Ben, I applaud your drive and enthusiasm!
I've had my own businesses for over 19 years, and like most things in life what you put into it is what you get out of it. Others have given you great advise so let me just add to that.
Capital: Make sure you are not under-capitalized. Too many businesses these days are barely making their bills each week, or worse yet borrowing money from their own personal account to keep the business afloat.
Get involved: Approach ski clubs as well as wakeboard clubs. Make sure they are all aware of your business. (Lots of skiers ride wakeboards once in a while too)
Boat dealers: You might want to approach a boat dealer that does not sell wake products. Alot of boat buyers will want to buy equipment right after buying a boat.
Internet: Most of the time brick & mortar retail is not enough. Start your own website and keep it fresh often. You are not far from Canada so make sure you can ship items there too.
Overhead: The big killer of retail, keep your overhead as low as possible.
A wise business friend once told me the ABC's of owning your own business:
-Ambition
-Balls
-Cash
If you have all 3, you should succeed. Good luck with your new venture!
-Dave