King of wake

[Bruizza]

Speaking for me, I ride either way and switch all the time to even up the loading on my leg muscles. I can cross the wakes heel or toe, either direction, and even do 180's while crossing. When trying to jump, though, I go heel side.

Also, even though I've tried various ballast setups, most of the time I have been trying to jump W2W with no ballast at all. The wake seems plenty large enough to me as a beginner.

The only problem with trying to clear the wake with no ballast is the wake tends to be soft. Thus you push through it instead of popping off it. Some of this is related to size. I'm 6ft 205lbs and can push right through the wake with no ballast. Maybe try filling the ballast 1/4 full.

[Ewok]

For those who can, there are a lot of great wakeboard camps in FL and TX all year round. I've been to Texas Ski Ranch in New Braunfels, TX, and it is fantastic. They have a cable park and a seperate boat lake and lots of instructors that can help most people progress.

[laserfish]

The only problem with trying to clear the wake with no ballast is the wake tends to be soft. Thus you push through it instead of popping off it. Some of this is related to size. I'm 6ft 205lbs and can push right through the wake with no ballast. Maybe try filling the ballast 1/4 full.

What size board are you riding. Son is on 141 now and anything less he says is too small.

[Bruizza]

I ride a 144 Ronix Viva.

[WakerideN]

What size board are you riding. Son is on 141 now and anything less he says is too small.

I agree with this 100%!! used to ride 137-139cm now 141 and up. and I only wieght 170.

[Timmy!]

It really is technique and making sure you hit the wake with the line loaded and on your edge. When you hit it right, it just throws you effortlessly. A friend of a friend was watching me ride last year and told me exactly what I was doing wrong and the very next jump I was getting the most air I have ever gotten and I haven't looked back. I can get quite a bit of air with no ballast at all and I am on a 142.

[racerdave]

I am riding a 137 and weigh 185lbs I can ride it very easy and can jump wake to wake pretty consitantly and when I really get after it I can jump wake to flat but these usually don't turn out pretty. I can do some nice 180's w2w but it is nothing like what you tube videos make it look like. I am working my rear end off to do it! That is 20 mph and 60' of rope. I ski with the rope shorter it just seems to be the meatier <---(not sure if that is a real word) part of the wake. That is with all ballast full and taps on about 5. My board is a hyperlite Erik Ruck edition and rides very good but from some other post it seems like it might be to small.

[talltigeguy]

You need professional help

I always love to say that. But in all seriousness, it only takes a modicum of athletic ability to clear the wake, so I am pretty sure you are not doing something right. I am sure that you can probably find some fairly advanced young punk to go with you and if you offer free pulls to them, they will give you tips on your riding.

If that is not possible, I bet we can get some good tips going if you put up a video of you attempting to get over the wake.

Having said all that, I think some guys just have an inner chi that helps them understand physics deep in their spinal cord. They make it look so easy, and it is frustrating as heck that I have to work so hard to be so mediocre.

BTW, here is a video behind a Tige 24V...If you come down to the Lake Mead reunion, I am sure I can arrange a lesson with Sam Cole, the last guy in the video. I am not a big fan of going without a life vest but there is some sweet Lake Mead water and nice riding. I went yesterday with Sam Cole and Sam Weldon. You would think it would rub off on me...but no.

http://awakeleftcoast.com/2012/06/15...-early-season/