Novice Snowboarding needing some advice for wakeboarding

SantaCruz163 · Newbie Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 5

Like the title says, I have been snowboarding for 10 years and ride very fluidly on the mountain and love bombing down the trails, so I am not new to the board sports.

This past weekend I took a stab at wakeboarding and was able to get up with little effort and I REALLY enjoyed it even though I didn't feel comfortable yet. The main reason is I don't think the board I was riding was right for me and the bindings were really loose on me and they just rubber slip-in kinds; no velco, laces, straps, etc.

I am now looking to get my own gear that will suite me well for learning on and would be tailored to me. I am 6'0" 195lbs. I did the board finder link and it came back with 142s, 140s, 138s, etc. What would the idea size to go with? I want a board for mainly carving it up and not so much huge airs, but alittle bit wouldn't hurt. I'm lost on what bindings to go with so I definitely need advice there. Pros & cons to open-toe and closed-toe, etc. I plan on going with used gear to save some money and I'll put a budget of $300 for a setup.

Thanks. Cool

Christobull · Addict Joined: 29 Jun 2009 Posts: 898 City: Tulsa

Look for something with a progressive, dual, or hybrid rocker. It will carve easier and be quick on the water. These usually fall under the intermediate boards, but the two pro models I have use them as well. And, the boards also have great pop for those times when you want to get high. Look for a board with a rounded or straight tip and you'll avoid some of the hard diggers you'll take while getting used to being on the water. Bindings in many ways are more important that the board because your comfort level on the board will directly effect your riding. You're not going to go wrong in that size range. I've never ridden one, but a Slingshot might be right up your alley.

Hope you can piece that together, it's a little jumbled.

SantaCruz163 · Newbie Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 5

What are the dual, progressive and hybrid characteristics to a board? I understand that the 'rocker' is the curve, kind of like the tips on a snowboard but I'm lost on the ones you mentioned.

Also, does the longer board equal more stability and speed (like a snowboard) and a shorter board means better for allies and tricks? Would a 140 be a good choice?

The board finder link suggested the 142 LF Omega. Is that a good beginners board that will allow for growth in the sport? I agree, bindings will make or break a good day of riding and I really don' want to half-ass a pair but I'm also not looking to break the bank. Open/closed toe?

Cool

Christobull · Addict Joined: 29 Jun 2009 Posts: 898 City: Tulsa

The most straight forward way to explain it would be to say that a snowboard would have a 3-stage rocker line, meaning that it's flat in the middle of the raised ends. The three I mentioned will show up on boards that have a continuous curve throughout but with a more aggressive curve on the tips. It's basically the middle ground between continuous and 3-stage. It gives you the predictability and speed of a continuous and the pop of a 3-stage but also with softer landings. The Omega falls in this category, they just call it a mellow 3-stage. I've never been on one, but I don't see that board holding you back.

As for length, you pretty much nailed it. Different boards have different size charts, so you don't have to look specifically for any particular size. What might be the perfect size for one board may not be for another, or it may not even exist.

JeffreyCH · Posted: Aug 26, 2009 12:44 am Post subject:

I ride a 141 premier, subtle 3 stage(2.3"), falls under the category of hybrid I guess, nice middle ground. About the closed vs. open toe, since you are used to snowboarding I'd look more at CT's. I ride snow and wake, started on OT's and got CT's this year, wouldn't trade em for the world, my feet feel locked in, no toe drag, and yeah....feel like my snowboard boots....locked in!!!! Get bindings that are comfy and locked and don't worry a whole lot about the board, that will come into play later. In this sport you have to accept that your gear will need to be upgraded as you go, no way to get a PERFECT beginner board that will stay with you as you go into bigger and better tricks. When it comes to boards look at intermediate and it will allow you to progress for a season or 2 before you'll want a pro level board.

SantaCruz163 · Newbie Joined: 23 Aug 2009 Posts: 5

Closed-toe bindings it is then.

Yea, just like snowboarding, gear needs to (or should) be upgraded as you progress. I'm not too worried about a board, but I do want a quality set of comfortable bindings.

What are the advantages/disadvantages to different board shapes and fin locations (4 corners or 2 centers)?

JeffreyCH · Posted: Aug 27, 2009 11:26 am Post subject:

I started on a continuous rocker middle fin only board, with the fins in it's not to bad, with them out it is terrible. Having the outer fins w/ no center fin is way better IMO. I also prefer the ride of a 3 stage over a continuous rocker, little mellower in the carving and much more pop at the wake. The 3 stage also feels more controllable on edge.

Prizzy · Soul Rider Joined: 06 Jun 2008 Posts: 360 City: Milwaukee

JeffreyCH, second the 3-stage comments. however being an ok snowboarder(primarily rails and jibbing no lare jumps) the abrupt pop of a 3 stage might feel uncontrolled compared to large kickers at a terrain park.

dbismyname · Posted: Aug 27, 2009 12:29 pm Post subject:

I would recommend a 142 LF Trip. Legendary shape and won't hinder you once you progress.