wakeskate?

[wake_chik]

I am thinking about getting a wakeskate to play around on for the summer. For the girls that ride, Jen and whoever else, what do you recommend?

Thanks....also any tips?? I can get up and that is about it so far.

[Lizrd]

Hey there - I love my Hyperlite Scape 116 and have also ridden the Brian Grubb Catalyst 112 model which is more like a wakeboard construction. Here's the pluses and minuses on both.

The Scape is a bit longer and thinner and is really easy to do surface tricks on - surface 180's, lip slide, etc. However, it is a bit scootier - meaning before you know it you're riding a banana peel.

I like the Brain Grubb model but to me it feels big and somewhat awkward. It is far easier to edge on and is somewhat grippier IMO.

I would really like to try the new kind with the tail that is up (I'm sure there is a technical term for this- kick tail maybe?). Above all, I must say that I prefer any skate that has a foam top - I am not gonna bring/buy a pair of skate shoes with me on the boat just to ride a skate. I have been on ones that have grip tape on them and they can really hurt the piggies -- although, come to think of it I could just consider it a big pumice stone and an on the water pedicure!

Also, for what it's worth, the Brian Grubb model does not fit in our board racks.

Have fun skating - I think it is a blast!

[Lizrd]

I forgot the advice on riding -- I always go slower on the skate, especially for surface tricks. Usually wakeboarding I ride about 23 mph - wakeskating I take it down to around 18/19mph (provided the wake isn't foamy at that speed). You have to commit to the wake - no backing off or the board will slip off of your feet. Also, at the contests I have entered, they usually use less weight in the boat for the wakeskate runs which seems to make it easier.

[wake_chik]

Lizrd, Thanks! Very helpful. I will look into those boards. I usually ride my wakeboard at 21mph will 18mph still be okay for the wakeskate?

[JRock*Girl]

wake_chik, Are you looking to get pretty serious on the skate? Or just goof around on it heer and there? I want to learn some tricks, but wakeboarding always comes first for me.

If wakeskating is going to be a proirity, spend more money on a board. The butter boards wakeskate is SICK, and supposedly sits very well in the water. It is a concave, foam top, 3-stage, fiberglass skate. I wouls also recommend it if your looking to go more w2w on the skate than anything else.

If you are just going to mess around don't fork out $250 for a skate. But buy a >$100 flat deck. I am personally fond of the cassette and liquid force skates (especially since they were the same company). I wanted to support cassette, since its strictly wakeskate, but they are having some issues and won't be releasing board until August. Don't hassle with grip tape, I had one and it tore me and the boat up. I sold it and bought a foam board, which im lovin. I bought the LF flat wud 41". I have only used it a few times but its a blast. I really want to learn shuvits, and keep most of the w2w action on my wakeboard.

If you want to be w2w, get a bigger board....if you want to mess around with ollie based tricks, go smaller.

18mph should be fine, kinda depends on the boat though. You want it to be just after breaking point. I also ride all the way in when I skate. If your going to where shoes make sure they won't weigh 10lbs when wet! Its going to be veryyy squirlly at first....you will get used to it.

Ok mabye I should go write a freaking book....haha im outta here...good luck!

[wake_chik]

THanks Jen. It is more to mess around, wakeboarding definitely comes first! Thanks for your input.

[wake_chik]

I got a HL scape and LOVE it!! It was so much fun! I went out on Friday and am going again tonight after work. What a blast! I was able to get up each time and even threw in a little 180 and an ollie which I landed and then totally bailed. Just an FYI don't leave wet runners in your hot car for 3 day.

[wake_chik]

I got a HL scape and LOVE it!! It was so much fun! I went out on Friday and am going again tonight after work. What a blast! I was able to get up each time and even threw in a little 180 and an ollie which I landed and then totally bailed. Just an FYI don't leave wet runners in your hot car for 3 day.

[wakeminnetonka]

hey wake chik! how you liking your new deck? i went out on my brothers new Butter board and holy crapper it was well brilliant! if you get a chance you should totally try one out it has a rubber grip so no shoes required and you have a great handle on the board with your feet, it is sooooooo smooth! i am defo a big fan of butter boards soooo much goodness in such a small package WOO HOO!

[JRock*Girl]

wake_chik, Good to hear! We will be awaiting picures!

wakeminnetonka, I am dying to try it...all I have heard is good things...quite a bit of cash though!

[wake_chik]

Wakeskated tonight and it went pretty well. I don't know what to do on it though. haha. What things, as a beginner can I work on? Didn't bring the camera out tonight but will definitely bring it this weekend.

[JRock*Girl]

wake_chik, ollies....carving the wake....butterslides...surface 180's....jumping the wake....make sure you try some shuvits! Backside and fronside, shuvit 180's!

[wakeminnetonka]

i would recomend wearin a helmet as the board can come back n crack ya in the head
ouch man!
i reckon it's 150.00 for the butter boards an ist well worth it!