Newbie Dad

River Hill · Newbie Joined: 13 Jun 2004 Posts: 16

I have never tried a wakeboard in my life but I would really like to give it a shot. Maybe it's a mid-life crisis thing or something. My son is 8 and he is fascinated by watching guys ride and I figured I would give it a shot, so when he has a little more upperbody strength we could ride together. I am 34 and weigh 195# I am 5'11" I don't mind spending the money on decent equipment. I want something that will be easy for me to ride and maybe some slight wake jumps when I get good enough. I know this question is always asked, but what board, binding and rope would you suggest? I already ordered 2 videos and I look forward to getting them. I will probably try to support my local shop as they can help with setup and adjustments unless you think I should order online and save some dough. Thanks in advance.

boarditup · Addict Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 731 City: Allendale, MI

Lots of good equipment out there. I run a board shop and sell on the internet. At 8-years old you son is a bit old to start, but you might as well get him on a board... Seriously, 8 is a great age to start. So is 34.

I sell a few brands that I know best, so here are my recommendations:

For you son - Hydroslide Renegade - about $139. Basic board, good design, will get him going for a few years until he advances off of it.

For you - Double Up Soul Series 140 cm with Reload bindings. This is, in my opinions, the best learner set-up on the market. It is forgiving and won't face-plant you easily. Price - under $300.

Rope - Hardline DVS with T-Cor rope. Replacable grips so you don't have to shell out for a new handle every time it gets dinged or worn out. T-Cor does not easily tangle like some other spectra lines. $190 or so.

This is the gear I sell and know best. There are a lot of other good brands and equipment out there.

rider@boarditup.com

Lizrd · Posted: Jun 14, 2004 4:11 am Post subject:

As an 'older wakeboarder' ('m 31!) I have to say that good bindings are a must. Check out the footbed - it should be thick and somewhat scooshie - I started with bindings that were really cheap and had about a half inch of foam under the foot. Before too long, even from easy riding, my foot felt bruised. Now I have bindings that have probably an inch or more of foam under the foot and it is so much nicer. I can ride three 30 minute sets without foot pain.

I like any non-stretch line - I use a spectra Yellow jacket and don't have any tangle issues. For what it's worth I really think non-stretch is critical - - the day we got it I landed my first wake to wake. Maybe it was mental but I think our old stretchy line was absorbing some of the tension.

Great idea on supporting your local shop. I go to mine too often and they really help me out with my decisions and with a little discount from time to time. You can try to deal a little bit. Also, most shops demo boards and bindings so you can usualy try before you buy.

Have a great summer - what a great way to bond with your kid!

colefooter · Posted: Jun 14, 2004 4:56 am Post subject:

I would go with a 140+ size board. If your going to buy a rope, Lizrd said in my opnion the best kind, the jacket series. They make kid boards that help kids learn. I myself learned to wakeboard around 9 or 10 too, but i learned on one of the old boards with a pointy tip. Good luck, have a good summer!

koltman · Addict Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 902 City: Sydney/Orlando

Oh yes, support your local boardshop! See what brands they have in there, see what they suggest. Ask lots of questions to differant people. The advice from these others guy has been good. I would spend a little more money for a nicer setup like the DU soul. Cant rub in enough, buy a nice rope to start, non-stretch is a must.
Good luck and let us know how you get on.

wesgardner · Posted: Jun 14, 2004 9:51 am Post subject:

Hey River Hill,

Welcome - get ready to have some fun!

My kids got me going two years ago, great fun...don't worry about age...( I'm 51 1/2).Get your riding basics down first - ridng behind the boat, crossing the wake, etc. then try to do it switch, feels very strange at first but will help you later on as many tricks involve switched landings...there are alot of very talented folks here who possess a great deal of knowledge and skill, so keep asking questions!!!

Peace

Wes

jklein · Posted: Jun 22, 2004 1:14 pm Post subject:

I'm 41, 6 foot and 205. I ride a Hyperlite 141 Premier and I'm still getting better every time I go out and board. Been at it for 4 years. My son started at 9, he's now 13. I'm struggling to keep up with him and know he's going to pass me very soon Puppy Eyes

The Premier is not a beginners board and I can't really recommend anything in particular. A friend of mine is about 6-1, 185 and he's riding a Hyperlite Parks 143. That's a pretty advanced board too. Maybe the Liquid Force Substance 142 might be a nice fit. I know someone who rides the 138 and it's real nice. Liquid force Alpha or Transit bindings are good too.

Get a good handle that won't kill your hands. I like the TaiStix from GetHighSports. cause it's comfy and wide. Also get a non-stretch wakeboard line such as a Yellow Jacket.

Have Fun.

DBudman · Posted: Jul 20, 2004 10:35 am Post subject:

same hear. 38, 195lbs..ish. Just getting into it. Son at 10 recently started and is advancing quickly. I can't keep up. Shoot.....I'd kill myself anymore if I were to get on a skateboard like these kids do these days.

show_boy08 · Criminal Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Posts: 93 City: Cedar Falls

definitly a 140 for you, and id guess a 126-134 for your son

DBudman · Posted: Jul 23, 2004 4:44 am Post subject:

there you are again show_boy

show_boy08 · Criminal Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Posts: 93 City: Cedar Falls

you posted at 4:44 a.m.?!

DBudman · Posted: Jul 23, 2004 5:22 am Post subject:

Ahhhh LOL Heck no! You can go into your profile and change the time to your time zone. I'm on the Eastern Time. Michigan.

DBudman · Posted: Jul 23, 2004 5:23 am Post subject:

Actually in Profile............Mine is set to GMT - 4 so that I reflect the correct time for my zone.

DBudman · Posted: Jul 23, 2004 5:24 am Post subject:

Your in IL...so I believe you would be GMT - 5? It should change every post to your zone

show_boy08 · Criminal Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Posts: 93 City: Cedar Falls

oh i was going to say. i definitly wouldnt be on here this early except i had weight training for football so i had to get up early

DBudman · Posted: Jul 23, 2004 5:31 am Post subject:

Weight training for football? Gadzooks. Sounds like work.

This morning I was up early sitting around with a cup of coffee and a banana on the back porch looking out at the placid lake justttt dreading having to go into work.

Cough cough......"honey....is that a cough?....should I stay home from work today?"

Well........here I am.....at work......on the wakeboarder.com website. LOL

show_boy08 · Criminal Joined: 22 Jul 2004 Posts: 93 City: Cedar Falls

i wish i lived within an HOUR of a lake

Shifter · Newbie Joined: 30 Jul 2004 Posts: 37

River Hill,
Awesome that you are doing things like this with your kids. The memories will be hard planted for the rest of their lives.

I have five kids and we are all just starting out. I've water skied for a bit, but wakeboarding is brand new. My kids - ages 6 to 11 (and an 14 month old) all (with the exception of one) just jumped into the water with their new shared board and said hit it. Well, they didn't make it out of the water much, but had fun none-the-less.

I'm headed to a wakeboard clinic in a few weeks so hopefully I can teach them a little better. $25 for a half-hour session and two hours onboard with others. Not bad money spent.

Have fun and be patient.

aloharodeo · Posted: Jul 30, 2004 2:17 pm Post subject:

I'm sure he has had fun already, since this thread is over a month old, and he hasn't even posted since his first.

jayman101010 · Outlaw Joined: 28 Jul 2003 Posts: 104 City: Flossmoor

[quote="Shifter"]River Hill,
The memories will be hard planted for the rest of their lives.

Literally!! Laughing

Se7en11 · Newbie Joined: 31 Jul 2004 Posts: 6 City: Williamsburg