Holding On To Handle Problem...

[lkg1196]

I have been trying to get up on a wakeboard for a while now. I finally had success today...and popped right up. However, I found it extremely hard to hold on to the handle. My arms became extremely tired and my grip loosened (I was wearing gloves). I see these people holding it one handed and when I tried to hold it one handed while tightening my grip..I barely could do it.

Is this normal? Or do you think my positioning is wrong and that's why it is so hard? I have no one that knows how to wakeboard around me, so I'm learning by myself...

Thanks in advance.

[hawkster0001]

never heard of it being that hard, how fast were you going, and how old are you, theres really no real "postioning", it s just normal grip like you holding onto bike handle bars

[lkg1196]

My brother was pulling me - and he said the boat was tacking 4200RPM - my boat is in the shop so we were using a 22' pontoon boat with a 90hp (don't laugh!). And I'm 22...

Maybe I was just expecting it to be easier...especially after watching everyone use one handed holds for a split second...

[lkg1196]

I'm thinking that's around 20 mph...

[Chocoholic]

It shouldn't be hard. In the beginning you can expect some tiredness in your arms, but this gets better. Don't hang onto the handle for dear life with a tight grip, you can actually just hang on with a loose grip just with your fingers loosely hooked round the bar.

I find really hard/rigid handles are harder to use and can rip your hands to shreds, maybe look at getting a thicker, softer handle.

I use the Straightline Bantam - everyone that uses it loves it.

[hawkster0001]

hmmm, i have no clue why it owuld be that hard, normally i only need both hands when im cutting aggresively, but if im klinda just cruizing along, i can do one hand ofr a s long as i want, but the only thing that i could think of is that you were either going to fast or too slow, but id say just keep going, and see if you still cant hold on after you get your boat back, then if your still having problems you might want to look ito buying somthing nlike this too http://www.leehayward.com/heavygrips_usa.htm

and ive seen w2w tantrums done behind a pontoon heres a different videos though http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbhFTb3Ry9o&feature=related

[lkg1196]

Thanks for all the answers. And the more I thought about it, the one time I tried to let go with one hand was after a good hour of riding...so I'm sure it didn't help I was exhausted, and like I said, it was my first time ever really up and riding. Still working on toeside though...

And Chocoholic, the rope and handle I use is something I just picked up...I had no clue what I was buying - it is looks like the one in the picture http://site.unbeatablesale.com/img023/kwk059.jpg

Thanks again!

[hawkster0001]

thast handle should be fine, and i tend to not do long sets, just an half an hour on, 15 mins off then back on and what not, but yeah going for a staight hour will tire you out alot, so just keep riding and you will eventually build up some endurance

[actionmama]

You should be locking your shoulders back and not relying on arm strength only...course you said it was your HANDS. Perhaps you were going too slow. Gloves should have helped.

[liquid forcekin]

being tired could definitely be your issue. when i was learning it was the same deal. pissed off and sore hands

[slidin_out]

if you're just starting ride for 15 minutes and then take a rest, riding that long will only make your sore, tired, and more susceptible to bad technique which will cause you to catch edges and otherwise fall hard, work up to 30 minute sets after a few months, no reason to ride longer than 30 minutes at a time imo

[pet575]

[LopsidedMidget]

Sounds to me like you were just worn out from riding. But, a good way to fix, or at least help with the issue is to go to the gym in the off season. Honestly, wanting to ride for more than just a little while before I'm beat is my main reason for keeping a consistent gym schedule.