eidgm

So I snowboard quite a bit and every summer my friends want me to try wakeboarding and every time I completely suck at it. Whats the deal? I can't get out of the water half the time and they say its cause im trying to do the work for the boat, I don't know who's doing the work but there isnt a whole lot of it getting done. Any advice?

Simply^Ride

Not really, I do cable park only so my takeoffs are different, they are actually quite easy. My problems come in the cornering. But let me tell you something once your are up that thing kicks ass, its one of the best feelings in the world.

Simply^Ride

Actually yes I do have some advice, post your question here Wakeboarder.com :: View Forum - Newbie Questions they are very nice at helping new comers to the sport over there

nzboardlife

In water starts are all body position, your trying to pull yourself up with your arms, what you want to do is use your arms less for pulling and more for holding you in the postion the boat pulls you to, its all about leaning back and letting the boat pull you up. I don't think thats a very good explanation but i hope you get the idea

Simply^Ride

I also read that the boat driver has a lot to do with it, they have to know what they are doing.

dipshit13

the whole idea is to let the boat do work for you dont try to pull yourself up with your arms. your trying to get on top of the water. and after that its kinda like snowboarding depending on how many fins you have/ what kind of board you have except your bodyweight is on your back foot.

youthpastorryan

I've been teaching kids to pop up out of the water on a wakeboard for about 6 years now. I fought, and sucked water about the first 5 times when I first started boarding, and then I figured it out and it's so easy now.

Set yourself up.

1. Sit like you would in a chair. Knees bent. Floating relaxed on your back with your face upright. Toes pointing at the boat.
2. Put your arms around your knees.
3. Point your toes at the boat.

GO

(Here's where ppl mess it up).

1. Allow your board to pop out and skim the water FIRST.
2. Allow your knees to push up against your chest.
3. Keep dragging your butt in the water. When the board feels firm... stand up.
4. In my experience it's easiest for beginners to keep their board perpendicular (toes pointed upright) with the boat and go outside the wake immediately. That way they don't have to worry about trying to put a foot forward... it just happens naturally.

Two main things. Drag your butt, point your toes, and you'll pop up every time.

TIP: If you're still having trouble, I've found the best way for ppl to figure it out is for the driver to actually drag the person slowly in the water (5mph or so) to allow them to practice pointing their toes at the boat and dragging their butt while there's some tension on the roap. I've actually seen kids get UP at this speed!... so driver... no need to floor it.


Keep practicing.

Simply^Ride

Cool another wakeboarder, it's nice to have new members that can add input to this section of the forum.

Thanks for the info.

Hope to see you around.

donm3ga

My GF's sister and her fiance are Pro-Am wakeboarders. They go out to the lake/river every weekend and always invite us. Starting about 3 weeks ago we said "okay, we'll go." SUCH A BLAST!

I'm new to wakeboarding and so is my GF, here are some tips we got from her sister and her fiance.

1. Ball up when you're in the water. Pretty much, put your heels to your butt, knees to your chest.
2. Put your arms AROUND your knees, not between them.
3. When the boat pulls you, keep your arms loose but your hands tight.
4. Don't be afraid of the board going under water initially...its supposed to! It'll come right back up.
5. Sit in a ball for a about 2-4 seconds, then stand up.
6. Don't be afraid to put weight over the nose of your board.
7. Keep your knees relaxed.
8. Chest up.
9. Handle to your hip.

If you feel like the boat is just dragging you and you're fighting the boat, then your arms are not relaxed and you are leaning back to far. Let the board go down into the water, if you're doing it right...the board will resurface in 1 second.

Coming from a fellow new wakeboarder, I hope this helps. With these tips I was able to get up on my first day on my 3rd attempt. My GF got up on her first day 1st attempt. She has never failed to get up. Its easier for girls to get up because they don't fight the boat. Guys tend to resist and fight back. RELAX!

GOOD LUCK!

con3593

I might just have to try this