Took my first wakeboarding clinic

[Shifter]

Had an awesom time a couple days ago in a clinic. Learned a ton, but now it's almost at the end of the season here and I won't be able to improve with what I know now.
Remembering that I'm very new to this - this would be my third time out - I was able to get comfortable outside the wake, doing some surface 180s and riding switch. Even though this was my third time out, riding switch was a freak. Took me a couple spills to get stable again.

My instructor also pointed out what you guys had already pointed out (see "Does this look messed up to you?"). My legs were wrong. It was like I was pushing they towards the boat. Once I got that down, things smoothed out a ton and carving is much more simple. I was also putting way too much weight on my back foot - even though I knew that was an issue. It felt very unstable when I stopped that because the board could side-slide so easily. But that got better and my back stopped hurting. I definitely need a bigger board. I'm 5'11", 190lbs riding a 133. It was a used board to get me started. Next year it'll be new board time for me.

All-in-all I would HIGHLY suggest anyone of almost any level take a good wakeboard clinic. You won't be sorry. And for $25, I got a half-hour in the water, two hours on the boat with more instruction, and a great ride in a brand new MasterCraft X2.

[beasoldierprstn]

wherre did you get that kind of deal... all the ones i have seen are like 200 bucks for that kind of deal. yea you do need a bigger board. who was the instructor.

its good to hear about improvement

[BleedingDead]

The only thing my friends dad has ever ridden is a 132 and he's 230 lbs

he also can't ride for more than 10 seconds but hey...

[ben746]

I went to a "clinic" for 25 bucks. They didn't teach me crap. I was better than any one of them.

[wesgardner]

Hey Shifter,

Good news! I think you got a really good deal on your clinic....at least you were able to get the feel of what you're supposed to do...even if you have to wait the winter out, it'll still come back to you, and for that price, just go back! I think you'll find as you progress, these "basics" will become second-nature and will NOT require much effort...hey, it's all good!

Yes, it sounds like you could use a bigger board...maybe in the 138 +/- range.


Wes

[Shifter]

You know, I was a little worried because the instructor was just one of the guys at the pro shop. But turns out that he was awesom. Definitely made me aware of things I could work on. There were three other people on the boat taking instruction as well. Two were more experienced than me, but pretty much newbies as well. The other guy wanted to learn how to do toe-side w2w and get preped for doing flips. He learned a lot as well.
Yup - couldn't agree with you guys more, just take more lessons at that price. Jeez, it costs me that much in gas to take my own boat out. I'll sign up for the spring lessons for sure!

Ya really think 138's or so? I'll have to read the forum more before buying a new board. Just to be sure what everyon thinks. Sure have gotten some great advice so far.

[D-GOOSE]

Sounds like you found a great deal. what are are u in? I hope to take a clinic next yr after i get switch riding down some. I can do s 360 all day but jumps are not the greatest.
Buy a wet suit so you can board longe

[Shifter]

gbotech,
I'm in Idaho. I have a wet-suit and would be happy to board until the water froze, but my family isn't too fond of going out on the lake when it's cold. Party poopers!!! I do hope to get a few more trips in before shutting down for the winter though. Then it's skiing time! Yup - I'm an old fart that skis instead of snowboarding. Been doing it since I was seven and it's a hard habit to break