Do you want the board to come off.....

[tonemann]

or stay on when the infamous wipeout occurs? I keep reading about dish soap and shaving cream. I am a proud owner of a new scar on the top of my foot from my stupidy of having the bright idea to put my skis on while still in the boat (both the skis and myself completely dry). Just seemed a little easier to do at the time! Are these lubricants just to get the boots on?

Once again: Is it better to come clean out of the boots or keep them snug taking a chance of twisting a knee or two. Seems like most of the wipeout footage I have been watching (and in some way feeling), the boards never come off.

My background: 37 years old...2 years of regular skiing...very llittle slalom experience....weigh 225lbs (somewhat muscular build)...6'0 tall...insanely flexible gymnastics instructor.....

Just ordered a hyperlite state 145 board...

My Boat: 1998 Sea Ray 18' Bowrider with a 3.0 Merc and Wakeboard tower.


I can see myself doing some of these tricks in due time, but I also know my age is working against me!

Your thoughts?!!!

 

[texomatom]

Re: Do you want the board to come off.....

Tonemann,

You want to keep both feet either in or out of the bindings. The worst thing that can happen is for one foot to come out. The board will twist your remaining foot. This is why you see so many wakeboarders with knee injuries. I tell my newbies - if your feet aren't cramping, the bindings aren't tight enough You will want to be on a swim platform or in the boat when you put on the bindings. Use some binding slime - or equivalent. We use a diluted simple green solution (or dish soap, shaving cream, etc). You want something water soluble and non-toxic. Once in the water, rinse them off.

PS, speaking as a 42YO "kid" and former tumbler, I think you will love wakeboarding and take to it pretty easily. My $.02

HTH

Tom

 

[wcsparky05]

Re: Do you want the board to come off.....

in my personal experience...you won't have a choice. i am definitely worried about my knees and ankles too, but if you hit hard enough, the board comes off of us every time. without the dishsoap. yes, i have lace-up bindings. no velcro here!

 

[brwalkersk8]

Re: Do you want the board to come off.....

I have to disagree...I have been riding them loose as hell for the last couple years now on...I used to keep them as tight as I could and I still popped out now and again. Then I had a wipe out that popped one foot out and left one in. Snapped my ankle in 3 places. Now I want to come out everytime and easily. My ankle still isn't right 2 years later.

 

[on_ice]

Re: Do you want the board to come off.....

I generally prefer a looser binding as well and use no lube. Its never fun after your first 10 minutes of riding you have to get out of the water cause your feet hurt so bad. Get something that fits your size where you wont need lube and you will be fine. DO NOT get something for you to "grow into" because believe it or not, your foot can even go all the way through the binding and cause serious damage. Have you tried a closed toe binding? Very nice, seems more responsive.

 

[recoil]

Re: Do you want the board to come off.....

hi tonemann i too have a hyperlite state 145 and its a very good board the binding should be snug and if you fall your feet should come out.

 

[Liquid_force]

Re: Do you want the board to come off.....

I would agree with Tex in that you want to be in or out -- most of the time in.

My first board had relatively easy exit Hyperlite Powerboots. They were a mid-wrap - intended to stay on except on big crashes. My front foot would slip out once in a while as I began a jump. I hated it. Thought I broke a leg once as a result, thankfully it was a false alarm.

I now ride high wrap lace ups (Obrien Systems). I rarely come out of them.

If you're going to be doing anything serious you definitely want a snug binding. They will only come off when you stick an edge in the water, and in that case they'll both come off.

If they come off easy you'll be risking head and leg injuries every time you crash.