advice on a board/size/style for newb

[dreamofwake]

Hey! So I am going to try wakeboarding for the first time this weekend and I am about to buy a board. I wanted to know what the sizes and styles I have been reading about meant exactly and what you all thought would be best for me. I'm 6ft/200lbs/shoe size 11 and I have been snowboarding for the last ten years 'goofy' style (right foot forward) on boards from 159-163.

What type of setup would you recommend?

 

[rallyart]

Re: advice on a board/size/style for newb

Board should be over 140. Buy something from last years stock, you'll get it 30-50% off from new. Boots should be whatever is most comfortable. Spend money on boots ahead of the board. When you first start off set the boots a comfortable distance apart on the board and for your first runs set the angle of the boots up like you would on the snowboard. After a while you'll want to set them more equal in terms of angle. Most entry level boards are continuous rocker which means they have a consistent curve on the bottom. A three stage rocker means there is a bend in the tip and tail of the board, in addition to the curve. That style can help you jump higher but can be more work while riding.
That will give you something to start with. I'm your size, and I am no where near as good as my 12 or my 14 year old kids. I got a flex style board because the landings are softer and closed toe boots from Slingshot. The board and boots are better than I am but they are easy to ride just the same.

 

[tgell001]

Re: advice on a board/size/style for newb

Set the bindings at 15 degrees and 15 degrees or 30/30 depending on how duck footed you are. Even if you ride 0/15 or 0/30 snowboarding. Most goofy riders ride duck footed snowboarding but even if you dont i would start there for wakeboarding. You'll end up riding fakey a lot wakeboarding and its just more comfortable from my experience. I actually had a nagging knee pain until i switched up my stance. Tried to ride 15/15 snowboarding this winter and it just wasn't comfortable, so i guess its just the difference in the sports. Or maybe its just me. Hope this helps good luck

 

[dreamofwake]

Re: advice on a board/size/style for newb

hey,, thanks guys!! that helps me alot!

 

[JosephBrown.]

Re: advice on a board/size/style for newb

i wont be able to give as detailed a reply as the guys above.. but have you tried knee boarding? i got an Obrien knee board last summer and have really enjoyed using it!... So have the kids:') ..but i recommend getting an Obrien wakeboard... its something i shall be investing in this summer! (always wanted to try wakeboarding.. just been working my way up

Have Fun Wakeboarding!
Joseph Brown

 

[MelodyBay]

Re: advice on a board/size/style for newb

I've got a Liquidforce Trip 138 with Index bindings and love it! I'm also new to wakeboarding and my buddy who competes in the amateur circuit recommended the board. Bindings I find are a personal preference.

Good luck.

 

[tgell001]

Re: advice on a board/size/style for newb

I am a very brand loyal guy (think i get that from my dad) when I find a company that makes a good product I will continuously buy from them time and time again. I bought the Liquid Force PS3 w/ Domain bindings for either 299 or 349 from overtons and man i love it. I'd go for a 3 stage rocker right off the bat regardless of skill even the beginner riders i bring enjoy the pop you get. I also have an obrian set i bought locally at a sporting good store and its junk total junk. I'm really lucky i didn't get hurt using those bindings I'd stay away from obrian anything except for maybe a knee board haha.

 

[ThreeMileBayWaker]

Re: advice on a board/size/style for newb

I'm 6'3"... 200lbs, I ride a 142 Liquid Force trip and CWB Answer XXL closed toe bindings. 20* each binding and farthest stance possible. I tried a all positions, but for my height the widest stance lets me feel more in control.