What did your doctor say about wakeboarding? I played college lacrosse and football as well, and know damn well that boardin' is definitely a "contact" sport! I don't think there's a vest out there that can protect you from an
"awkward" or "twisted" landing.......? It wouldn't take much to F your back up! (what does your coach think?)
I think that's the dad in me coming out, and if I were back in the day, it may have come out differently......I guess I'm just saying be careful, cuz you've got plenty of sports and ridin' ahead of you!
Good luck.