First day, need help

AidansDad · Criminal Joined: 05 May 2007 Posts: 54

Start with the basics. 29/M, been skiing/kneeboarding/tubing almost 20 years. Boarding behind a Stingray 195LR. Got a Great deal on a 99 Iconn Best Carbon 135 (used) and a pair of 2001 HL Belmonts (NWT) for $75. Got up first try, but super sketchy when up. Feels unnatural to have toes pointed perpindicular to the boat. anything to help this? Also, riding LF forward, edging to my right (Toeside?), seems very difficult. Do i just put weigh on my toes, or do i turn my hips as well? Made it outside wake once today, but when i came back into the wake (HS), board turned sideways, and i landed pretty hard on my face? Any advice? TIA

HHI Dave · Posted: Jul 04, 2007 4:38 pm Post subject:

Welcome to wb.com

There is a wealth of information to be had here. Use the search feature or just browse past topics in this forum and the trick tips forum. Also, go to the home page and check out the trick tips section.

There are plenty of instructional videos to be found. Probably the most highly recommended would be The Book series. They cover everything from the most basic parts of setting up your board to how to drive the boat all the way up to the most advanced technical tricks.

And finally, if at all possible, get some professional coaching, even if its only for a few hours. I spent 3 days at The Wakeboard Camp in Clermont, FL back in February and it changed everything for me.

Most importantly though...remember to just have fun. Until you're getting paid to wakeboard, its just a hobby and not your job. Have fun with it.

Cool

spyd4r · Addict Joined: 22 Apr 2006 Posts: 701

first off, are you use the right stance? right/left foot forward?

if your regular stance (Left foot forward) try letting go with your right arm to straighten out your body and get the feel a little bit more.

AidansDad · Criminal Joined: 05 May 2007 Posts: 54

spyd4r, i am regular stance, but when i let go with my right arm, I feel very out of control. Obviously there were a lot of boats out today, and with only my left hand on the line, it was very hard to compensate for the slack that was produced by the rough water.

spyd4r · Addict Joined: 22 Apr 2006 Posts: 701

The suggestion that HHI_Dave made is very good, that is one of the best instructional flicks out there.

I would highly recommend it

FLWake · Soul Rider Joined: 21 Apr 2007 Posts: 274

If you feel weird about being in the "perpendicular" position you talked about, try getting on a skateboard on land for a little. You don't have to go fast or anything, but its the same stance and turning is pretty close. The same can be done on snowboards in the winter, but I would just try going up and down the street on a skateboard to get the feel for being "sideways" when you're moving forward.

jjaszkow · Posted: Jul 04, 2007 9:56 pm Post subject:

Stick with it ... you will get more comfortable as you progress. There's lots of great resources on this site ... it has been a great help for my progression

Justin 25 · Addict Joined: 29 Aug 2006 Posts: 797

I'm going to third the suggestion of The Book, amazing instructional.

And as to your awkward feel, it will get better as you progress.