Old Man looking to get started

beagle · Newbie Joined: 08 Mar 2006 Posts: 15 City: Kalamazoooooooo

I am older then most Wakeboarders, and prolly weigh more too (200 lbs). I would love to pick this hobby up as I have been skiing for a couple years now and it tends to bore me with the lack of tricks that one can do.

I get up easily on skis (2 skis EASY, 1 Ski rarely) and drop a ski and do all that seems to be done on a slalom (without air). I used to skateboard (prolly before some of you were born), so I am sure I can get used to the sideways stance. Yet I have a few questions.

I have a 205 hp Merc on a 19ft boat (hits 60 mph), so I know that it is more then good enough to pull us old men. I also will be using cleats to pull the wakeboarder (as I have read here that it will work more then enough). Am I wrong on this assumption? Do I need to purchase any additional parts?

I want to start with an OLD board (prolly ebay) and have the (large size) bindings attached as I think it will be more convenient. But my problem is the link here that tells me what wakeboards are good for me just show the last year or 2 boards. Since I am looking for a cheaper/older route, I need help on a board that can handle both my weight and my ability (since I will be the oldest wakeboarder the local lakes have seen). What is a decent (not great) board for cheap? Suggestions/links?

Another question, is dragging a wakeboarder common for the ease of getting up like some do in skiing? I usually drag my skiers for a small while and gun it to easy them up.

Should I look at purchasing a new rope for wakeboarding? Will my ski rope work fine for a beginner?

I have dug around a bit in here, but figured it was just as easy to start my own thread due to my age, weight and ability.

Thanks guys!

vette74 · Posted: Mar 09, 2006 5:15 am Post subject:

I would get a new prop for your boat it would be easier to get someone up.
The rope you have will work until you start jumping after that you need to get a new rope. As far as wakeboards I wouldn't get a model that is older than 2001 and get bindings that support your feet and ankles well if not you could be looking for some serious injury (as far as bindings). And a 140-142 board will fit you. Have fun.

phantom268 · Posted: Mar 09, 2006 6:28 am Post subject:

I'll second what vette74 said. Should have no trouble on a 140-142 board. I weigh 180ish and currently on a 138 and do ok, but plan on buying a larger board this season. I'd just make sure it has good bindings that are comfy and support you, and I wouldn't recommend getting one with long fins that will be hard to break out of the water. Stay modern enough to get the features you need to help you learn at least if you can.

As far as dragging...I sometimes use that method for beginners. Like when pulling people up I"ll just barely idle, just so they feel the slight push of the water and get their balance etc, then I'll gradually accelerate to get them up on the water. Getting that initial balance/stability helps them get up usually. Doesn't take alot of power on a wakeboard to get up. Once they get up a few times I'll pretty much just pull them up without the drag when they're used to it.

If you get into it and really enjoy it enough to pursue it further, I'd definitely invest in a non-stretch rope.

nfn · Soul Rider Joined: 25 Apr 2005 Posts: 388 City: Sioux City

beagle, definately get a non-stretch rope. If you start with a ski rope it will suck so bad it will make you want to quit wakeboarding. As for a board I wouldnt look any further past 2004, those boards will be pretty cheap by now and might still be a pretty good selection. Its hard to say with bindings because they have improved so much over the last couple of years. Anyway, make sure you invest in a non-stretch rope...good luck and welcome to wakeboarding.

riverrat · Newbie Joined: 06 Mar 2006 Posts: 40 City: massena

I am on the old side for getting into this sport myself. I have been skiing for a long time and just tried wakeboarding. My ski won't get much use anymore. Getting up on a wake board is easier than ski so you won't have any trouble. I would suggest getting the DVD "The Book" You can find it on the shop section of this site. It is helping me greatly. Just learning the language is tough. I have to ask my kids for help. But the DVD covers most what you'll need to know. Have fun.

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