New Rider

[bigkid40]

Just got up for the first time last Sunday - using a 60' tow rope, an O'Brien Blunt 137 and a SeaRay 180 - Any tips for a first-timer? I'm sure ANYTHING will help... Thanks

[Lisa]

Okay you neeeed a tower! They make it soo much easier! But before we got one, i found that the best advice is to turn the board and get up on it as fast as you can just as soon as you feel pressure from the boat. It's easier for people who aren't used to skiing on skis. That can sorta mess you up. Also, be sure you are kinda tucked up into a ball when you start,
And I know, you'll hear this a million times, but let the boat pull you up!

[waykboard]

bigkid ,,
theres a few things in lisa's post that i just dont agree with,,not trying to bust down on lisa i'm sure she's a wonderful person,,but first of all no you don't need a tower or a skylon just yet ,,yes the towers and high poles will allow you more air ,,but there are lots of things for you to practice and lots of tricks to learn before you need the big air,,and i dont agree with and never do tell beginers to stand up right out of the hole ,, let the boat pull you 10-15 feet or even more if you want before turning the board and standing ,,yes people who have been riding for several years and are more advanced riders can and will snatch up right out of the hole ,,but that dont mean it is recomended to a begining rider ,,but anyway your already getting up ,,so what i would say to practice is carving and edging,,go outside the wake by leaning on your heelside,,then come back to the wake by leaning on your toeside,,this will help you learn balance,,then using your heelside and toeside go all the way across the wakes,,one other thing when you get up,,alternate which foot you have forward,,if you start with your right foot forward ride that way until you fall,,and then when you get back up,,start with your left foot forward,,and keep alternating everytime,,this will teach you to ride (switch) and will make you a better boarder in the long run ,,anyway,,after you learn good balance and can ride and cross the wakes consistantly we will get you started on some sliding 180's and jumping the wakes,,good luck and keep at it ,