toneeees
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New riders are generally excited and enthusiastic. They just want to get behind the boat, usually without a plan for their set. But riders who adopt the same mindset as the pros will see the fastest improvement. Have fun - but with a plan. Pro riders have a goal in mind before beginning every session.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Their goals will be more advanced than yours, but the point is to focus on specific elements. The novice should concentrate on two basic things: the right equipment, and mastering the on-water basics. Without this solid foundation, progress will be much more difficult. Both elements are equally important, and each is dependent upon the other.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Let's start with equipment. Wakeboards have plenty of surface area, so you'll probably be able to get up and ride on almost any one. But choosing the right board for you will enhance your success. Lighter riders on too large a board will feel less stable on the water. Adults or heavier riders using a board that is too small will have a harder time mastering riding basics such as wake jumps.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Specific wakeboard models typically come in three lengths. Several manufacturers also offer junior boards and a women's board like my signature Hyperlite Maiden board that better fits women and lighter riders.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]If you are getting a board for family or friends, think about who will be using the board. One smaller board would fit teens and light adults while a bigger board would do the job for bigger adults. But if your riders will vary in size and weight, you might look at getting two boards to fit everyone better.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Whether you have one board or two, plan to have properly fitting bindings for each rider.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]You feel and control the board through your feet, so well-fitting bindings are important even for novice riders. Bindings are designed to fit a fairly narrow range of foot sizes. If several riders will use an adjustable boot binding, it still has to be in close range, say size 7-8. If you have a younger or smaller rider, you will need a smaller binding, even if you are only using one board. Bindings can be changed easily. When a binding is too loose, you forfeit a lot of control. As your riding progresses, you can move up to bindings to fit specific foot sizes.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Many new riders use water ski line for learning. But these lines are designed to have a little bounce in them, and that's not ideal for wakeboarding. Lines specific for wakeboarding are very low stretch to provide a tight-feeling, constant pull. This type of pull is best for just getting up, doing wake jumps and throwing spins and inverts.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Wakeboard lines also have take-off loops so that you can adjust your distance from the boat for varied wake conditions. You can ride at 80, 75, 70 or 60 feet for example. I usually ride at 75. Most riders use a line length between 70 and 80 feet.[/FONT]
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Wakeboard handles are 15" wide and because they are made with a very comfortable grip most riders don't wear gloves.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Flotation vests come in all sizes. Make sure to match the vest to the rider's size to provide optimal safety and maneuverability.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]There's a wide selection of PFD's right here: http://www.iboats.com/Life-Jackets-Vests-PFDs-Accessories/dm/view_id.368694[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Follow my plan, letting your equipment work hand in hand with your good on-water basics. You'll have so much fun![/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Raimi Merritt wins her 10th World Cup with her recent win in Linyi City, China. Raimi is also 2 times IWWF Open Women Wakeboard World Champion and a Masters Champion. Raimi is sponsored by Mynt, Nautique, Hyperlite, Rollei Actioncam America, Breathe Boardwear, Proof Eyewear, OrigAudio, Wakami, Peripheral LS and Fly High. Visit www.raimimerritt.com for the latest news. Raimi also offers personalized coaching in Orlando, Florida. E-mail raimi@stevemerritt.com to schedule a lesson.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Look for a great selection of boards, bindings, tow ropes and handles right here: http://www.iboats.com/Watersports/dm/view_id.19[/FONT]
New riders are generally excited and enthusiastic. They just want to get behind the boat, usually without a plan for their set. But riders who adopt the same mindset as the pros will see the fastest improvement. Have fun - but with a plan. Pro riders have a goal in mind before beginning every session.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Their goals will be more advanced than yours, but the point is to focus on specific elements. The novice should concentrate on two basic things: the right equipment, and mastering the on-water basics. Without this solid foundation, progress will be much more difficult. Both elements are equally important, and each is dependent upon the other.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Let's start with equipment. Wakeboards have plenty of surface area, so you'll probably be able to get up and ride on almost any one. But choosing the right board for you will enhance your success. Lighter riders on too large a board will feel less stable on the water. Adults or heavier riders using a board that is too small will have a harder time mastering riding basics such as wake jumps.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Specific wakeboard models typically come in three lengths. Several manufacturers also offer junior boards and a women's board like my signature Hyperlite Maiden board that better fits women and lighter riders.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]If you are getting a board for family or friends, think about who will be using the board. One smaller board would fit teens and light adults while a bigger board would do the job for bigger adults. But if your riders will vary in size and weight, you might look at getting two boards to fit everyone better.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Whether you have one board or two, plan to have properly fitting bindings for each rider.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]You feel and control the board through your feet, so well-fitting bindings are important even for novice riders. Bindings are designed to fit a fairly narrow range of foot sizes. If several riders will use an adjustable boot binding, it still has to be in close range, say size 7-8. If you have a younger or smaller rider, you will need a smaller binding, even if you are only using one board. Bindings can be changed easily. When a binding is too loose, you forfeit a lot of control. As your riding progresses, you can move up to bindings to fit specific foot sizes.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Many new riders use water ski line for learning. But these lines are designed to have a little bounce in them, and that's not ideal for wakeboarding. Lines specific for wakeboarding are very low stretch to provide a tight-feeling, constant pull. This type of pull is best for just getting up, doing wake jumps and throwing spins and inverts.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Wakeboard lines also have take-off loops so that you can adjust your distance from the boat for varied wake conditions. You can ride at 80, 75, 70 or 60 feet for example. I usually ride at 75. Most riders use a line length between 70 and 80 feet.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Wakeboard handles are 15" wide and because they are made with a very comfortable grip most riders don't wear gloves.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Flotation vests come in all sizes. Make sure to match the vest to the rider's size to provide optimal safety and maneuverability.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]There's a wide selection of PFD's right here: http://www.iboats.com/Life-Jackets-Vests-PFDs-Accessories/dm/view_id.368694[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Follow my plan, letting your equipment work hand in hand with your good on-water basics. You'll have so much fun![/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Raimi Merritt wins her 10th World Cup with her recent win in Linyi City, China. Raimi is also 2 times IWWF Open Women Wakeboard World Champion and a Masters Champion. Raimi is sponsored by Mynt, Nautique, Hyperlite, Rollei Actioncam America, Breathe Boardwear, Proof Eyewear, OrigAudio, Wakami, Peripheral LS and Fly High. Visit www.raimimerritt.com for the latest news. Raimi also offers personalized coaching in Orlando, Florida. E-mail raimi@stevemerritt.com to schedule a lesson.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Look for a great selection of boards, bindings, tow ropes and handles right here: http://www.iboats.com/Watersports/dm/view_id.19[/FONT]