Back into wakeboarding after 15 years off...

ctgretzky99

Hi all, first post...

Back in the day, I would watch and emulate Byeryl and some others who were doing tricks on directional boards and sandals like the board I have pictured below.

Bought a 2008 sea ray sport 205 with 5.0 mpi (260 hp) and am ready for action once again!

Going to start wakeboarding again after a 15 year hiatus. This is the board I still have from way back when. I was able to do pretty much anything back then, including almost getting the hang of flipping/rolling.

Well, here is what I got, am I going to be made fun of on the river using this thing? lol

Anything you can do to modify this?

Should I just buy a new frikkin board and put this one up on the wall with my surfboard collection? I plan on getting a new board at some point, but I have to buy all skiis and boards and vests for the wife and daughters and since I have this thing, I am last on the totem pole for new equipment!

I think I should be fine, but feel I might be limited on tricks.

THoughts?

vette74 · Posted: Mar 13, 2008 12:00 pm Post subject:

I would say upgrade if you are going to put any effort into riding or progressing, mostly because those sandal bindings are dangerous. It is easy for you foot to slip out/ ankle to get tweaked or what ever in those. Unfortunately this stuff is expensive I would look at getting used gear or a package deal like this

http://cgi.ebay.com/07-Liquid-Force-Trip-LTD-Wakeboard-Alpha-Boot-138-cm_W0QQitemZ370030917922QQihZ024QQcategoryZ47363QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Also, budget $100 or so for a new rope, ski ropes they sell at walmart or sporting goods stores have too much stretch it is probably the most important thing you can get for wakeboarding.

ctgretzky99 · Posted: Mar 13, 2008 12:13 pm Post subject:

pooser · Wakeboarder.com Freak Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 4738

ctgretzky99, are you buying this online or at a boardshop? when you are buying that much stuff at a board shop they will usually give you a little more of a discount. Don't know if online shops do the same thing. You will definitely be able to have fun on your old board but even the lowest end boards sold today are "better" than that one. If you look arround you can find a pretty good deal on last years or two year old stuff, and again if you go to a board shop and buy all that stuff they might be able to knock a little off the price of a board. COngrats on the new boat, have fun getting back into it.

ctgretzky99 · Posted: Mar 13, 2008 12:41 pm Post subject:

Hollywood · Posted: Mar 13, 2008 1:03 pm Post subject:

Alot has changed in terms of gear. Basically, you need to get the Ronix stuff.

Rhawn · Posted: Mar 13, 2008 1:08 pm Post subject:

If you like your ankles and knees, don't ride that thing! LoL Hollywood

ctgretzky99 · Posted: Mar 13, 2008 2:44 pm Post subject:

ctgretzky99 · Posted: Mar 13, 2008 2:48 pm Post subject:

Brit Rider · Posted: Mar 13, 2008 2:50 pm Post subject:

ctgretzky99, It's basically been recognised now that when you fall.. if a foot comes out of the bindings you can do more damage than them staying in... so they are more sturdy these days.

The idea is that if you fall really hard... they'll release... but if you just take a spill they'll stay on - saving you time and your knees/ankles Very Happy

Brit Rider · Posted: Mar 13, 2008 3:11 pm Post subject:

ctgretzky99, This might be an interesting read for you:
http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/1/557051.html?1205446769

ctgretzky99 · Posted: Mar 13, 2008 3:29 pm Post subject:

ctgretzky99 · Posted: Mar 13, 2008 3:34 pm Post subject:

pancoast · Outlaw Joined: 25 Mar 2004 Posts: 193

Check this site out. http://www.boardersbestbuy.com/ they have sick deals on most of the time and sometimes a package will come around. Good deal on a line and handle on it right now.

ctgretzky99 · Posted: Mar 13, 2008 9:29 pm Post subject:

Chattwake · Posted: Mar 14, 2008 5:01 am Post subject:

ctgretzky99, Call my friend Ryan at www.americanboatcenter.com - tell him Tom G. told you to call. He'll hook you up with everything you need at a significant discount. I buy everything from him. He'll match or beat any online price.

ctgretzky99 · Posted: Mar 14, 2008 6:04 am Post subject:

Hollywood · Posted: Mar 14, 2008 6:44 am Post subject:

ctgretzky99, if you're just getting back into the sport, and considering you were even considering riding that HO board, there is no point in paying for new gear. You can find a decent 3-5 year old setup that will only run you $100-$150.

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

That board looks interesting. I think it looks like a fun board to ride as a psuedo-surf/wake type board. I would ride this board more like a surfer and not doing tricks, due to the bindings and some of the other comments. I would definitely look at getting a different wakeboard, though. See if your local shop does demo's and go out and ride a demo compared to this one...you'll feel the difference. I started boarding last year with the Hydroslide "Black Widow" board, which was decent to start with, but when I demo'd the LF Witness with Transit bindings, WOW, what a difference. The Hydroslide was fun to start with but I would not want to try to start doing tricks with it...I would treat this board you have in the same way.

Have fun!

ctgretzky99 · Posted: Mar 14, 2008 7:58 am Post subject:

ctgretzky99 · Posted: Mar 14, 2008 8:00 am Post subject:

ctgretzky99 · Posted: Mar 14, 2008 8:48 am Post subject:

tpj · Outlaw Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 158

if you have a costco around you, they sell nice vests in all sizes for $25 or $30

nickl011 · Posted: Mar 16, 2008 11:56 am Post subject:

ctgretzky99, I found the setup in my sig fro under 200 shipped to my door! All in the original box and plastic, never been touched. Ebay is your friend. But if your friend gets too much advertising, he can really piss you off! Evil or Very Mad

ctgretzky99 · Posted: Mar 16, 2008 12:23 pm Post subject:

Thanks Tpj and nickl...update:

I went to "inland water sports" in Brookfield Ct yesterday, so it was only a 20 something minute drive. The owner was super, he has a great store with a crapload of stuff. I brought a list I printed out from the internet of prices and gave it to him...all set. He is going to match any price and give me a discount for buying so much at once. And I feel he knows his stuff and is willing to take the time with me.

I am taking the family next weekend there so they can try everything on, pick what fits perfect, and still get a good deal.

I am going to get a new wakeboard. FOr $250, he has lots of top of the line closeouts that I will look through when I am there.

So I think Ill just start off fresh on a new board so I dont get into having to relearn twice, and once I get good at th enew board try out the old board onc eina while.

Now...the hunt for a decent wakeboard tower for a good price will begin...

Thanks all for advice and thoughts, much appreciated.

Sinkoumn · Posted: Mar 16, 2008 12:31 pm Post subject:

^www.monstertower.com; they make TOP notch products - I highly recommend looking into them for your tower. I bought one a long time ago for my first boat, great support and they are always happy to answer any questions you have!

ctgretzky99 · Posted: Mar 16, 2008 12:37 pm Post subject: