Too much too soon?

thejuice · Newbie Joined: 01 May 2011 Posts: 4 City: West Lafayette

I am brand new the the sport of wakeboarding, and I've been looking at tons of wakeboards and bindings. I thought that I wanted to get a beginner board, but honestly- as you all know- this doesn't seem like a very cheap habit/life style to get into. So I thought to myself "heck, I'll be a beginner for a little bit, but I wont be a beginner for years?!" So I want to really kind of have a little bit of an investment into a good setup. Something that will help me progress as a beginner, but also allow for me to have a pretty decent setup for when I start to become the boarder I want to be. Not to mention I wouldn't mind not having to buy another setup next year.

At first, I thought I was set on the new Shaun Murray bioCore from hyperlite with the new 2011 system bindings and boots. Seemed pretty legit, but to be honest, I feel that I was being sold, not knowing too much about the different brands and types of boards, Hyperlite seemed a bit like the best from a first impression stance.

Then I started reading a lot of people's opinions on here, and everyone says Ronix Bindings are the way to go. I trust the public more than I do some pros trying to sell me their latest model. It seems the Ronix One bindings seem to please most, and I think I'm set on those, and now I've been bitten by the bug in Ronix. I feel that I'm set on the Ronix One board as well.

I guess my question is- is it foolish to get such nice/expensive equipment so early? I have become obsessed with this sport and I want to be great, but I don't want to be a joke who just spends a lot on a setup just because I somehow think it'll allow me to ride better. PLease Help!! I don't want to make a huge mistake before I even strap on my boots! Thanks to all!

Benji Mac · Newbie Joined: 02 Mar 2011 Posts: 34 City: Okinawa, Japan

I'm a firm believer, not only with wakeboarding, that your skill will progress to the level of equipment you use. ie golfing, I used to hit beginer irons, then moved to a more expert iron before my skill was at that level, it was hard to get used to and took some time, but now i hit them really well and am pleased i went that route. same here i think - it may be harder for you at first because the board may be for a more advanced rider, but in my opinion, if you understand that and stick with it, you may progress faster than than you would have and end the end, not outgrow your board.

I agree, a lot of guys on here love their ONE setups so its definately good stuff. Just keep that in mind that it may be harder for you to see improvement in the begining like you would on a more beginer board. just a thought

GnarShredd · Posted: May 04, 2011 5:54 am Post subject:

You'll be fine. "Beginner" vs. "advanced" boards really do not make a huge difference at first. You won't be held back in any huge way, and you'll be able to keep your gear for a long time and get a good return on your investment.

If you know this is something you'll be doing for a long time, I say take the plunge on a good setup. Otherwise, a used board/bindings will be fine for at least the first year of riding if you want to keep things cheap right now.

thejuice · Newbie Joined: 01 May 2011 Posts: 4 City: West Lafayette

Thank you for your input. Truth be told, I was hoping you guys would say that. Like I said, I don't want to be just over anxious and be foolish with my money. If you guys suggested getting used or a beginner board, I would do it, but yeah, the Ronix setup looks so sexy.

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

Yep, I'll echo these statements. Beginner boards are more about teaching people how to get up out of the water and starting to carve around. Once you have that down, you can pretty much adapt to any board. Also, bindings are all about fit and comfort. The best bindings are still the best for beginners.

The only thing that may somewhat hinder you starting out is a really aggressive 3-stage rocker. Your timing with the pop off the wake has to be better than on a continuous. I still wouldn't shy away from a 3-stage, but that's about the only thing. Looser boards are generally considered more advanced, but they will force a beginner to learn how to cut using your edges rather than with fins, so that's a good thing.

Wakeboarder3780 · Posted: May 04, 2011 7:45 pm Post subject:

It's less about what you're buying and more about your personality. There are types of people that get really obsessed with new things and think it's amazing, dive in head first, buy all the gear, and then they're sick of it 3 weeks later and never use it.

Historically are you like that? Or are you a bit more calculated and dedicated when it comes to hobbies? I think this question is less about what gear you get (although I think getting "advanced" gear is fine for a newb) and more about who you are as a person.

To contrast with this, for me - I fell in love with this sport. There's nothing else I want to do in this world. I went to college to support this sport. I got a good paying degree to support this sport. I built my life around it. There are people like me that are just in love <3

Then there is anywhere in the middle. So you must ask yourself just one question Very Happy

cubbies017 · Posted: May 05, 2011 4:26 am Post subject:

Do you have any friends with boards? If you do I would try riding that so you can get used to it and if you like it, then I would get a more advanced board as your skills will improve.

thejuice · Newbie Joined: 01 May 2011 Posts: 4 City: West Lafayette

That is what I did all last summer. I feel that I'm at the point where it's time to show up with my own gear this year. He's a smaller guy and I'm about 225, So i'm sure he'd appreciate it if I used my own gear finally.

I feel you on your comment too Wakeboarder3780- although I didnt go to college, receive my degree, and build my life around wakeboarding, I can feel the passion for this sport is really starting to overwhelm me. I have played guitar for fourteen years, rode bmx when I was younger which grew into me riding single gears for a few years now, went to art for painting and illustration (which I am passionate about) and none of those things compare to how much I'm really starting to love this sport. I can't seem to stop thinking/obsessing over this sport. (I'm sure you all know what I mean). What I am getting at is that even I was surprised by how much I have completely indulged myself into this sport, that's why I wanted to get some decent equipment as well. It will keep me motivated and excited to see how i can grow.

I respect what you say, and I appreciate everyone's input. I just know how much I'm feeling like a giddy little kid when it comes to this, so that is what raises my concerns. I don't want to make bad decisions even before the season starts.

Wakeboarder3780 · Posted: May 05, 2011 7:18 am Post subject:

Rock on man, you've got the bug. Take the step over the edge and see where it takes you! Especially seeing as how you rode all last summer and still like it, you're certainly more than qualified to get your own awesome gear. Jump in, the waters nice!

DeloBoarder · Outlaw Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 131 City: Knoxville

YEAH MAN! Get into it, and get gear that you will be stoked to ride. That doesn't mean you have to buy all new stuff or advanced stuff, but I will give a +1 for the One bindings. Got some 2011's last month and absolutely love them. I started out on a beginner board and didn't upgrade for 4 years, and I wish I had a long time before that. Buy hey, I can ride completely finless like you wouldn't believe haha. Welcome to the sport, though!

GnarShredd · Posted: May 06, 2011 7:42 am Post subject:

thejuice, Another thing I'd recommend is taking a look at clearance pricing on new 2010 boards. A lot of boards don't really change much year to year and if you get anything from 2009 or later you'll still be getting great technology that will last you a long time while saving a good chunk of money. Most websites have a clearance section or you can always ask your local shop for what they have left over.

For bindings, Just do your research and try some on if you can. Any of the 'big name' wake companies make a quality product, so it really will come down to personal preference. If you buy anything more than 2 years old, make sure to ask the shop if the bindings will fit on the board. The industry recently switched from 8" spreads to 6" spreads on a lot of boards/boots.

Long story short: Buying gear from the previous year is cheaper and you'll still get something really high quality that will last just as long as a new board.

thejuice · Newbie Joined: 01 May 2011 Posts: 4 City: West Lafayette

So just as a heads up. I took everyone's word into consideration and I finally went to Indy today to see what they had down there in the shop. I ended up getting the 2010 ONE bindings. I also ended up getting the 2010 IBEX board that happened to be a demo that the shop owner had used last year for a bit. It allowed me to save some mad cash since it was on clearance and a year old. Although, it was everything I could do to resist a brand new Ronix ONE board. Damn, that board is sexy. Everyone there said Ibex is the way to go apparently though, so i trust those who know more than me. So needless to say, IM STOKED!!! I went ahead and got a wet suit as well so I can get out there as soon as possible even with this lame cold weather.

Also, a little side note. Apparently the World Championships are debuting in Indy, and the dude gave me two free tickets. Not that huge of a deal, but how freaking sick is that to know that all these rad wakeboarders are going to be in my backyard. It's going to be a good summer ladies and gentlemen, a good summer indeed.

FlatH20 · Outlaw Joined: 12 Oct 2009 Posts: 167

you won't be disappointed with your selection - I ride the one's and they have been quite good to me. I however have a slingshot response but I've ridden the Ronix boards - like you said - it'll be a good summer... water temps on this side of the country are 58 degree and we're trunking it... lots of shrinkage

cmurr · Newbie Joined: 23 Jul 2010 Posts: 10 City: Knoxville

I had a beginner board when I first started and I now use that for all the people I bring that don't have their own boards.

As soon as I could consistently get out of the water I got a LF Watson setup.

ridininmd · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 1231

Sounds like a good setup. Overall I wouldn't worry too much about beginner or pro level boards other than avoiding a real aggressive 3-stage like Wakebrad said. Most of the beginner boards are really pro shapes that are a few years old. IMO the most important part of a setup is the bindings, if they hurt your feet, or you slide around in them, or they just aren't comfortable you're going to have a hard time progressing.

Pookie94 · Criminal Joined: 30 Jul 2010 Posts: 65 City: Maumee

My first board was a LF Watson hybrid... a fairly advanced board but I learned fine. In the beginning i actually enjoyed it more than my friends beginner boards. Overall I dont regret getting it all all. If I had gotten a beginner board I would be out a couple hundred dollars.

DeloBoarder · Outlaw Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 131 City: Knoxville

I rode a beginner board completely finless for years before I got my Watson Classic. Yes, I wish I had upgraded earlier or even gotten a better board to start, but now after upgrading the bindings on it to some LF Vantages I have a community board that doubles as a cable board Cool

Oh and +1 for the One bindings. I LOOOOOVE my 2011's....so comfortable. Sounds like you're off to a great start