First board bought - next first start.

[Argonaut]

Asked advice here about what board to get – bought it, and if it stops raining will soon be out soon for first ride.

Could do with some advice from those who have learnt recently or perhaps teach.

We are old sods … been skiing & knee-boarding for years – but never tried a wakeboard.

Found 2 links (via this forum) the first a video clip … the basic start video at the foot of this page :
Video files


But also saw a few pointers in posts to this web page:
WakeWorld -- Articles - Getting Started Made Easy


Slightly lost after reading that ... it says

" sit in the water with your knees bent and the board parallel to the water's surface, floating naturally. The bottom of the board should be facing the boat. "

It seems contradictory ? ... if the board is parallel to the waters surface then the bottom of the board will be facing down to the bottom of the lake?

Or is this supposed to be 'rider' floating parallel to water and perhaps should read board on edge with bottom parallel to & facing the boat?

It also goes on to say” Let your knees fall open so that your arms are resting between them”

Yet the video says & shows the opposite … keeping knees inside of your arms.



I have no doubt both will work, but anybody know which is the best for learning ?

If anybody knows of any good beginner video clips on line, please pots the url.

[LiquidMilitia]

board at 90 to the waters surface, it acts as a sort of 'water brake' unlike skiing you need to keep you body relaxed and let theboard do all the work getting you up. once up slowly pull the rope down to your front hip.

i personally have my knees inside my arms but whatever you find most comfortable.

[jcl4y]

I only started last year and I guess qualify as old bugger to. I'm sure there are plenty here with more experience but what works for me is:

Start in the water with board paralell to boat, bottom of board facing the boat. As the boat starts moving bend your knees and let the water push the board down under the water until you're sitting on your heels, knees together between straight arms. As the boat speeds up the board will lift back up to the surface and start plaining. Stand up bring handle to your leading hip.

I have 'The Book' which I think is very good, DVD 1/2 are enough for me 3-5 are way beyond my ability.