New Rope/Board for Wife

[jdevlan]

I posted this on Wakeoutlaws. Thought I'd post it here too.

Hello everyone. First time poster. My family recently picked up wake surfing at the end of last summer behind our Calabria Pro V. Our board is an Island Surfer Red Tide (reccomendation from Surfdad on Tige Owners last year). Our rope is a Proline or Straightline (not sure which) with thick braiding at the end.

Here is the issue. My wife and her friends are having trouble with the size of our board and the rope. The braiding on the rope is so massive that they can't grip it tightly. Combine that with their difficulty sinking the Red Tide on take off and they are really getting frustrated.

Of course, I (at 210 lbs) don't have any problem with the rope or the Red Tide. I am able to get up easily and ride without the rope for quite a while. In fact, I think I am ready to "upgrade" to a more agile board if such a thing exists for someone 200+ pounds.

First, I'd like to buy a new rope to replace the braided one so that the women can get up easier. However, I don't want to pack two ropes in the boat. So, I need one that will work for everyone. Suggestions?

Second, I'd like to buy a second board that will work better for the women. If possible, I would also like the board to work for me so that I can start learning how to do some tricks on a more agile board. Suggestions again?

Thanks for your comments/suggestions in advance.

Devlan

P.S. My wife weighs 135 lbs.

[xpjim1]

Inland Surfer Green loogey and the Inland Surfer rope

[Surfdad]

We've worked out a "faster - slower" method for getting smaller folks up on big boards - like a 10' longboard. Judy, who barely weighs 100 pounds can get up on a 10 long 3" thick board. The secret is to send the smaller folks to the very very back of the board - rather than in the middle as they are doing a deep water start. It's easier to sink the tail. Also, have them place their feet on the rails waiting for the boat to move - then just start pulling them slowly - let the water flip the board up against their feet - All they have to do is get the leading edge out of the water and then the force of the water will flip it up. It's not relying on the smaller folks to sink the rail.

Your 210 is right at the upper end of the weight limit on the Green Loogey. Would you consider a TWP Comp X 5.0, or Smed Wombat? These are in the 5'0" range still easily ridable but the ladies and your bigger frame.

Inland's rope is nice - I'd concur.

[dogbert]

In addition to what Surfdad recommends, I see these other common mistakes:

• Driver - takes off too fast...you need to gradually increase speed, kinda like teaching a really young kid how to wakeboard; it doesn't take much to get people up on plane, so you don't want to make them work too hard
• Driver - makes speed adjustments too quickly...you need to adjust the speed gradually so your newbie rider doesn't lose their balance; surfing is the ultimate balance sport so the driver really needs to make sure they learn how to manuever the boat accordingly
• Rider - pushes against the board...getting up on a surf board is not that much different from the proper wakeboarding technique; you need to roll on top of the board and let the mechanics of the boat moving forward and the board planing out work for you. Don't worry about turning the board...get up first and then figure out how to get it into the sweetspot
• Rider - stands up too quickly...wait for the board to be completely on plane before standing, this way it won't sink.

Finally, I've noticed that if the board's too big, smaller riders will have trouble with it. I prefer a bigger board to float my fat @$$, but this doesn't work for smaller adults or kids.

[chpthril]

In addition to what Surfdad recommends, I see these other common mistakes:

• Driver - takes off too fast...you need to gradually increase speed, kinda like teaching a really young kid how to wakeboard; it doesn't take much to get people up on plane, so you don't want to make them work too hard
• Driver - makes speed adjustments too quickly...you need to adjust the speed gradually so your newbie rider doesn't lose their balance; surfing is the ultimate balance sport so the driver really needs to make sure they learn how to manuever the boat accordingly
• Rider - pushes against the board...getting up on a surf board is not that much different from the proper wakeboarding technique; you need to roll on top of the board and let the mechanics of the boat moving forward and the board planing out work for you. Don't worry about turning the board...get up first and then figure out how to get it into the sweetspot
• Rider - stands up too quickly...wait for the board to be completely on plane before standing, this way it won't sink.

Finally, I've noticed that if the board's too big, smaller riders will have trouble with it. I prefer a bigger board to float my fat @$$, but this doesn't work for smaller adults or kids.

X2

[jdevlan]

What do you think about a TWC F-18? How does it compare to the Comp X 5.0?

Thanks for the info on the starts. It might be that my wife knows how to pull people up and I don't. Normally I am acting as a voice activated balast and she is driving. Everyone gets up when she drives. Of course, when she is in the water, I am driving and I bet I am pulling her too hard.

We will work on it this weekend.

[dogbert]

What do you think about a TWC F-18? How does it compare to the Comp X 5.0?

Thanks for the info on the starts. It might be that my wife knows how to pull people up and I don't. Normally I am acting as a voice activated balast and she is driving. Everyone gets up when she drives. Of course, when she is in the water, I am driving and I bet I am pulling her too hard.

We will work on it this weekend.

LOL. Clearly we need to tell her about the rule where you always blame the boat driver

Let us know how it goes.