wakeboard size

[Richard Johnson]

My boys wanted to get into wakeboarding but I don't really know what size or length to get them. Is there a good beg. board to get them started on?. One is 150 lbs. the other is 190. Do I have to get them each their own or can they use one untill their skill improves.

[Gschmidt1]

150...I would say 133-134

190- really depends, but I would say 142. I am 187, and I can ride either 142 or 138, it really depends what you want - longer boards=softer landings, shorter=quicker, but harder landings.

[David]

They can both probably ride around a 138-142...It will be pretty big for the lighter one, but they both will be able to progress on it. Once they get to a higher skill level, you can go for the more personal boards and size, shape, and rocker is just up to their preference and riding style.

[Richard Johnson]

Thanks for the info I will go shopping this week. I have already seen 2 boards one was called a Blindsight and the other was I think called a lightspeed .They were in good shape $100.00 & $200.00. But I would like to get one that is a good brand any ideas? Thanks for the help.

[wakerider3989]

the best advice i can give is to go ahead and get them their own boards and also avoid the off brand boards. Eventually they will outgrow skill wise the cheap boards and want something nicer so you might as well save the money and get a nicer board/binding setup. If you want to save money go with 05 stuff vs 06 stuff. The major brands i would stick to are liquid force, CWB, Hyperlite, yes there are others but you really cant go wrong with either of these three. O and no matter what you do dont by a hyperlite Parks. Check out the liquid force substance, CWB absolute, and the Hyperlite Murray. Look in the 136-138 range for you 150lber and 141and up for 190 lb son

[NICKYPOO]

Look for the bargains. If you have a local board shop see if they have any floor models or demos from last year. They usually let them go for pretty cheap. If your only going to get one I'd say a 138-139. I would also stick with the "Big 3" but I would make it the "Big 4" with the addition of Double Up. You could also throw O'Brien in there. Do you have any towing experience?

[Richard Johnson]

Yes I have taught lots of people to ski but this is our 1st real tow boat. I ended up buying a used but very good condition Blindside 138 for $100.00 bucks .We borrowed a hiperlite and after a few tries my 20 yearold was able to get up.After he figured it out he pops up with no problem.I got up 2nd try.Not bad for a 48 yearold who has'nt even skied for 8 years.But I must say those of you who know how to do it make it look alot easier than it is!!!. To me it's like surfing without a fin. Pretty squirrelyI think the Blindside has bigger fins to turn with.Does bigger fins help?

[NICKYPOO]

Some bigger fins will keep the board more stable.

[Richard Johnson]

Will the bigger fins help turn the board toward the wake?. I could'nt seem to get the other board to track or cut toward the wake so I have'nt expierienced what the jump will be like.

[Gschmidt1]

I could'nt seem to get the other board to track or cut toward the wake so I have'nt expierienced what the jump will be like.

This means you aren't using your edge correctly. You need to work on a progressive cut. The only thing that fins do are keep the board a little more stable on the initial part of the cut.

[NICKYPOO]

Your all over it G.

Also try to remember to keep your shoulders and your hips squared up to the back of the boat. Keep the handle low to your hip and keep your center of gravity low.

I think the hardest thing for me to over come after a life of slalom skiing was standing with my feet sideways and having my hips square to the boat. Good body position is the key.

[Richard Johnson]

Thanks for the advice, it's nice to have you guys out there!!!. Here's another one. When I surf I turn my left foot--toes toward the nose so my back foot really does the turning along with my body.I noticed that I can adjust the pivot on the bindings do you think this would help?. When I used the Hyperlite I didn't want to mess with the guy's set up so I just went with where he had it . It felt like my feet-legs were spread apart to far. What is the best way to figure a base setting?.

[Tequilasun]

Most people ride with a slight duck out.

I would set the bindings up so that they are the same angle outward for both feet. It will help you get used to riding Switch a little easier.

But by all means set them up how it feels most comfortable, its only at the very extremes that you will do much to hurt your riding.

Good luck.

[NICKYPOO]

I ride a 10 degree duck (toes out) for both feet. One other thing people will tell you about is your grip. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess you use a baseball bat grip. Technically, you should ride with both palms down. I don't. I should, but I don't. I can't seem to get rid of "the bat". Maybe some day. I also slalom with my baseball grip opposite what I should given I'm right foot forward, right palm up. I board left foot forward (regular). When surfing (still regular) I prefer the starboard side, so my back is facing the wake (backside). I also skateboard regular but I push with my left foot. Do as I say, not as I do.

[Richard Johnson]

Thanks I'll try to remember that.I do use the palms down stye as I have gotten use to holding on with one hand sort ofstabing the handle in the water --leaning--carving ,turning ski style.But I know this maynot be the way for wakeboarding.