Getting up

[LFwakeboardDiva]

hey guys...im new here and just started to wakeboard. I bought a new 2008 liquid force diva 135 with lf index bindings. first day out and im hooked.

my main question is what are some tips and secrets to getting up? are there any good videos out there that show the technique on getting up?

ive gotten up twice but didnt last long and just want to know how to successfully keep getting up.

[the_dude]

Here is a vid:

http://test.waketrix.com/view_clip.php?id=70

As a boat owner I've helped a number of people to learn to get up and have found it helpful for most to tell them to allow the water to push the board and them into a very tight crouched position until the board begins to plane out and then stand up. And to wait to sand a few seconds longer than they think they should. Many people when first learning try to stand up too soon and if you are at all heavy or have weak upper body strength this can be rough. Once you have the technique wakeboarding is the least physically demanding start of skiing and even kneeboarding IMO.

[Dirt Girl]

Make sure the driver knows what they are doing too. If you are a smaller girl on a 135, the driver should take off very slow for you. You will not need to be going very fast at all to stand up.

Often drivers pull people up fast, then slow down fast to get the speed right. This throws off newbies and can cause them to fall since they are not used to it.

So, if they take off slower for you, they will gradually get to the 15mph or so that you are probably riding at without having to back off the throttle.

[LFwakeboardDiva]

thanks for the responses...what is the typical speed to get boarders up? i know it doesnt need to be real fast like waterskiing.

also, can you wakeboard behind a jetski or a pontoon boat?
only asking because my uncle has the ski nautique and its not always in the water. the pontoon boat is and jet ski is quick and easy to get it.

thanks

[LFwakeboardDiva]

also, one other question...should the board be submerged in the water or out of it?
if that makes sense

[Dirt Girl]

Most new wakeboarders (girls) can start out around 15-17 mph. There is not a speed you get up at, but the boat should not exceed the 15-17mph that you are going to ride at. It is just a smooth acceleration to that speed.

The board should be just under the surface. Some people find it easier to put the tip of their board (front foot) just sticking out of the water a little.

You can ride behind a pontoon or jet ski for sure....Problem with jet skis is speed control can be difficult depending on the machine.

[brotherbrown831]

This is my first year wakeboarding but I have my own boat and have helped many of my friends learn to ride, the number one thing I tell people is keep your toes pointed so the board "cuts through" the water and doesn't "push it". Also pulling a smaller girl who is new is a challenge for me as im used to ripping 200lb guys out of the water fast becuase thats how they like it. I found for my buddy's GF the best thing to do was come off idle slowly and get the boat to about 10mph over the course of about 5 seconds. She is so tiny she can ride around all day squatted on the board at 10mph. Once you get up try not to look at the water, if possible look at the boat, it will help you keep your balance. And remember your rope position, keep it low on your lead hip. You body should be twisted above the waist not at the hips, proper rope position will help you with this. Good luck and enjoy the water, its the happiest place on earth.

[LFwakeboardDiva]

thanks for all the help...im trying to get out on the lake this weekend and try it again! looking to get a new wakeboard vest before the weekend too...sooo exciting!

[brotherbrown831]

Be careful shopping for a wake vest. Some of the competion vests are not USCG approved and from what I have read they will not float you if you get knocked out. Just make sure your vest has the USCG label on it. Good luck, have fun.