Beginner Q's About Balance

[madd_wakebrdr]

Im relativley new to wakeboarding and I have some Q's about balance. No body else I know is good at wakeboarding so...... Today I got up out of the water for my 10 time and every time I did get up, i swerved to the left. Im guessing this is because of foot pressure, and if it is, which foot makes me turn which way with pressure applied to it? If im wrong, what should I do?

Q # 2: Foot Placement: I tried to to it with my feet spread out \ / < like so, and that might explain the first question. I am NOT goofy-footed and I just dont know how to do it.

( again, this may sound totally basic to you, but remember i am the only one in my range of family or friends to start or care about wakeboarding )

Thankz 4 Yur Help

[BelmontWake]

For stance, have it ducked out a bit and either all the way out or one in, just to get used to the way you'll want it later on. If you are veering heelside, all it takes it practice. Maybe having larger fins will help you track more. Try taking your back hand (right hand if you're normal) and ride with just your front hand, that way you will be going straighter. Once you get going straight, re-grab the handle. Work from their, no one can teach you board control.

EDIT: have both feet even on the board and all the way out or one in, and an even angle ducking out for each.

[triggrman]

I was doing the same thing as far as veering goes. I read a tip on some site that said I was probably pulling the rope square to my chest instead of off the lead hip, this caused my feet to want to square too, which makes you veer to the left and eventually face plant. I make sure now the rope stays at my hip and the problem has been resolved.

Hope this helps you as much as it helped me.

Thanks

[madd_wakebrdr]

thanx for the pointers

[wesgardner]

Hey madd ,

BOTH feet make you turn...its like skate or snow boarding...you basically tip the board on an edge - either toeside or heelside (remember you're kinda standing sideways)

I think someone suggested letting go with your back hand and just try riding like that for a bit....it won't take long to get the feel...just practice and have fun with it...

When I started, I set my bindings up kinda like a skateboard stance - with the front foot pointed more towards the "front" of the board and the rear foot across the board...later on you'll want them both equally ducked so you can do switch tricks...take it slow and have some fun

Wes

[Jeff206]

also if you're just getting started try letting go with your back hand for a while, straightens you right out. then once you learn to edge a bit better you'll have no problems

[joedirt00]

Initially if your just getting up and wondering about stance, try running and sliding on a slick floor in your socks. When you come to a stop this should be a close approximation of your bodies natural balanced stance. Transfer this to your board setup as far as spacing and "duck angle" and see how you do.

As stated before though, you will soon want to switch to an even duck on both bindings for riding switch.

[ty540]

Here's the deal. When people veer off to one side, it's generally because they're using the wrong body position. The correct position is a little awkward to explain without a visual aid, but here goes. Your hips should be square with the board (meaning that they should be lined up with your feet...) Do not turn your hips. Many beginners let the pull of the rope rotate their entire body towards the boat, and this is what generally causes them to turn on their heelside edge accidentally. The way to correct this is to hold a strong position with your lower body, and instead turn your shoulders only slightly when the boat is pulling you, compensating with your arms. If you're left foot forward, your right arm will be straighter than your left. If both arms are straight (or bent at the same angle), then you're being pulled around too far.

Other tips on the correct body position.
-knees slightly bent and relaxed
-rope low (near the hips) and close to the body
-do not bend forward at the waist. Your knees to your shoulders should be a relatively straight line.

[nickdakoolkat]

To turn just edge just put a little pressure on either your heels or your toes, it just takes practice thats all.