First Timer Needs Advice

[Roo_Man]

Hello all.

I recently decided that I want to take up the sport of wakeboarding as part of an active lifestyle change that I'm making (recently lost 50 lbs). I have a boat and really enjoy spending time on the water with freinds and family. Only problem is that I don't know anyone that wakeboards, so I'm not exactly sure where to start.

I thought it might be helpful for me to buy an instruction video for beginners. Can anyone make any recommendations for this?

Also, I'm a pretty big guy (6'7" and 220+ lbs). What length board should I be looking for? Is 143cm too small? What is preferable for a beginner my size?

Thanks in advance!

-Roo_Man

[smwilliam2]

I have see detention and Higher Learning which are both instructional films, i would probably suggest HIgher Learning just cause I assume you may be a little older and Detention may be a little corny to you.

I really dont know if they make a board bigger then 143 or 144 and most will say for that size 190 lbs and up.. so I would definatly try to demo a 143 just to be safe but i think a 143 will suite you fine.

[gswake]

I haven't seen a lot of instructional vids, but I do like "The Book" and I've seen it highly recommended by others, as well. (http://www.boardflix.com/product_info.php?ref=1&products_id=288) You can get the whole series as a box set, which will take you all the way through advanced tricks, or just buy the first one or two if you just want to be able to ride.

[jdmcivicman]

for instructional films i've heard that higher learning is good (never seen it), but for the best in my opinion check out "the book" it's more then one dvd, but you can buy each one individually. it teaches you about proper boat driving for wakeboarding, as well as how to stand up and a bunch of other things.
the thing is it's a real instructional dvd, feels like going to school. it's not a fun dvd, but very thorough.

for the board. i weigh 250 and i'm 5'10" the last board i rented was a 141 and it was great. i think you might need a bigger one cause of your height, though most things i read size by rider weight.
i think since you are 6'7" the extra inch of a 144 or so might be better.
i would rent a board, probably a 143 and see how it feels. then next time rent a 141 and a 143 (if you can) to see which one you like the feel of better.
i wouldn't buy a board till you can ride a little and know which size you like better.

i'm not the most knowledgeable guy here, but i know the first time i went i was on a 134 and there was no way in hell i could stand up. then i rode a 143 and got up first time. now that i can ride i've ridden the 134. the 134 is way to small for my weight, but i can ride it. so i would start with a 143 and figure it out from there.
good luck and have fun.
even if you suck ass, just have fun

[HHI Dave]

Welcome to Wakeboarder.com

I have one of The Book wakeboard DVD's and also the entire wakeskate series. I highly recommend The Book because they cover everything from the most basic beginnings to the most advanced tricks and techniques and everything in between. I have one season of riding behind me and I definitely felt like I gained some knowledge from those videos.

As for board size, I'm 6'3" and 230 lbs. My board is a 141. I think anything in the 140 + range should be ok for you. As previously mentioned, if you can try out some boards, that would be the best way to pick the right one.

Good luck.

[LakeIolaLuke]

Waketrix isn't a bad instructional for newbs. not too in depth, but covers the basics really well

[pet575]

I'm with HHI Dave, The Book is awesome. I just saw a 2007 LF combo on the store rack yesterday that has a "Learning to Wakeboard" DVD included with it. Anyone know anything about that or what is on it? I don't need it myself, but I'm just curious.

Go with a 143 or 144 and you'll be fine.

[Roo_Man]

Thanks everyone for the advice!

-Roo-Man