Ok so i tried it and i love it!!!!

[Ralph]

Well i had a couple of lessons late last year and had an absolute blast - once i managed to get up it was a great sensation!!!! Found it a bit tough going on the legs but wonder if that was because i wasn't relaxed being a newbie!!!

So although i realise not the best thing to wakeboard behind a friend of mine has just bought a big Yamaha jet-ski which has ample grunt to get me up and cruising. Although i won't learn a great deal due to the lack of wake i figure for general riding and getting used to the movements it should be fine - plus without paying i don't have access to a boat

What i want to know is what sort of board i need to be looking at??? When on my lessons i just borowed their kit but if we are gonna hit the coast this summer i will need to sort myself out some kit. I don't want to spend a fortune 1) because i am new to it and 2) because i can't really afford to spend a fortune.

So i am 6'3 and weigh about 16.5 stone - can anyone give me some idea of what i should be looking at and also from a beginners point of view what is important in a board.

Many thanks

Ralph

[DBJTS]

You need a board of at least 140 and don't let anyone tell you different.

Check out this link

http://www.wakeworld.com/Wizard/Boards.asp

[Nick.C.]

Find a cable. learn how to wakeskate. buy the biggest skate you can.and then you will have fun behind a jet ski. assuming it is really powerful.(seadoo wake edition is 1500cc and 155bhp.) This is the sort of power you need for a big guy like yourself. you will soon get fed up wakeboarding behind a jet ski.
The other thing your going to need is nice flat water.
The salt water riders will have to help you with this one as to the best coastal areas to ride.. Good luck..

[Ralph]

Cheers guys some helpful info there - will look round for a 140ish length board then. With regard to wakeskating what makes that better for doing behind a ski over wakeboarding???? Am i right in thinking wakeskating is the same as wakeboarding but without the bindings???

Ralph

[Nick.C.]

Check out the wakeskate link you should find some wakeskate clips on there to give you an idea.Ultimately wakeboarding is about big air, Inverts (back rolls , front rolls etc), and spins. For this you need wake. you wont get much wake from a ski. Wakeskate tricks are small and intricate more like skateboard tricks. and therefore dont need a lot of wake . if any.What area are you in? If your in south get to the cable at Thorpe and we can help you out. Otherwise get to one of the other cables and you will get help everyone loves to help a beginner. it's the nature of the sport. Remember once your hooked theres no way out!