up the lake… and the spotter's is to watch you. Every second.
• Wear a life jacket, no matter how strong of a swimmer you are. No arguments.
• Take it easy. The maximum recommended boatspeed for wakeboarding is less than for waterskiing, approximately 14-19 miles per hour. Remind your driver if he or she is too enthusiastic with the throttle.
• And be patient. Rome wasn't built in a day. Start slowly and gradually build on your experience as your comfort level and skills allow.

For more safety tips, visit Discover Boating's Beginner Wakeboarding Tips.

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