Need some help with figureing everything out.

[walb0244]

I have read and watched videos on this site and on Youtube. I feel that I have learned a lot but I am getting confused on some things and some websites are not giving me a lot of details. They are a little vague at times. Let me start by saying that I started trying to wakeboard last year because we bought a boat in October and the boat came with a wakeboard. Since I first got up on the board wakeboarding has been like crack to me. The biggest issue is that I’m currently deployed to Iraq and I’m home for 2 weeks and I’m trying to jam a season of wakeboarding down into 2 weeks.

Rope length: How long of a rope do I need to be using? When I first was learning I was using a ski rope and I shortened it down to about 40 feet because I had read it would make it easier to get up. Well since then I am now using a 70 foot rope. I’m using this rope which I read was a good beginner rope.

http://www.target.com/Airhead-4-Section-Wakeboard-PhatGrip-Handle/dp/B000OF91II/sr=1-4/qid=1251771492/ref=sr_1_4/178-7244852-1520663?ie=UTF8&search-alias=tgt-index&frombrowse=0&rh=k%3Awakeboard%20rope&page=1

Board size:
I am using a 142 cm board. I weigh 150 and my brother in law weighs around 110. We both are currently using the same board. Which from what I have read we may be using a board that is too big for the two of us.

Binding size and fit:
I’m trying to figure out how the bindings are supposed to fit. I’ve read that you need to use lube to get the bindings on but I don’t seem to have to. My bindings have laces on them so it seems like I don’t see why you would need lube. When I tighten them up as much as I can they seem to fit pretty good but down at my toes seems loose. I have thought about getting some closed toe bindings because I have read that they fit tighter and you have more control. Is that true? My current bindings are below.

Boat speed: How fast do I need to be running? Right now I’m currently running around 25 mph. I have heard so many different things on how fast to be running.

Angle and placement of bindings:
On the bindings how do you know where to place them on the board? Right now I just have them centered and mounted square to the board. I didn’t know if you mount them angled with your toes forward or what? Do you keep them centered on the board front to back?

Maybe I can figure out answers to all these questions. I have video of me wakeboarding on youtube. I was trying to get to where I can jump the wake. Never made that. Just ended up crashing over and over.

[NKCrider]

rope: correct, 70ft

board size: you can use that board, its mostly personal preferance. im 180lb and i ride a 135. maybe try a 135 or 138

boat speed: anywhere between 18 and 22 mph i would say

bindinig angle: personal preferance

[STANG KILLA SS]

rope: most beginers ride a 50'-60' main line plus handle (5') now this goes to the tower, if your on a I/O tied at the back, youll need to take a bit off. the shorter rope doesnt help you get up really, mostly helps bring the wakes closer together.

board: yeah a 142 is pretty big for you guys. id look at a 137 or 138. possibly even smaller but these are common sizes, and you could gain weight and still be perfect for this size.

binding size. lube is not needed. thats old school ski style bindings. with laces you really dont need lube. look at the manufactures size chart. yours are kind of universal so everyone can use them. a higher end, specific size binding will go a LONG way towards your riding and feel. you dont have to go crazy. $150-200 can get you some KILLER bindings. yes you want them TIGHT.

speed: 25 is WAY too fast. 18-22 is the most common. i prefer 21-22

placement: bindings should be allitle wider than shoulder width. and both toes pointed towards the ends of the board at about 10 degrees. if you measure the back heel of the binding right in the center of the heel, 21" apart is a good place to start.


check this place out
http://test.waketrix.com/

[walb0244]

Quote: "placement: bindings should be allitle wider than shoulder width. and both toes pointed towards the ends of the board at about 10 degrees. if you measure the back heel of the binding right in the center of the heel, 21" apart is a good place to start."

I'm not understanding parts of this comment. Are you just telling me to start with the center of the bindings to be about 21 inches apart? Also, you said my toes should be pointed toward the ends of the boards. So my heels should be closwer together then my toes if i'm understanding this right.

Note: The boat I'm using is a I/O with a tower on it.

[Poison]

Yes, your bindings should be a little bit ducked outwards so you are correct in saying your heels will be a little bit closer together.

The best advice I ever got: without looking at your feet, stand with your feet shoulder width apart and jump up into the air high enough that you bend your knees a little bit when you land. Now look at your feet when you land. This position should be a good starting point for setting up your bindings. You should be a little wider than shoulder length stance and your toes should be pointed outwards at least a little (unless you're a pigeon). Set up your board to match the stance you landed in and use that as a starting point. From there, it is just personal preference. Take a screwdriver/allen wrench/whatever you need to adjust and mess around while you are on the boat until you find whats most comfortable.

Whatever you do, make sure both feet have the same distance and angle of ducking from the center...you will want to ride switch eventually and will need an evenly balanced setup.

I also ride an I/O with a tower and 65ft was where my wife and I started. Worked well for us.

[walb0244]

Sorry for taking so long to post. I was on my way back to Iraq.

Before coming back I moved the bindings like you guys said. It felt pretty good. I'm thanking that i need to get a smaller board especially since me and my 100 lb brother in law use the same board. I'm still trying to find somewhere around Terre Haute, In that will sell the bindings b/c i would like to go and try them on before buying them. Worried that if i order them online they will not fit right. Now one question that I have is do your heels hurt after wakeboarding? My heels are killing me. I thought it might be because of the cheaper bindings but i wasn't for sure. Thank you for all the help so far guys.