First time wakeboarding - Needs some pointers

[Waterski-Rebel]

Well, we had the boat out today, I skied twice, then decided to try to wakeboard. I got right up, but kept going to the right (I had my right foot forward). I tried to lean to make the board go to the left, and didn't have any luck, so I figured I try to do a 180 on the water and the board would go to the left. Well, (FACE PLANT!!) it didn't go as planned, and I ended up in the water after a nasty face plant. I tried again, got right up, and same thing.

What am I doing wrong? My thought is, I am leaning back to far, like I would on a ski. Is that why I can't make it go to the left? If not, what should I be doing?

Also, any other pointers would be great.

thanks!!

[atvrandy]

hi leaning back is always good , keep weight on back foot.to go left or right is toeside and heelside by putting preasure on toes and heels there
is good videos on google how to wakeboard =enjoy

[loudelectronics]

Pull that handle down tight to your hips. YOu will tire quickly but you will get the feel for it properlly. This stops faceplants as well. Keeping the handle down low like this will straighten you out and keep you stable. It helps to stand over the middle of the board too with out putting to much pressure on your back leg. To turn just press your toes into the water to turn left for you and heels in the water to turn right. Good luck.

[Waterski-Rebel]

Thanks for the pointers, I will put the handle by my hips, and give it a shot next weekend.

I also have 2 boards, I used a CWB SOL (144) to get up yesterday, but I also have a 135 Hyperlite State that I was going to use after I learned how to wakeboard. The state's toeside is deeper then the healside. I wonder if I should use that one next weekend. I was able to pop right up on the Sol, so I don't need to worry about that challange.

[loudelectronics]

... and remember, your body goes where your eyes go. So if looking at the boat you will have a tendancy to face plant.

[22ba]

I always tell new riders (especially waterskiers) to let go with their back hand. This will give you a better feel of how your body is supposed to be positioned. Waterskiers especially tend to have their hips rotated forward which will make you drift to heal side. By letting go with the back hand it allows your hips to rotate sideways, then when you get the feel of it. slide that back hand forward to the handle, making sure not to change your body position.

[Waterski-Rebel]

22ba - sounds like what I was doing. thanks!!

[Waterski-Rebel]

So, one last question. Should I move to the 135 state as the board I learn on. It's toeside is deeper then the heal side.

I weigh 170, and that's the top end for that board, where the 144 SOL is huge for me. After I learn the 135 should be fine, but is it better to learn on a larger board, or one that's almost too small for you? (I think the toeside thing will help me learn, due to my waterskiing background)

[zad0030]

Well, we had the boat out today, I skied twice, then decided to try to wakeboard. I got right up, but kept going to the right (I had my right foot forward). I tried to lean to make the board go to the left, and didn't have any luck, so I figured I try to do a 180 on the water and the board would go to the left. Well, (FACE PLANT!!) it didn't go as planned, and I ended up in the water after a nasty face plant. I tried again, got right up, and same thing.

What am I doing wrong? My thought is, I am leaning back to far, like I would on a ski. Is that why I can't make it go to the left? If not, what should I be doing?

Also, any other pointers would be great.

thanks!!

Ha, You wakeboard just like me!!! With your face in the water!

[Waterski-Rebel]

I hope it doesn't continue. I did my faceplant on Sunday, and still have a dull headache. Much better then yesterday, but not something I want to do many more times.

Is that the typical crash? If so, I may be too old for this sport. If it is, maybe I should trade my wakeboard in on a surfboard.

[da.bell]

he he he

Make sure you lean back the entire time. The minute you lean forward, FACEPLANT. Yes, it does hurt.

[Waterski-Rebel]

So if you always lean back, but want to edge towards the boat (toe side), you don't lean forward, just flex your ankles forward?

[da.bell]

Good point. Probably should have said to lean away from the boat and not "back".

There are wakeboarding instructional movies that you might want to view on YouTube or purchase. The Book is one instructional video set that I would suggest to all.

[coach07]

Waketrix

Check out the free video clips at the Waketrix site. I found them so helpful I just ordered the DVD.

[Waterski-Rebel]

coach07 - that looks like a good video.

If I were to buy just one, is that one better or worse then the book that da.bell mentions up above?