What size board do I need and easiest way to get up...

[ArkBoater]

Ok guys, I've tried WBing with a friend who is really good and we tried the "put the board parallel to the back of the boat and bend your knees approach, but I couldn't get up. Now here is my thinking. Why couldn't I point the board at the back of the boat and put my weight towards the back of the board with the toe of it sticking just slightly out of the water then, then the board gets on top of the water, stand up. I know it sounds easy enough in my mind...but do any of you start like this? It seems a LOT easier than doing it the other way I mentioned.

Also, I'm 6'1" and weigh 215. Any suggestions on what size board I need? Thanks!!!

 

[hal2814]

Re: What size board do I need and easiest way to get up...

I've seen people start that way. You can always try it. But whatever problems are keeping you from getting up with the board perpendicular to the boat will almost certainly keep you from getting up with the board parallel to the boat. Board orientation isn't what keeps new riders from getting up. What usually keeps new riders from getting up is not letting yourself get forced into a ball on when the boat starts pulling you and letting your upper body get in front of the board. You get those two things right and you can point the board whatever direction you want to at startup.

As far as size goes, it really depends on the board. Most boards have a recommended weight for each model size. You can find that somewhere like Wakeworld. Just for getting up and learning to ride, just about any size will work. If you think about it, there's not a whole heck of a lot of difference between something 135cm long and something 140cm long.

 

[Hairygary]

Re: What size board do I need and easiest way to get up...

The easiest way to get it up is how you were doing it. But remember dont pull yourself up, let the boat do the work. Pulling yourself up will end in faceplants until you get the hang of it. You may be able to get up by trying the other way, but as a beginner, I believe you will have less success this way, but it is possible. It is possible for more experence people to get up with their feet facing sideways, but it is an unnatural feeling for beginners.

To address your board, you should be riding something in the low 140's, however each board is different depending on width. Also riding style also determines board size. Some people perfer riding smaller boards and some peferer bigger boards. Like the earlier poster said, look at the weight rating for each board Check out the board guide at wakeworld it gives all the specs on each board like weight rating and also gives reviews. Here is the link - http://www.wakeworld.com/BoardGuide/

 

[Liquid_force]

Re: What size board do I need and easiest way to get up...

I agree with Hal that the issue probably isn't how you place the board initially.
I taught a friend late last summer and he had a hard time for a while. What it came down to is he had himself convinced that it was going to be like a slalom ski and he had to drag until the boat built some speed.
It's not like that at all on a wake board. A 200 lb rider can stand up almost immediately. Just keep your weight centered over the board and let yourself come out of the water.

Another way you might try is to put the board deep in the water, just as if you're sitting in a chair, knees bent about 90 degrees - board parallel to the back of the boat. The key is make sure the board is tilted slightly with your toes above your heels. When the driver accelerates the board (and you) will float right to the surface - pull the handle toward the hip you want to lead and you're off.

 

[Jetdoc789]

Re: What size board do I need and easiest way to get up...

I'm no expert myself but have talked several peeps onto a board after a few tries, so try mixing in a little of both of your methods of madness. Have your lead foot corner tip of the board sticking out of the water 4-8" the other corner should be submerged 6-10" this will leave your deeper foot heel about 6-10" from touching your butt. Lay back and relax, You should be in a rather comfortable tucked position, not necessaraly balled up. I launch w/ my left foot forward, and when the boat starts to drag me out, the boat will have a tendency to shoot you out whatever direction your lead foot is. Heck let it launch you to the moon for that matter, your a big boy @ 6', let that size work it's advantage and make the boat quite literally stand you up, don't lean forward, keep that rear foot locked in behind you and lean back. About the time your butt gets out of the water shift your weight to your back foot this shoud straighten out the board, allow you to straighten your front leg all the way out. Keep that back foot leg kinda bent w/ plenty of weight on it, this is your shock absorber when you hit the doublebacks... Throw a big smile on your big mug and have fun mi amigo, your ready for the skate!!!