Beginners: Board and Binding choices

[Nadialina]

First of all, hello to everyone.
Secondly, I'm obviously new to wakeboarding and I don't know a single thing about it, other than the few things the guy who sold me his board told me.

Is the board which I am currently in posession of and intend on learning how to wakeboard on.
However, in the product details as stated on http://www.wakeworld.com/boardguide/...ProductID=1732
It gives a specific weight range: Weight range: 130 lbs. to 210 lbs.
My question is: Does it actually matter what weight you are? Because currently I am a 126 but because of my short stature (4'11") I am usually around 100 pounds. Would having this type of board make learning more difficult?

Also, because of my short stature, I am assuming, and under the impression of the guy I purchased my board off of, that I should obviously adjust my stance, and move the bindings in. (Currently I have it set at the second notch from the inside *I don't know the wakeboard lingo quite yet*). Now is there some sort of guideline showing how to adjust your bindings or do you just wing it and go with whatever is comfortable.

I snowboard also, so I am used to the angles at which my snowboard bindings are at, would this be appropriate for wakeboarding also?

Now on to bindings:

I currently have on my board the 2001 edition of the O'brien plush pro bindings and while browsing the WakeWorld online equipment reviews one reviewer mentioned taking apart footpads and adjusting to your own feet.

Comments: I’m only giving it a 4 over all, cause yesterday, when i was out, i landed a backroll to revert and the friggin footpad tore!! I know now that your supposed to take them apart when you first get them, and set them to your foot. But i didnt know that when i got them. Either the store i got them from lost the instructions, or there never were any. Point being, when they work, they work great, but just make sure you set them up right when you get them so you dont end up like i did. BTW, i’m thinking about waiting until the new system’s come out, dont those look sweet?

Is there some sort of online tutorial on how to do this and is it completely necessary?

Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Best of luck out on the water.
-Nadia

[photoman]

Ideal board size for your size may be smaller than you've got but that one you've got will give you all the buoyancy you need. A smaller board would be lighter and so easier to ollie, spin etc but it's what you're used to so learn on that one and you'll be strong enough to handle anything!

I know a guy with Plush Pros and he's never said anything about taking them apart. Read the instructions and if they're comfy don't worry about it I guess. I ripped an O'Brien Ion binding off my board once but only 'cos I let them work lose. Make sure the bolts holding them to the board are tight every time you ride and maybe get some bracing plates too to disperse the stress on the bolts.

[Sarah40]

In terms of the selecting the right board for you, I would think that board would be okay. I'm 5 ft. and 110 lbs, and I have a 135. It's a little bigger than I probably would have wanted, but it's awsome out on the water. It's super light, too. You should be fine.

[Vespo]

I started wakeboarding about 3 months ago when I bought my boat ('02 Malibu) with a friend of mine. He picked up a cheap O'brien...a $200 special and its a 141cm. I've skied since I was a little kid so I'm used to being behind a boat and I actually used to "Skurf" back in the early '90s when those came out if anyone remebers that at all in this group! Anyway, I can clear the wakes heelside fairly consistently and I can do surface 180's and thats about it for now. Im wondering if the cheaper board is a) too cheap and b) if the 141 size is a good size for me? Im 5'11 180lbs. Am I at the point yet where I should suck it up and get a nice board (and potentially different size?)