Riding Switch ?

Rae · Newbie Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 9 City: Calgary

So I just started wakeboardign this year, and I know very little about it. but I was having a great time going out and trying it. now that I can get up and I know what foot I like forward I was wondering how important it is to be able to ride switch? Do I need to know how in order to do tricks?

dalderman · Soul Rider Joined: 08 Aug 2008 Posts: 356 City: Carlsbad

It's extremely important and you should work on riding switch as much as possible. When you start doing 180's, you're going to be landing switch and if you can't ride that way it's going to be difficult to land. I try to ride part of every set switch. It's going to be weird and uncomfortable but the more you do it the easier it becomes.

Rae · Newbie Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 9 City: Calgary

ahh yuck. I was scared of that. well I guess next year I will be trying it that way. So to be able to ride switch you don't have to change your boots around? becuase the fins on the back of my board are larger then the ones on the front this wont matter?>

buckthis · Posted: Sep 27, 2009 6:46 pm Post subject:

Rae, your in calgary, ride your snowboard switch for a season and you won't have any problems riding switch next summer

Rae · Newbie Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 9 City: Calgary

Lol. I don't snowboard. only done it once. perhaps I should look into starting it.

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

The more you ride switch, the more normal it gets. You don't have go big, just work on edging and throw some ollies and small wake jumps in to get used to it. Best time to learn IMO is when you first start riding.

HHI Dave · Posted: Sep 29, 2009 5:41 pm Post subject:

Rae · Newbie Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 9 City: Calgary

Oh well appartently my boots are set up wrong then. my back foot is striaght no agle. and then my front foot has a slight angle. should I change this?
and I will practice riding switch like crazy lol.

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

Symmetrical is the way to go. I ride with a big duck to my feet because I think it's easier to twist my body for toeside, and also my big feet need to be more centered on the board. Everyone's different though.

Chocoholic · Soul Rider Joined: 21 Feb 2009 Posts: 363 City: Dubai

Just practice riding switch throughout your set, I hate it big time, it feels totally weird to me, but it gets better as time goes by. Not sure about your fin set up, but I reckon getting the same size both ends might be better, and defo go for symmetrical binding set-up, duck foot, angled out slightly on both feet.

I just started to practice jumping switch, and am now doing cab 180's. It's horrible trying to land on my switch side, but starting switch ts and landing on my strong side is starting to feel pretty good.

You know what they say, practice makes perfect Very Happy

Rae · Newbie Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 9 City: Calgary

thank-you for the tips. I willhave to change my footing come next season then. as for my fins I have premoulded fins. I haven't actually looked to see if there the same size on both ends. its also a new board it will be my first time riding on it next season, so its a good time to change my footing seeing as I wont be use to anything lol.

walb0244 · Outlaw Joined: 05 Aug 2009 Posts: 122 City: Terre Haute

"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. "

This was info giving to me by Poison in another forum of mine. Just thought it might help to give you a start on where to place your bindings on the new board.

fish6942 · Addict Joined: 22 Feb 2006 Posts: 603

I encourage new riders to practice getting up switch. It seems a little less intimidating as compared to getting up the nerve to spin the board when you're at wakeboarding speed.

Rae · Newbie Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 9 City: Calgary

Hmm sounds hard, but you're right doesn't seem as intimidating.

Chocoholic · Soul Rider Joined: 21 Feb 2009 Posts: 363 City: Dubai

Let us know how you get on! I get up switch have the time now, makes it much easier, just becomes second nature.

Rae · Newbie Joined: 17 Sep 2009 Posts: 9 City: Calgary

Oh for sure I will let you guys know if and when I manage, as I am sure I will have plenty more questions. saddly it wont be for a few months (june) before I can try agian. we just got dumped on with snow so I am paitently waiting next season.
and thanks for all the tips, it will make it so much easier if I know what I am suppose to do.