wakeboarding without a tower

rbkhockey83 · Newbie Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 11

Hi guys, new here. I have a cottage and we just got a new boat this year, it's our second. We ended up getting a 2011 Bayliner 175. I know they get ripped on for being cheap and all, but we had a Bayliner before this one and it lasted since 1985. So we went for another one (at the time I thought Bayliner was a good brand). Now I'd like a Malibu VLX or Epic lol Cool

When we got the boat this year we figured we'd just be tubing and skiing. I just learned how to ski memorial day and I'm already hooked. I'm already going slalom, and we got a Cyclone kneeboard with our boat but I'm not sure I like it. Even if I lean way back the nose ends up going under water after a jump and i get a mouthful of water.

Our lake is only about 1 mile across by 2 miles long, but it's big enough to do watersports and stuff. Our neighbors have a sick Mastercraft, and they're always out there doing flips and stuff, now I want one.

So now we want to get a wakeboard, but I'm wondering if it'd be worth it because we don't have a tower, but I mean the wake isn't too bad if you get enough people in the boat.

I'd be happy if I could jump across the wake. Because I can't get much air slalom, and kneeboarding is straight up painful

What do you guys think?

Also, any recommendations on a board?

FlyZone CR · Posted: Jul 09, 2011 9:06 pm Post subject:

You'll be able to jump across the wake without a tower. Meaning you'll be happy, so get that board.

DeloBoarder · Outlaw Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 131 City: Knoxville

+1 get that board

I've been riding behind my parents Bayliner Capri OUTBOARD for the last 5 years, and we only have an aftermarket pylon on it. The wake is tiny, but I can usually get 4-6 feet of vertical height. It's all about the technique. Yes, I would probably be a lot farther along with inverts had I had a larger wake, but I've loved just having the opportunity to ride and enjoy the sport. Get you a package deal somewhere and jump in!

rbkhockey83 · Newbie Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 11

cubbies017 · Posted: Jul 11, 2011 4:17 am Post subject:

Agreed, you will be able to get on the wake without a tower. I say go for it.

DeloBoarder · Outlaw Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 131 City: Knoxville

do you know how much you are wanting to spend? That really will determine what setup you get because even packages can run upwards of 600 bucks. I absolutely love closed toe bindings now that I have some, but I rode an old LF board with some crappy open toe bindings for years and for really cheap ($215). The next couple months may present some awesome deals on this year's stuff if you are willing to wait, but a lot of deals are current on last year's models. If you give us a price range, there are a lot of people on the site who may have some great suggestions.

And yeah, I don't have any inverts in the bag at this point because I've had a hard time learning the rotations with so little air time. Not an excuse, but spins are still very achievable, and there's plenty of 'em to learn before you have any reason to say you're boat is prohibiting your progress haha.

rbkhockey83 · Newbie Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 11

Ya I'm willing to spend probably 300 max. I want a good brand but I don't care if it's last years model, rather not wait because then I won't be able to use it this year Sad

. I could even buy on ebay/craigslist. Not sure if you guys recommend buying boardson ebay though.. I'd never buy a used hockey stick haha.

DeloBoarder · Outlaw Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 131 City: Knoxville

For 300 max you will definitely need to look at last year's or even previous years if possible. This is what I did for my first setup, and there are deals out there....it's usually just a matter of finding them.

Check out www.boardstop.com for sure.

Here's another option:
http://www.evo.com/outlet/mashups/ronix-vault-wakeboard-divide-bindings-2010.aspx

I think there was a thread not too long ago about this setup that might be helpful if you can find it...probably in the General Wake forum.

There's also quite a few packages on an ebay store site I've used before:
http://www.djsboardshop.com/c-2879-wakeboard-packages.aspx?section=-1979-&

And yes, buying off ebay can be risky, but I've bought other types of boards off of Craigslist and had good luck. You might check around your area first to see if there might be something nearby that you could actually look at before paying. If possible, look for something that is new but just an older model, or look for very very lightly used gear. Some people will buy a setup, use it once or twice and then decide they no longer want it.

fotoshark · Newbie Joined: 11 Jul 2011 Posts: 42 City: Toronto

I went in with a $300 budget, new. I'm personally not a fan of used gear but that's just me, u can def save a lot used just personal pref.

With that said I went to be normal retail store (Canadian tire here in Canada) and the cheapest deal they had was a world industries brd with bindings for $299. Then I found that same board setup online with a company called Royal Distributing ( believe it's Canadian too but online store is north America tons tons tons of stuff for all kinds of sports) for $199. So I was kinda set on that setup til I went to a local store in my town selling I believe an oneil board with bindings for $419. Now it was out of my budget but I'm a sucker for a salesman that knows what they're selling and talkin bout. BUT then I went for my wakeboarding lesson and he had a deal on a Hyperlite Divone with Ronix bindings for $390 no tax. No tax sold me lol. So the deals are out there u just gotta dig and be patient Smile

. Oh and yea the board is also last years model but doesn't matter it still performs the same and brand new. Smile

Sorry for the long speil lol

-T.

Enygma · Soul Rider Joined: 26 Jul 2009 Posts: 356

SexyWS6Mama · Outlaw Joined: 28 Apr 2008 Posts: 150 City: Killeen

Either put your board on in boat and sit on side of boat and then slide off or get into the water then put your board on.

Even though you don't have a wake boat, that doesn't mean you can't learn the basics. Get up and start learning your edge. Cut out heelside, then cut through wake (keep your knees bent for now), then cut out toeside, repeat to other side. Use the rope and lean on it!

Just a few things to remember........ you must have patience with wakeboarding, always LOOK UP and keep your handle low.

Once you are comfortable with edging then you can move to small airs. (extending/straightening legs at wake now). Put I would recommend getting used to your edging first and line tension and then move along from there! Happy Boarding!

fotoshark · Newbie Joined: 11 Jul 2011 Posts: 42 City: Toronto

Yea thats something I keep tellin myself when im out there ridin DONT LOOK AT MY FEET lmao Only thing that goes thru my mind becuz for some reason I just keep lookin down lol

Enygma - Yea I was iffy on CT but the board I was interested that they had was one sold at other sports stores as well (World Industries), however I feel I went with the right decision on the Hyperlite in the end Very Happy

Thank you for the advice however I would not have known CT boards were that bad yikkkes...

- T.

JeffreyCH · Posted: Jul 16, 2011 6:16 am Post subject:

Keep checking Evo.com for deals, last week they had 50% off on '09 wake gear. I picked up a '09 Murray for 170, and Okieboarder got his wife a Jett for 140. Here's todays wake deal, not sure if the size will work for ya but a hell of a deal for a good set up and right around your budget

http://www.evo.com/outlet/mashups/byerly-assault-wakeboard-blem-pro-bindings-2010.aspx

rbkhockey83 · Newbie Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 11

Thanks guys, I would go for evo- and maybe I still will- but my mom wants to go look at a shop tomorrow. They have the hyperlite state w/ bindings at Dick's for $300

FlyZone CR · Posted: Jul 16, 2011 8:57 pm Post subject:

http://www.evo.com/outlet-shop/wake/packages.aspx#/outlet-shop/wake/packages/liquid-force.aspx

There you go!

rbkhockey83 · Newbie Joined: 07 Jun 2011 Posts: 11

fotoshark · Newbie Joined: 11 Jul 2011 Posts: 42 City: Toronto

for the topic at hand of doin it without the tower. It was different, I still managed to get up easily. BUT I still prefer the tower for ease of everything else while up on the board.

- T.