Getting ready for the first time

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

Ok... I bought a boat a few weeks back... I got a board this week. I will be getting a rope today or tomorrow. Any suggestions for an absolute virgin????????? Also... what is the deal with helmets.. I see some wearing...and some not?? Is it a good idea?

Thanks for the advice!

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

oh come on... nothing... thanks yall! Laughing

HHI Dave · Posted: Jul 14, 2010 2:07 pm Post subject:

Here's a link with some beginner tips...

http://www.discoverboating.com/resources/article.aspx?id=110

So what board did you get?

Anubis_79 · Newbie Joined: 11 Jun 2010 Posts: 40

You really don't need a helmet unless you plan on hitting sliders and kickers and such, or you're afraid you'll knock yourself out. As for everything else, just search for videos on getting up, body position, learning to ride. There isn't a lot to say really, you're better off learning by watching. Also, everyone is different and you won't know what is comfortable for you until you get out there.

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

I ended up getting an OBrien System. Hope it is an ok starter board

JeffreyCH · Posted: Jul 14, 2010 8:28 pm Post subject:

Are you new to boating also? Some tips I've learned over the years.

*Get in to a ramp routine. Mine is put plug in, raise outdrive and remove struts (i/o thing) pull straps. Do this in the parking lot before getting in line at the ramp.

*Practice backing your boat trailer. I've been backing construction trailers most of my life so this wasn't an issue for me. I did watch some guy try to back his boat in 7 times a few weeks ago. Wife and two kids standing there like WTF, and 2 boats in the que like really WTF. Poor dude, I almost docked and backed it in for him. Very Happy

*A few things that you will want on your boat. I carry a pretty good set of basic tools, a gallon of gas, and a quart of basic fluids (oil, power steering, hydraulic ect.) and a jump box. These are things that are better to have and not need then need and not have Wink

*Be aware of everything on the lake. WB'ers and skiers take a pretty predictable line, tubers and jet ski's do not.

I'm sure there is a bunch of other things I could think of....just not right now Laughing

If your not new to boating, then never mind Very Happy

The board you got will be fine to start, have FUN!!! Cool

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

Thank you for all the good tips... I am kinda new, but have figured out a lot of that... been pulling trailers for a long time so thank goodness I don't have the stress of looking like a jerk at the ramp! Smile

tyty401 · Posted: Jul 19, 2010 7:04 pm Post subject:

Helmets are really personal preference. When me and my buddy go out I like to wear one just to reduce the headaches when catching an edge. My friend on the other hand refuses to wear one, but he is still alive to this day! haha just decide what is better for you

fd2blk · Criminal Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 82

Just a few tips from another noob
1) let the boat do all the work dont try to fight it and it will pop you up if you come over the front of the board it is probably because you are pulling againgst the boat
2) once you get up and stay up if the board feels like it is all over the place try getting more weight on your front foot, makes a huge diffence

3) remember that to make the wake board move you are using heel to toe movment not turning like a surfboard with your back foot

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

ok... explain #3 to me please....

pet575 · Posted: Jul 21, 2010 12:57 pm Post subject:

Weight on heels will carry you in the direction of that edge, weight on toes will carry you in the opposite direction.

So, if you ride regular (left foot forward) then putting all your weight on your heels would turn you left. All weight on your toes=right hand turn.

To avoid skull-splitting falls do NOT cut out on the heelside edge and then put all your weight immediately on your toes and, vice versa, do NOT cut out on your toeside edge and then put all your weight immediately on your heels.

When learning to turn back and forth, you have to flatten the board out for a little bit after edging before switching to the other edge to turn in the opposite direction. It is called a transition. Once you get better, the transition can be very brief or can be skipped all together. Not recommended for beginners, though.

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

wow... skull splitting!!! thanks for the advice... take it slow at first.. .got it

slaidler63 · Newbie Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 11 City: Irving

Probably a little late, but make sure you got a wakeboard rope, and not a ski rope or you will have some hard falls

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

Ha! Well, I almost have a wakebord rope! I used the ski rop as it was all I had... I shortened it up 10 feet or so and was able to get up... but not stay up... rope stretch??? At anyrate, I am going this afternoon to get a rope and hit the lake.

slaidler63 · Newbie Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 11 City: Irving

A wakeboarding rope will not stretch at all making it much easier as you don't get yanked toward the boat when you jump. I'm sure you will notice a huge difference

chawk610 · Addict Joined: 06 Jul 2010 Posts: 668 City: Fort Worth

Didn't get the rope... But did get up and stay up !!! I was super pumped! Next I try going over the wake... I did have a pretty hard faceplant though... and yes... I put my hands out to stop myself Laughing