Trouble getting up...

jigster · Newbie Joined: 06 Jul 2006 Posts: 1

So, I have an 18 ft sea ray with 175hp I/O, which produces good pull. The rope is attached about a foot above the swim platform on the stern, and during the initial punch, the tow point actually drops to about water level during initial takeoff. I have the rope set at 60', laying on my back, with the board parallel to the water and sticking about half way out, with the rope tight to my chest. Punch It! As I start to feel the pull, I can only hang on a few seconds before the rope gets ripped out of my hands. Because the tow point is so low and due to the tention on the rope, it seems like the rope is actually preventing the wakeboard from poping up out of the water... Before long, there is so much pull, I cant hang on anymore. I feel like my body will not be able to get up because of the pressure of the rope on the board.

How can I improve on this? Is there a better technique for getting up with boats that tow from low on the stern?

Thanks...
Jigster

Rhawn · Posted: Jul 06, 2006 6:27 pm Post subject:

I've had riders have this same problem first time. I would recommend balling up more and slowly roll forward as the boat takes off. It seems wierd, but the board will be under water as you come up. You are actually riding it to the top. Keep it pointed up, so you do in fact ride it up to the top.

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

Okay, first off don't punch the throttle because you don't need to. Just have the driver ease it, it's a wakeboard not a waterski... you'll plane without much effort. Secondly, keep your arms straight when you're getting up, not bent or in at your chest. And finally, the towpoint doesn't really make much difference at all.