Riding fully ballasted

MasonH · Soul Rider Joined: 10 Jan 2009 Posts: 422 City: Eufaula

Hey guys I have got a 08 SAN 220 and was wondering if fully loading down the boat with a bigger wake would help me learn or just for more air.

Last summer we didn't even think about loading it down because we thought it was for more advanced riding..

Oh, and I apologize if this is a dumb question.

IndyColt42 · Criminal Joined: 27 Jun 2006 Posts: 83 City: Somewhere

Yes it would make the wake bigger and SHOULD allow you to get more air. The idea behind ballast was the add water on board and get the boat to "sink" so therefore the wake in larger. However though, just cause the wake is bigger does that mean that you wil see a dramatic change in air time and height becuase its all depends on pop and yes we all know, bigger wake better chance of getting more air but it really all depends on your ability to pop.

Sadly, some ballast system and wedges can somewhat increase gas consumption but who cares.

Wedges can cause the boat to ride funny when not towing so make sure you pull it up for taking off across the lake.

holdsworth · Posted: Apr 13, 2009 7:45 am Post subject:

MasonH, I learned almost everything behind a 2003 X-7 with two ballast tanks and my dad, and the wake was still very small. No need for a big wake to make you a better rider. Use what you are more comfortable with. You learn by doing, not by going higher.

shaggyboarder · Posted: Apr 13, 2009 2:46 pm Post subject:

Skill level plays a big factor here. Its not really needed for learning the basics etc. If you are still trying to master the basics it can actually hurt your riding and act as a crutch for getting air. So It really depends, some more info about your skill level might help you get a better answer.

btw wheres eufaula

MasonH · Soul Rider Joined: 10 Jan 2009 Posts: 422 City: Eufaula

shaggyboarder, I just started Wakeboarding last summer and was riding around great beind the boat. I was learning to W2W towards the end of my summer. School started and we only had our boat since late july.

Oh and Eufaula is about an 1hr and a half from Tulsa.

I don't live there but my lakehouse is there and I ride down there.

dirtydave · Newbie Joined: 15 Mar 2009 Posts: 30

i ride behind a 1994 ski boat converted into a wake boat, but before i got phat sacks, tower and and few mods the wake was tiny. this does mean you wont progress any faster, in fact i learnt to do some inverts with a tiny wake, making it very easy when you have a bigger wake later on.

holdsworth · Posted: Apr 16, 2009 6:24 pm Post subject:

dirtydave, a 2008 SAN 220 has a sick stock wake though.

MasonH · Soul Rider Joined: 10 Jan 2009 Posts: 422 City: Eufaula

holdsworth, yeah, it can look a little intimidating edging in. But that is just the panzy I'm trying to get rid of Laughing

Wakeboarder3780 · Posted: Apr 18, 2009 5:50 am Post subject:

I am a strong advocate of NOT increasing the wake until you have the basic skills down. You will thank yourself in the future. Basically a bigger wake can make up for lack of technique and help you go wake to wake etc without fully building up a solid progressive approach first.

If it were me I would make sure you know how to progressively edge consistently first (consistently wake to wake without trying), and then if you want the bigger wake go ahead and step it up.

Of course the bottom line is having fun. Sac it out once and see if your fun level increases or if it just scares the crap out of you Wink