Help Riding Switch

kyle f · Addict Joined: 14 Aug 2008 Posts: 835 City: Norris Lake

I just can't seem to get comfortable rising switch. TO the point that I can't really "learn" anything. Riding normal came out pretty easy as far as balance aqnd edging went. I was cutting hard about the 3rd time up. However, switch is baffeling me.

Any tips on how to maintain good body position and just get comfortable following behind the boat?

dbismyname · Posted: Mar 04, 2009 6:48 am Post subject:

I found it easiest to start by doing a surface 180 out on my heelside. This was easier because you're already up to speed and you can be out in the flats getting used to controlling the board instead of getting up switch and being in all the prop wash. Other than that there is really no trick to it other than practice. The more and more you do it the more comfortable it will feel. Just remember all your fundamentals the same way you do riding regular.

garveyj · Addict Joined: 12 Jan 2003 Posts: 877 City: Savage, MN

One thing that I have done is hook my rope up to a bike hook on the ceiling of my garage and stand in switch holding the rope. I would also swing out side to side to just get the feeling.

If you are really adventurous you could do this on a skateboard and move around that way too, or even on a balance board. It is all about feeling comfortable - so spend every minute you can doing it or thinking of it....It will come around.

FlyZone CR · Posted: Mar 04, 2009 7:02 am Post subject:

Usually balance is off, too much weight on the back foot. However, since you say you've got that under control I'd say ride ride ride. Switch, that is. Wink

Sinkoumn · Posted: Mar 04, 2009 7:13 am Post subject:

As with anything, just practice/practice/practice. A good way is to just make it a point to get up out of the water riding switch, ollie to switch before the boat turns around, on choppy days when you'd normally not ride go out ride switch all day, etc etc etc.

Just force yourself to do it, the more you do it the more comfortable you're going to get riding switch. Very Happy

Medina · Posted: Mar 04, 2009 8:38 am Post subject:

Yes, just force yourself riding swich all day, though it will get a little boring Wink

STANG KILLA SS · Posted: Mar 04, 2009 8:41 am Post subject:

a tip that was given to me was to get up switch EVERYTIME, ride that first 10-30 seconds switch carving around. then do a surface 180 back to regular, and start you pass. worked for me.
all the sudden it will just feel normal.

Chocoholic · Soul Rider Joined: 21 Feb 2009 Posts: 363 City: Dubai

I still have problems with this also. But learning to do a surface 180 to start helps. My friend says ride 5 sets only switch. But it really is down to practice.

Medina · Posted: Mar 04, 2009 9:07 am Post subject:

If you can do kickass raileys and backrolls and krypts witouth learning switch or riding switch, why practice it Laughing

LakeIolaLuke · Posted: Mar 04, 2009 3:06 pm Post subject:

You're basically re-learning to ride when you're doing everything switch, and if you never rode switch much from the beginning, you're going to have to lear to correct bad habits. There is no magic button for learning to ride switch, you just have to spend the time doing it.

Chocoholic · Soul Rider Joined: 21 Feb 2009 Posts: 363 City: Dubai

kyle f · Addict Joined: 14 Aug 2008 Posts: 835 City: Norris Lake

Oh, I figure to really get comfortable with it on the water, its just going to take time. Doing it over and over and logging the miles.

I was looking fr some of the above suggestions on how to prepare more off the water for it. I think a skateboard was a good idea. The rope tied to somethign seems like a good one to.

Thanks guys

Jensen · Posted: Mar 05, 2009 12:12 am Post subject:

after snowboarding switch i got better at wakeboarding switch, you just gotta put in the time just like anything else until it feels nature.