Looking for more pop

swift6six · Criminal Joined: 02 Nov 2010 Posts: 74 City: Boise

Guys I looking for some advice on getting more pop. I'm edging hard into the wake, and getting some decent air, but about 5-7 feet in height, I'm maxing out.

A little background, started riding about 5 years ago, and went out 3 days a week for the first season. Progressed reasonably well, but spent a lot of time developing bad habits because I didnt' know much better. Not keeping 2 hands on the handle, etc.

The next 3 years, I didn't have much time, and last year I only rode 2x. This year I've been able to get back at it, and have progressed much better. W2W, Flats, first toeside 180. Still working at toeside and switch, but that's not what my question is.

I upgraded to CT shanes, and saw a big difference in my riding. I'm considering doing the same for the board. I'm using an 06 Obrien Natural 139. It's been good, but I'm just not getting as high as I'd like. I demo'd a 2010 Lyman 143 - surprisingly, they felt very similar to me. Not enough difference to justify spending the cash. I'm not real tall, 6'1", and about 180.

So I'm looking for suggestions on a board that will offer similar speed, and more pop. I've considered the 2011 Ronix Mana, but haven't seen or demo'd it yet.

I've included a picture from yesterday. Not my best day riding, and this was probably low side of average for height.

Suggestions and help are always welcome. Thanks guys.

HHI Dave · Posted: Nov 05, 2010 9:01 am Post subject:

Hey bro, hang in there and you'll get it. Its always fun to upgrade your gear but technique is the key. There's a ton of threads about this, mostly in the "Newbie" and "Trick Tips" section.

swift6six · Criminal Joined: 02 Nov 2010 Posts: 74 City: Boise

Thanks Dave, appreciate it. I looked at those sections before, but I'll spend some more time investigating!

Brit Rider · Posted: Nov 05, 2010 10:30 am Post subject:

Where are you measuring your 5-7ft in height... bottom of the board to water or waist to water? What boat are you riding behind? Looking at your pic I see a tower and possibly a malibu VLX wake?

I'd get some coaching before spending money on boards. I can throw most anything I can do on a cheapo Hydroslide just as I can on my Double Up.

I'd ignore alot of the marketing hype and work on improving your skill set first. Change th eboard when it breaks.

pet575 · Posted: Nov 05, 2010 10:32 am Post subject:

If I'm understanding you right, you're getting 5 to 7 feet of height on your jumps? If so, I'm confused on how you need more height.

HHI Dave · Posted: Nov 05, 2010 7:46 pm Post subject:

I get 7 feet of air all the time. I'm 6'3" tall + 9 inches of vertical pop = 7 feet. Mr. Green

Anyway, to reiterate: Technique trumps equipment every time. Cool

toothpick · Posted: Nov 05, 2010 11:10 pm Post subject:

I'll back up what's being said in here by the fine folks here including my buddy Dave. With 5-7 feet of air, you have enough time to do mobes and 720s. If you are getting up that high, the board isn't an issue.

Craig-R · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 19 Dec 2008 Posts: 1676

swift6six, i agree with everything that's been said here already, but if you posted a video, we could definitely give you suggestions on how to get more pop. the first thing i'd suggest for you to get more pop is to lift your chest when you jump.. try that if you haven't already

swift6six · Criminal Joined: 02 Nov 2010 Posts: 74 City: Boise

Great ideas guys, lifting the chest, is something I've not been active at.

5-7 is from the board to the wake. You guys are right, it's all about technique. I should find someone in the area that can help give me some pointers. I'll try to get video next time I'm out.

The boat is a 2002 Mastercraft Maristar with about 900# of ballast. We're going to get one more sac and add another 500ish.

And I'm 6'1", and always think I look so goofy in pics.. riding on an 06 Obrien Natural 139.

DRAGON88 · Posted: Nov 06, 2010 6:35 pm Post subject:

swift6six, just looking at the picture it looks like you're not fully standing tall at the wake and are absorbing some of your pop off the wake. Also judging from your body/board position I would also think that you also might be riding pretty tail heavy and you might consider shifting some weight to your front foot.

vegas mike · Criminal Joined: 20 May 2009 Posts: 78 City: San Diego

HHI Dave · Posted: Nov 07, 2010 7:04 am Post subject:

FlyZone CR · Posted: Nov 07, 2010 7:41 am Post subject:

vegas mike · Criminal Joined: 20 May 2009 Posts: 78 City: San Diego

i'm 99% sure he is right too, but i see people say that a lot. i'm just wondering how they can tell from a picture.

DRAGON88 · Posted: Nov 07, 2010 10:53 am Post subject:

vegas mike, because on a normal wake jump if somebody has their knees sucked up to their chest like that, with that sort of body posture (shoulders forward) it usually means that they didn't fully stand tall off the wake and the kick pushed their knees up into their chest. Weight distribution was more of a comment on how the nose is significantly higher than the tail, again usually this happens when someone is riding too tail heavy into the wake.

vegas mike · Criminal Joined: 20 May 2009 Posts: 78 City: San Diego

yeah i get the weight distribution thing, now i can see how it looks like his knees got pushed up by the wake, instead of pulling his board up after leaving the wake like if he was doing a grab

Wakeboarder3780 · Posted: Nov 08, 2010 5:30 am Post subject:

just to throw something completely different out there... For one if you're getting w2w's down and working on 180's just keep riding and it will come. Work on all four 180's is my suggestion.

But on the other note... I was looking at the pic and it almost looks like your line is a little short? The sweet spot of the wake looks like it's about 5-8' back from where you've got the handle now. It would widen the wake and make w2w jumps a bit of a longer jump, but I think you'd also get more kick out of it.

Anyone else agree/disagree?

swift6six · Criminal Joined: 02 Nov 2010 Posts: 74 City: Boise

Great comments guys. I've been working at not 'kicking' off the wake, but standing tall, and like you're bouncing on a trampoline, standing up off of the wake. I'll have to see what the weather is like for the next time out, and I'll try to take a video.

You guys have been very helpful. I'll try standing taller, chest up, handle down lower, and lengthen the rope. It's at 65, but i'll move it to 70.

For weight distribution, I'm consciously focused on keeping a fairly even stance. I have been noticing that I'm going into the wake with a flat board, rather than holding more pressure on the heel. Should I change this as well?

HHI Dave · Posted: Nov 08, 2010 9:40 am Post subject:

swift6six · Criminal Joined: 02 Nov 2010 Posts: 74 City: Boise

Great, I'm going to have to write these things down and post it on my computer at work so I can be daily reminded. Razz

I have the progressive edging understood, but am not putting enough pressure on the heel at the very end then - and again probably not dispersing my weight evenly enough either, with that front end being so much higher than the rear..

ok, handle down low- push away, stand taller, chest up, heel down, front to back even distribution... I'll work on getting a video posted too.. it's cold and windy today, and I've got quarterly meetings, so this week I may not get back out. Sad