Holding the handle like a slalom skier vs. wakeboarder

[burntorange77]

So a buddy of mine is brand new to wakeboarding but grew up slalom skiing. He was holding the handle in the over-under slalom style and asked why I wasn't and I had no answer. Basically I was relegated to "cause that's how you're supposed to" which is a pretty weak argument. Can anyone enlighten me as to the functionality of the wakeboarding grip? Is it because of balance, or keeping the rope low, or ease in handle passes, etc?

[jpminter]

Well the big thing for me is it would make handle passes on spins a bit awkward if your hands are gripped differently. Also, I like to think of doing things switch as just a mirror image of regular stance. If my grip is different, then that really isn't the case. But yeah, the things that came to my mind initially are basically the same things that you mentioned at the end of your post.

[Mariner]

I think you should be able to hold the handle however is comfortable, especially for a new rider. However, it would be really hard to get a good toe-side lean for your progressive edge holding it like that.

burntorange77, shouldn't you be working right now? What are my county taxes going toward anyway?

[burntorange77]

Mariner,
I could ask you the same thing, minus the county taxes part.

[hyyperlitesonofabitch]

yeah, i heard "both palms down" and "just because".

[Jim M]

Its because skiers ride parallel to the board (hips/shoulders/board) and the sport is directional, whereas we ride perpendicular to the board and wakeboarding is bidirectional (regular and switch). Keeping both palms down gives you a level balance and helps to promote a more closed 'perpendicular' stance.

[burntorange77]

Jim M,
Very nice answer. Bustin' out the geometry is sweet.

[hyyperlitesonofabitch]

yes, I had to read it 3 times to understand. good god.

[Just Lax'n]

Jim M, great answer.

[Mariner]

well done, Jim.
burntorange, i don't think i even pay county taxes???

[Wakebrad]

For a slightly simpler answer a baseball style ski grip is good for keeping your arms in front of you at chest height. Overhand wakeboard style is better for keeping the handle at your hips, specifically your lead hip. We're not trying to swerve around any buoys and it also helps prevent rotational movement (sliding out on landings, getting pulled off axis, etc)

[burntorange77]

Wakebrad,
Hate to compliment an Ag, but that's a helluva answer. Much better than all that math stuff.

[Wakebrad]

no problem. If it weren't for the strongbad avatar I wouldn't have even replied!