Did my first tricks today! Need help with switch though...

USAF_C6 · Newbie Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 30 City: Moore

Went wakeboarding at the lake with the wifey today, and went out with a mission to learn some new things, and start progressing. I started late last season and since then have gotten pretty comfy riding, and carving behind the boat both in and out of the wake. I decided to start with some surface tricks..

First I tried the butterslide. This was a lot easier than I thought it would be, and after a few tries I had a blast just throwin' one in, as I carved around. Cool

Next I decided to try a surface 180. This again was no problem. I had no issues getting the board around, but had a hell of a time riding switch. I feel all out of wack and have a real hard time controling the board. I also could not get the board back around the other way to regular stance once in switch, fell every time.. LOL Laughing

Anyone have any tips for riding switch? I tried just starting out switch, but found that even more difficult than trying after the 180. I could get up that direction, but fell quickly. Sad

Last I tried a few ollies.. but am not adding these to the tricklist yet as, I don't feel I'm really getting them out of the water.

Hopefully I am headed in the right direction with what I am trying? Any thoughts? Hoping to make some big progression this summer, with surface tricks and hopefully a W2W or maybe even a W2W 180 by the end of the season.

HHI Dave · Posted: May 17, 2009 10:43 pm Post subject:

The key to doing surface 180's is moving the handle. Beginners find themselves riding switch and then struggle to get back to their regular stance because they are trying to move their feet. Don't move your feet, move the handle from your lead hip to your rear hip. Obviously you need to pay attention not to catch an edge, but the handle is the key. Practice sliding around at speeds in the 13-15 mph range and it won't ring your bell when you do accidentally catch an edge. I wish there had been someone to tell me that back when I started riding. Mr. Green

JeffreyCH · Posted: May 18, 2009 11:26 am Post subject:

Great advice Dave. The main thing with riding switch is to do it a lot. Actually I credit snowboarding with helping me get more comfy switch, much easier when you don't have the rope tugging on ya.

USAF_C6 · Newbie Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 30 City: Moore

Gave it a go again for a couple sets again today, after the wifey got off work.

Verdict:

I have the butterslide nailed, and can now do the surface 180 Regular to Goofy and back to Regular! Thanks for the handle hint!! Worked like a champ! Cool

I'm still not all that comfy riding switch but will continue to work on it. I don't feel like I have near the control I do normally, and can get pretty wobbly on the board. I'm fine going the normal direction.

HHI Dave · Posted: May 18, 2009 10:52 pm Post subject:

Glad the tip worked for you.

Like Jeffrey said, the only way to get better at riding switch is to do it. Only other thing I can tell you about riding switch is that the more you do it, the easier it gets. The easier it gets the more fun it gets. The more fun it gets, the more you do it. You get the point. Wink

jt09 · Ladies Man Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 22083 City: Austin

nice work usaf - i wish i could go back to my first time on the water and learn all over again!

as for the switch thing - do an entire run switch. get up out of the water switch. go play around across the wakes switch. do your butterslides switch. and do it NOW, early in your learning curve - i PROMISE you it will make you a better rider faster than anything else you can do.

good luck

pet575 · Posted: May 19, 2009 10:16 am Post subject:

USAF_C6 · Newbie Joined: 26 Oct 2008 Posts: 30 City: Moore

Thanks fella's I'll continue to work on it. It's acctually alot more fun. Now that I'm trying some stuff, rather than just cruising around behind the boat and, I don't get worn out near as quick cause I'm falling alot.. Laughing

I'm really concentrating on learning the basics first so things will be easier later.

JT - I'm still working on coming out of the water switch. I can get up, but I loose my balance a lot quicker than after the 180 for some reason. I think I'm gonna ride switch after the 180's for a bit until I get my comfort level up then try to come out switch as you suggest.

Pet - What you are saying pretty much nails it I think. I only have the problem riding switch (Goofy) though. I think it's cause my balance is off and I'm not standing tall or leaning back as much as when I ride regular. Hopefully as I practice it will correct itself naturally.

Thanks again for all the help fellas, I'm gonna keep up on the basics here and then, no more newbie forum for me! Wink