learning curve?

Waterboy2971 · Newbie Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 12 City: Newport

generally speaking, how long is the learning curve in wakeboarding? like, how long will it be before you can start to do basic tricks? im tlaking if you ride for like an hour a day. thanks!

Foote · Outlaw Joined: 23 May 2005 Posts: 190 City: Richmond

Everyone has different learning levels you could pick stuff up right away or it might take you a while to learn somthing the new just get out there and start trying stuff. My suggestion is start off with surface tricks like boardslides, surface 180's, ollie 180's, then move on to wake to wake jumps and start trying to do some grabs.

waterdork88 · Outlaw Joined: 09 Oct 2004 Posts: 221 City: lake placid

kindof hard to say because some people start out and it looks like they have been riding for years...others take a long time just to get the basics... there are many factors like age, previous riding or skiing skills, and sex...cause girls learn a lot faster than guys...anyways i consider myself an average rider amateur...and i learned a majority of surface tricks and a few wake 180s in no time...just take the fins out when your learning surface tricks Cool

Waterboy2971 · Newbie Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 12 City: Newport

ok so it really depends on the rider. i am 14 and the only time ive ever boarded was when i was like 9 on my friends board and i stayed up for like 30 seconds. i really want to learn fast, and i want to start doing some basic stuff by the end of the summer. and ive heard that a trampoline with a skateboard deck and an old rope helps. is this true?

Foote · Outlaw Joined: 23 May 2005 Posts: 190 City: Richmond

The trampoline will help a lot after you start doing wake to wake tricks but as far as surface tricks go the only real comparison is actually trying them on the water. Balance Boards will help you a lot as well a example is this one www.indoboard.com

Waterboy2971 · Newbie Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 12 City: Newport

ohh ok. i think i actually have a balance board in my basement somewhere. i should try to find it...

Blake · Posted: May 14, 2006 7:05 pm Post subject:

Waterboy2971, I have coached at camps in the past, and plan to run one out of my house like I did last year. The one thing I have found is that everyone is different. However, getting on the water and doing it is the best thing. The next best thing to do is like Foote said, and hit the trampoline. Ride a skateboard around for a while. Even if you suck something awful, it will help. Just to clue you in, I would much rather suck at skateboarding with a ton of dudes, then half naked on a boat with chicks! Wink

However, the best thing you could ever do for your riding, isnt purchasing the newest and latest equipment in the least. Start hunting down a camp to go to this summer. You are in California, and there are tons of them. It doesnt really matter about your age... Even if you are the oldest one there, or the youngest one, you will be fine. I have had 35 year old men attend camp with their kids... Sure, its funnier watching and old man bust their ass, but everyone is there for the same reason.

Have fun though during the "learning curve", otherwise it will turn into a job.

Waterboy2971 · Newbie Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 12 City: Newport

heh, i like the old man part. no im not in california, so i think they will be harder to find, but i do some hunting. im kind of pressed for money so i want to buy a board thats at least going to get me into intermediate stage.

Blake · Posted: May 15, 2006 9:36 pm Post subject:

Waterboy2971, I assumed Newport Beach... Thats my fault. If you are pressed for cash, the best option you have in my opinion is this sites classified. There are quiet a few people unloading both new and used boards/bindings at great prices. Add a little research on your end, and you should find a great board to take you where you want to go with your riding.

Ian_82 · Addict Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 803 City: Longview, WA

is it Newprt Oregon by chance? also, checkout Craigslist.com, if theres a community near you, theres lots of good deals on there.

definitely get comfy with the speed and feel of riding before trying to huck anything huge, youll just get hurt. ive never heard of someone sticking a tantrum or anything their first real session.

give it time, the more you ride, the more confident youll get in your riding, and can take it from there.

as for the tramp, it should help with your awareness for w2w tricks, spins, flips etc. itll help you get handle passing, and where to throw the head and such down.

but like everyone said, every rider is different. some people are naturals, and some have 2 left feet.

Waterboy2971 · Newbie Joined: 13 May 2006 Posts: 12 City: Newport

NEWPORT, RI! sry, i should have stated. no, my mom said i can only spend the money she gives me, and according to her that is going to be $400, and she only lets me buy things if they are new. what can you do if they are funding it? im also oging to start snowboarding next winter, so i guess that shoiuld help. my parents wont let me skateboard because of something that happened to my brother. so the ebst options for me are the tramp, and to actually get out there and board.

drdubie · Outlaw Joined: 18 Dec 2005 Posts: 161 City: Lucedale, MS

You can get some top of the line 2005 stuff for $400. I got a Hyperlite Murray board with Murray bindings for that much and at the begining of 2005 that would have been $850. try ebay. There are stores that sell new stuff on ebay that will include a warranty. I would not buy from joe blow IMO because if something is wrong your stuck with it.