Does this look messed up to you?

Shifter · Newbie Joined: 30 Jul 2004 Posts: 37

I'm very new to this, but I'm thinking my stance is all wrong. I've really only been out twice now, but attached are some pictures (two handed and one handed) right after I got out of the water. I need to get some pictures after I've been up a minute. It doesn't look like I'm on the board right to me.

Can anyone give me some pointers?

I have a wakeboard clinic on the 24th and want to get the most out of it so I want to get past the basics before the clinic.

Thanks much.

wesgardner · Posted: Aug 16, 2004 11:50 am Post subject:

Hey Shifter,

Try a bit more evenly distributed weight.

Also sometimes beginners will mount their bindings such that the front foot is pointed more towards the front of the board and the back foot is across the board - like a traditional skateboard stance...as you progress you will want the bindings symmetrical so you can ride/land switch...that helped me early on.

You do want to stand on up knees slightly bent, hips a bit forward, handle in towards your waist. Head up looking at the horizon like you're doing (look down, fall down...)

Try riding switch, it'll feel real weird...but you're on the right track

Wes

chavez · RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006

Looks pretty normal - but we can't really see your stance by those pics. Post a shot of your board from the top and lets see how you've got them bindings mounted.

Most people like them "ducked" out (angled outward toward ends of board) just a bit so that your front (whichever one it is) is not twisting in your binding.

Your overall posture looks decent. Try bringing the handle in more towards your hip and maybe stand a little straighter keeping your knees a little bent (your back will thank you).

DJew Jake · Posted: Aug 16, 2004 12:02 pm Post subject:

Looks ok some ppl like to ride more bent then others,

the one thing off in that pic is you need to cover up those chicken legs get some boardshorts! Wink

chavez · RIP MHL 04/25/1958 - 01/11/2006

beasoldierprstn · Posted: Aug 16, 2004 1:28 pm Post subject:

put more weight on the front foot and dont lean back so hard

noneya · Addict Joined: 13 Jan 2003 Posts: 796 City: Roxboro, NC

Point your front knee towards the shore, it will feel really funky the first few runs but you'll get used to it

Shifter · Newbie Joined: 30 Jul 2004 Posts: 37

Hey, leave my chicken legs alone.
I actaully have pretty big legs - just doesn't show it here but I sure could use a better tan on them. Boardshorts - I do have a credit at the pro-shop. Time for a spending trip Smile

Thanks much for the tips. I'll definitely try balancing out a bit more on the front and back.

I don't have a picture handy of my board, but I do duck out both feet. I started with the back straight, but people on this forum suggested against it because if you got used to it you'd never be able to go switch.

No one commented on the twist at my waist - I was worrying about not twisting enough. Sounds like maybe it's not as bad as I thought.

roundbaywakeboard · Posted: Aug 16, 2004 8:46 pm Post subject:

yeah that stance is Bubb Rubb up.

Shifter · Newbie Joined: 30 Jul 2004 Posts: 37

beasoldierprstn · Posted: Aug 18, 2004 1:25 pm Post subject:

what does it even mean?

bluefish86 · Posted: Aug 18, 2004 3:41 pm Post subject:

I twist more at the waist when I ride. I ride so that everything belows my hips is facing to the side, but everything above my hips is halfway in between facing the side and facing the boat (45º). A drill I use when teaching this to people is to get them to let go with their back hand, face to the side completely so that your shoulders are like an extension of the rope. Then, turn your shoulders towards the boat and grab back on to the handle with your back hand, twisting your upper body but keeping your lower body as it was when you were only holding on with one hand. Repeat this several times until you get ge the feel of the twisted stance.

You're keeping the handle low, fairly near your hip, which is very good. The only other thing is you might want to try to stand taller, but it's hard to tell how you ride from a picture. It's easier to give advice after seeing the rider in motion, so post a video if you can.

BleedingDead · Outlaw Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 110 City: Granbury

all i got to say is killer trunks man

AirProfile · Addict Joined: 17 Aug 2004 Posts: 602 City: Brookfield

Get on ur edge more don't matter if ur not turning u can go stright while on dege
________
[URL=http://www.bmw-tech.org/wiki/BMW_3_Series_(E90)]Bmw 3 series (e90)[/URL]

roundbaywakeboard · Posted: Aug 18, 2004 9:10 pm Post subject:

haha they wouldnt let me type the "F" word so it put in "Bubb rubb". Nah the stance isnt too bad. Itll inprove with practice. Watch parks bonifay ride- you want to bend at the hips and lean back just like him.

wesgardner · Posted: Aug 19, 2004 6:08 am Post subject:

Hey Shifter,

As bluefish86, says, you'll find that letting go with your back hand is quite relaxing at times, it's also good for practice...

Good luck with your clinic - pay VERY close attention to the body mechanics the instructors show you - alotta this stuff is pretty discrete but adds up to make a BIG difference in the way you ride. I took a one hour lesson after basically self-teaching for two seasons and it was really helpful, now unfortunately, I haven't been able to ride/practice what I've learned for more than a month....

Wes

Shifter · Newbie Joined: 30 Jul 2004 Posts: 37

I thought I was maybe not twisting enough. I know you are supposed to and it just didn't look like I was that much. I'll try to do better. You guys also mentioned standing a little straighter. I've looked at some other people's pictures and videos and it definitely looks like my knees are a little too bent and my back not straight enough.
Only five more days until my clinic - can't wait. I will pay very close attention and ask questions regarding the body mechanics. I'm picking up some new bindings today (the used ones I got kill my feet to the point of losing feeling in them after 15-20 minutes). Seems the forum pretty much agrees some Liquid Force Alpha or Evo are very good, or possibly the Hyperlite Split would be the ticket. I'll rely on my pro shop for a little advice as well as let my feet do the talking. Thanks all - I'll let you know how it turns out.

Shifter · Newbie Joined: 30 Jul 2004 Posts: 37

Picked up some new bindings and gave them a try this weekend. Ohhhh, so much more comfortable. I ended up with Hyperlite Splits. I gonna definitely need some slime though. Kind of a bugger to get on right now.
Felt a lot more comfortable this weekend. distributed my weight better, straigntened up a bit, and twisted at the waste more - per recommendations here. That helped a whole lot. Got off the wake into open water, started carving much more and even caught a little air. I'll never go back to water skiing. It's so boring in comparison.

Again, thanks for all the help. I'll let you know how the wakeboard clinic goes Tuesday.

matt1808 · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 05 Feb 2004 Posts: 1981

more twisting at the waist and less twisting the legs. I think it looks a little weird cause you are trying to twist your front leg forward. I may be wrong but that is what it looks like to me.