Evaluate my Little Ripp'r UPDATED WITH VIDEO

howabouttheiris · Addict Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 677 City: Austin, TX

Anyone with skills willing to do a free video analysis on my son's wakeboarding?

Details... He just turned 6, been riding for 2 years now. He has decent form and is progressing well without real instruction. I would appreciate any feedback. My riding is poor at best and I am sure there are some simple fundamentals that he is not getting. In another year or 2, if he is still interested, I will get him some proper lessons and get him involved in something like INT.

http://www.wakepics.com/view_single.php/Lil-Ripper_wakeboarding-photos.html?medid=21300

howabouttheiris · Addict Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 677 City: Austin, TX

Thanks to those who have replied.

I appreciate it.

lilchoke · Newbie Joined: 25 Jun 2007 Posts: 2 City: SAVANNAH

how did u get him started????

howabouttheiris · Addict Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 677 City: Austin, TX

From the start....

- swim off boat
- jump off boat
- tube with someone
- tube alone
- tube alone and fall (MOST IMPORTANT MATURITY GUAGE)
- U-shaped ski (handle attached to board)
- kneeboard
- wakeskate with me (a bit dangerous, but good memories)
- practice with wakeboard and handle in pool (good exercise for me)
- wakeboard (with me on tube 3' in front of him holding rope)
- wakeboard doubles
- wakeboard alone
- wakeskate

It is funny because folks who see him jumping now think he picked it up very early, but for us..... he has been doing this for >2 years (all year) so it seems like he has done it forever.

If any of the above interests you and you are trying to get a little one into the sport, PM me and I will send you photos or video to help you along.

michigan boarder · Soul Rider Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 333 City: MI

Little kids that ride are so cool to watch. There's a kid on my lake who can't be more than 9 or 10 and he can do wake to wake jumps and grabs. I wish I got started that young...I also wish i could learn behind an X-star like him too lol

howabouttheiris · Addict Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 677 City: Austin, TX

My boy started working on his HS W2W jumps last week, with 2 people and 880lbs of sacs in the boat....

He has always looked small back there from the boat, but loaded up and with a 45' line, the wake is easily up to his waist.

I feel myself tense up when riding behind a well loaded boat, I cannot imagine what that wake must look like to him.

tpj · Outlaw Joined: 31 Jan 2007 Posts: 158

thats amazing that a 6 year old is trying to go W2W...post a vid when he can do it id love to see it

howabouttheiris · Addict Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 677 City: Austin, TX

Thanks for all the replies.

Hope posting the video will help get some additional feedback.

Anyone looking for help getting younger riders started, just let me know, and I can provide any help that I can.

ontrider · Ladies Man Joined: 30 Jul 2003 Posts: 16491 City: Russia

That's awesome that he can get up and across the wake on a skate even! Impressive TS jumps too!

jjaszkow · Posted: Jul 09, 2007 7:58 pm Post subject:

howabouttheiris, nice ... looks like you have a potential future pro on your hands Smile

. He's got some great skills ... and that wake looks amazingly huge compared to him.

howabouttheiris · Addict Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 677 City: Austin, TX

spyd4r · Addict Joined: 22 Apr 2006 Posts: 701

that was sick. Mr. Green

howabouttheiris · Addict Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 677 City: Austin, TX

Now that the INT season is fresh in peoples minds......

Do you think that he is good enough to join and try an event next year? I do not expect him to win (or place) (or show), but I do not what to have him slow the event, get laughed at or otherwise get discouraged.

ontrider · Ladies Man Joined: 30 Jul 2003 Posts: 16491 City: Russia

He'll have fun and gain experience... meet people. All around I think it'll be good. As long as you don't be one of those parents who drives home in a huff cause he didn't land his crow mobe.

stxr racer · Outlaw Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 179

Sweet vid....he looks comfortable out there and has great skills for a 6 yr old! I'm not sure but it looks like he is ridin an older style board? If I can make a suggestion, it would be to get him a newer style, correct size board as soon as possible. My boys ridin improved much faster after he got better equipment. Keep him at it he has potential. Heres a few pics of my son you could show him.

howabouttheiris · Addict Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 677 City: Austin, TX

Great photos.... looks like you have access to nice water.

He is riding an 04 Hyperlite Voyager 121 with Spin bindings. I agree it is not the latest and greatest, but it is a decent board with 'greater-than-sandal' bindings. He may be a little light for that board, but it is fairly difficult to find anything much smaller.

A new board may make a good X-mas present. He may need to wait in line, as I am still riding my 04 Obrien Science... Mad

stxr racer · Outlaw Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 179

Lol!...when you are ready check out the Liquid Force "Nemesis" at www.liquidforce.com. Its designed for little rippers and is available in 111, 118 and 124cm sizes. My boy has just turned 11 and rides the 124. Depending on the height (he looks pretty tall in the vid for a 6 yr old) and weight of your boy, I would say the 111, or 118 would be a great size for him? Also when you think he's ready for some coaching I would recommend Kurt Robertson from the Wakeboard camp. My boy had a couple days with him at the beginning of our last season and the improvement in his edging and board control has been amazing.

howabouttheiris · Addict Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 677 City: Austin, TX

I looked at that exact board today at lunch.... $279 with the bindings, locally. About the same online (once delivered)

The 111 is good to 75 lbs. He is bout 50, so that would give him room to grow.

Thanks for the recommendation.

stxr racer · Outlaw Joined: 20 Jun 2006 Posts: 179

No probs....he will love it Smile