riding switch

jbcs16 · Outlaw Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 100

I normally ride goofy (right foot forward), but have recently started trying to ride switch. This is my first summer wakeboarding and I have so much to learn. I've tried coming up into a switch stance, but that usually ends quickly in a face plant. I've also tried changing to switch while riding, but can't seem to get the board around and in position. Would it be easier without the fins?

Pookie94 · Criminal Joined: 30 Jul 2010 Posts: 65 City: Maumee

Yeah with no fin it would be easier Razz

but get more expert advice

Anubis_79 · Newbie Joined: 11 Jun 2010 Posts: 40

It would be easier to swing around on the surface without a fin, definitely. You'll lose the tracking you get with fins though. Since you're just starting to try switch I would suggest taking off only the rear fin when in your normal stance. This will help you get the tail of the board to spin freely and give you stability for when you get it around. It might also help spin you around if the fin catches, but it might also toss you over your toes. I can get up either way, but I probably get up different than the "proper" way. I am already on my heels when I get up and cutting out. I'm usually outside the wake just a couple feet after it's formed, when it's still quite small. I do the same thing switch, just leaning and shifting to cut out the other way heelside.

sparkysparks9 · Criminal Joined: 16 Aug 2008 Posts: 78 City: North Bend

i ride goofy as well...the thing that helped me track right while riding switch was to let go with my right hand in switch position. in my experience...the right arm, which is usually the lead, wants to take over ant tries to pull you around. Let go with the right hand, and it should turn you properly...when starting to get the right hand back on the handle work slowly...you need to build up the muscle memory when riding switch

fd2blk · Criminal Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 82

I just started riding this summer as well but have not had a problem going switch (Other then riding switch) What speed are you trying this at because if I am trying surface maneuvers my wife typically slows the boat down to around 15MPH, I am fairly sure I would face plant if I tried it at normal speed, 18-20MPH. I have two boards both with 4 1.1mm Fins and they both seem to break free fairly easy, now I have rode my wife's motive with the 2 big fins and I cant imagine breaking that thing free .

jbcs16 · Outlaw Joined: 03 Aug 2010 Posts: 100

My board does have pretty big fins on it, but a friend of ours rode my board this weekend and he was able to turn it around. But he is a much better wakeboarder than me and it still took him a few tries to get the board turned and he did it off the wake. i can turn it around without the fins on it, but I still usually face plant. I can't get it turned all the way and get the handle locked at my hip. I think I will try slowing the boat down like you suggested. That makes sense. I usually ride about 18-20mph. at least a face plant isn't quite as painful at a slower speed.

pet575 · Posted: Aug 10, 2010 9:54 am Post subject:

Guys, "turning" the board itself is a matter of moving the rope handle from your lead hip when riding regular to the opposite hip and letting the pull of the boat initiate the turn.

If you're having trouble with the board tracking sideways instead of the same direction as the boat, then you are not holding your rope handle on your lead hip. A good way to initially correct this problem is to let go with your back hand. As you get a little better, you want to work on returning to riding with both hands on the rope and the rope handle on your lead hip-whether you are riding regular or switch.

LiquidCraftMasterForce · Newbie Joined: 10 Aug 2010 Posts: 12

Another thing I notice makes a big difference when trying to revert or go switch is weight distribution. On my old hyperlite board I had pretty big fins on both ends, I had to shift my weight forward on the board so there was less pressure on the rear fin and the board could spin a bit easier

LopsidedMidget · Newbie Joined: 25 May 2010 Posts: 28

Pet575 definitely has it right. You just pull the handle to your rear hip with whichever hand is your rear hand (your left hand in this situation) and the boat will do all of the work. So far as riding switch goes, you just need time. It is frustrating your first few times out, but you get used to it and will be cruising in either, regular, or switch in no time.

JohnnyV · Newbie Joined: 28 Aug 2008 Posts: 25 City: Dartmouth

i made some attempts to ride switch last night (after my wicked bail) and i was completely successful. I found if i was slipping off-balance, to let go of the line with my rear hand and trail my arm behind me. I think this forces your weight to shift properly and you assume a much more stable riding stance.

then again i know nothing and often talk out of my ass.