Ask the Experts | TUNE YOUR RIDE

[toneeees]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]As discussed previously, your board, fin and bindings impact your progress as a rider. But other factors also affect your performance. Whether you are a beginner or a world champion, the towboat you use and the line that connects you to that boat are significant factors in your riding fun. When considering the towboat, think about three things: Tow point, boat wake, and driver.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Wakeboard Tower: Go Higher
When wakeboarding got its start in the mid-90s, riding was done with the line attached to the ski pylon. Today, everyone from first time riders to pros prefers the wakeboard tower.[/FONT]



[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]The upward pull of a tower makes starts easier for a first-time rider, because the higher tow point pulls up the rider, permitting better use of leg strength to stand on the board. The tower gives advanced riders more air time for doing wake jumps, grabs, spins and inverts. That's why pro riders have enough air time to execute double flips.[/FONT]


[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Wakeboard towers today are commonplace, especially on specialized inboard towboats like my Nautique G23.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]However, towers have migrated to all types of boats, and the availability of extended pylons and add-on towers allows every rider to enjoy the benefits of big air time from the higher tow point.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Remember, though, it's still critical to make the most of the higher tow by focusing on a balanced body position over your bindings.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Build Your Wake
When you think about wakeboarding, you probably picture big wakes. But a smaller, less intimidating wake works well, especially for a novice. And that makes virtually any family boat ready for towing duties. A smaller wake is an ideal opportunity to work on basics such as getting your body balanced over the bindings, riding the board in both basic and switch stance and edging the board away from the boat, both to the right and left.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]For contest riders, and for riders seeking more air time, the specialized inboard boat does the best job of creating a wake with the right size and shape. The hull of my G23 has a wake with a gradual upward slope, while the V-drive engine in the stern, combined with ballast tanks, creates a wake that lets me go big.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]After-market ballast bladders are readily available to tweak any wake. Ballast bladders like Fat Sac come in a variety of shapes and sizes, to fit the various compartments of any boat.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif][/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]But again, you need to use good technique to maximize the benefits of a great wake. Use the wake to the fullest. When jumping the wake, always keep the board on edge and pointed away from the boat as you ride up the wake. This will give you enough lift to allow you to land on the other side of the wake.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Driving
The way the boat steers and tracks, and how well it holds a speed, also affect your riding. When you edge to the wake, the driver needs to track straight. A straight tow will keep the wake's shape consistent for the rider, important for doing wake jumps and tricks from the wake.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]A constant boat speed is crucial. When I ride, I definitely notice a difference of even a few 1/10s of a mph. Speed control, which maintains speeds to 1/10 of a mile, is the gold standard for wakeboarding. If you don't have speed control, ensure that your driver works hard to hold the speed you request.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]But experiment with different speeds, to find the best wake shape and tow for you.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]A straight tow and consistent speed keeps everything the same, allowing you to be more focused and anticipate the wakes, the air time, and the landing.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]No matter your riding level, I promise that when you have all the physical components of your riding working harmoniously, combined with good technique, you will learn quickly and have lots of fun.[/FONT]

[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Raimi Merritt wins her 10th World Cup with her recent win in Linyi City, China. Raimi is also 2 times IWWF Open Women Wakeboard World Champion and a Masters Champion. Raimi is sponsored by Mynt, Nautique, Hyperlite, Rollei Actioncam America, Breathe Boardwear, Proof Eyewear, OrigAudio, Wakami, Peripheral LS and Fly High. Visit www.raimimerritt.com for the latest news. Raimi also offers personalized coaching in Orlando, Florida. E-mail raimi@stevemerritt.com to schedule a lesson.[/FONT]