Newbie...so now what?

lukus01 · Newbie Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 32 City: Austin

Hi all! I'm a proud new (to me) owner of a '99 Malibu Sunsetter. The seller included 2 wakeboards and a wakeskate with the boat. It only took me a couple of times out on the wakeboard to decide to completely abandon my waterskiing background and concentrate on wakeboarding...in other words: I'm hooked. The problem is that I know virtually nothing about the equipment that I am on and if it is right for me. All that being said, this is what I have:
CWB - Area 51 (140) - needs new bindings (recommendations?)
Hyperlite - Byerly (142)
CWB wakeskate

My thought is that I set up one board for me and then set up one for everyone else. I also have 2 boys, ages 5 and 8 that I am sure that I will need to buy a seperate board. Oh, and I'm 6'-0" and 165 lbs. Any tips on the equipment or riding in general are appeciated. I've already ordered "The Book"

HHI Dave · Posted: May 18, 2009 12:04 pm Post subject:

165 lbs is a bit on the light side for boards in the 140-142 cm range, but that doesn't mean they won't work just fine. A bigger board is easier to learn on.

As far as equipment, other than a board and a vest, you'll want a NON-stretch rope specifically for wakeboarding. Its one of those rare times where the equipment really does make a difference. If you've already ordered The Book then you are on the right track. Welcome to wb.com and welcome to wakeboarding. : Cool

lukus01 · Newbie Joined: 18 May 2009 Posts: 32 City: Austin

Thanks for the reply. A non stretch rope was thrown in as well so I'm set from that aspect.

I guess my real question is should I stick with learning on the hyperlite which is the better setup but oversized or should I invest some $ towards bindings for the CWB and learning on that

HHI Dave · Posted: May 20, 2009 3:01 pm Post subject:

Personally, I'd spend some time riding what you've got. Figure out if you like the boards, get an idea of what you're looking for in a board, then make an informed decision about the next step. Don't forget to give the skate some time in the water too. Wakeskating is definitely fun and it will help your edging and technique on the wakeboard as well.