Wakeskate newb questions

[MatrixCubed]

Hello all. I'm thinking about starting wakeskating this year. I have a couple questions.

1.) What would be a good starter board? I've been told to avoid wakeboard manufacturers, so I'm kinda lookin' at Kampus. Are they good boards?

2.) With foam, do you wear shoes or doesn't it matter? It just seems to me that barefoot would be insanely uncomfortable.

3.) What size board should I get? I'm 5'8, 160 lbs.

4.) Do you NEED a tower/pylon to progress in skating like you do in wakeboarding?

Thanks for your help guys (especially if this has already been posted before)! I appreciate it.

[Nick Taylor]

1.) There's plenty of independent wakeskate companies with inexpensive decks for you to start on. Look on some earlier threads in here or check out wakeskating.com

2.) While you might want foam, grip tape is way easier to keep in good condition and rides WAY better than foam. Wakeskating with shoes is a definite yes, it's easier than barefoot, but try both just so you know what you like.

3.) I'm about the same size as you and I ride a 39, BUT that has nothing to do with size. Wakeskating, board size is all personal preference. I know guys 200+ lbs that ride a 39, and I know kids that are 5 ft. 100 lbs that ride a 42. I've always liked a smaller board, because it's easier to do tricks with and is easier to manuever on the water.

4.) NOPE! One of the coolest parts about wakeskating is the fact that you can do it behind ANYTHING and have fun. All the best tricks in wakeskating can be done in the flats, so what ever you have to ride behind is perfect. Here is some video of me behind a 13 ft. boston whaler with like a 20 horse motor

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoID=2015198328


either way, no matter what skate you get, no matter what you are riding behind, HAVE FUN! It's all that matters in wakeskating. Ever.




`nt

[Beaver]

[/end thread]
Nick said it all.
Have fun is key.