New to site, new to boarding. A few questions?

[msboarder]

Hi guys, just wanted to start off with a few questions. Family finally got a boat, so naturally I got a wakeboard, and I have to admit, it's addictive. This may be kind of a long read, but bare with me.
First question, anybody board around the memphis area? I don't really have anybody to teach me anything, i've been trying to watch youtube and figure it out myself, but theres only so far you can learn from a video.
Second, we have a searay sport 190, its a great boat. Is this an ok wakeboarding boat?
Third, I have a hyperlite motive 140, just one i picked up from sports authority because there are no board shops anywhere in my area.. no idea how good this board is, but it seems to get the job done. I was looking at a ronix vault. The board looks awsome and i was wondering if anyone else has tested it out and how they felt about it?
Another thing, i keep hearing about non stretch rope. Any ideas on a good site i can go to, to get the handle/rope and maybe a nice vest that looks good and will keep me out of the water? The vest i have now, if i take a bad faceplant, one of the buckles has the tendency to slap me in the lip. So looking for something a little more functional for wakeboarding. Any help would be appreciated.

[Wakebrad]

Welcome to the sport!

[msboarder]

appreciate it man, i was also noticing, competition vests.. like the pullovers and such. they look great but do they really keep you floating in the water? and the line and handle, i saw a kwik tek spectra line with a rubber foam handle. but you said to stay away from this?

[Wakebrad]

Competition vests don't float you much. I know some people who ride with them but I personally don't. Look for a US CGA (Coast Guard Approved) vest. Comp vests won't keep you afloat if you get knocked unconscious and your lungs fill with water, you will sink. There are some stories on these boards. Getting knocked out isn't common, but it's fatal with a comp vest.

Do you have a link for that Kwik Tek spectra line? Here's one I found

[da Liks]

i have a pullovervest from Jobe and it's awesome.. no straps, no zips, not bulky, floats perfectly fine and is SO comfortable! costs more but it was worth it..

[msboarder]

alright i ordered a bullet line rope and handle, appreciate that heads up. and that vest, does it keep you floating, or does it just fit comfy? i'd rather not die from drowning lol

[da Liks]

floats effortles! i'm still a noobie at this but the only downside of this vest is that it's hard to take off.. otherwise it's far better for freestyle then any vest i've had on (and i HAVE had on quite a few vests..)

[msboarder]

what about the hyperlite side entry vest? it looks pretty nice, and is cga. any comments on it from anyone thats tried it?

[eric mf soler]

Ya the pullover ones are non cga approved so they don't count as a life jacket in the boat or while riding so depending on where your riding you could get a ticket for wearing a ncga vest.

[hawkster0001]

i rode a motive for about a year then stepped up to a ronix one and did just fine with the switch

[da Liks]

[Wakebrad]

da Liks, I'd double check the safety. Bottom line is that if it floated well enough to be CGA, they would go through the certification process. The issue isn't whether it floats you with your board on, upright, with your lungs full of air. It's when the board comes off and your lungs are filled with water.

You can do this test easily. Jump in the water with the vest on, exhale as much as you can and see if you sink. Some people are willing to risk it, which is fine, it's why they make them. But people need to be informed about their decision and know the risks.

[da Liks]

ok i will try it! thanks for the warning!

[supergoob]

I rode a Motive 140 for about a month, daily I might add, before I upgraded to a 138 Liquid Force Watson Classic. Switch came easy.