| In part 1 of this wakeboarding beginner instructional, | | | | make sure you are familiar with the system and |
| we will be covering wakeboard equipment selection. | | | | comfortable with using it. |
| This is where reality sets in for a lot of newcomers | | | | BASE PLATE: This is what all of the binding is |
| to the sport and a price tag is put on whether they | | | | mounted to and spreads the load over the |
| really want to enter the sport. Putting the boat | | | | wakeboard to reduce the strain on particular points. |
| aspect aside for the moment (the most expensive | | | | It should be made from quality aluminum or alike. |
| part of joining the sport by far), buying a complete | | | | At the end of the day get a binding that fits |
| setup new from a retail store (which includes rope | | | | correctly (will be similar to shoe size, but make sure it |
| and handle, life vest, wakeboard, bindings, the main | | | | fits right as VERY important for safety) and is |
| basics) will cost in the vicinity of $1500 to $4000 | | | | comfortable for the rider. If the board is to be |
| dollars, depending on brand name and quality. | | | | shared amongst a few people make sure the |
| Although it is not necessary to buy from new and | | | | adjustable size fits all, however from experience |
| you may find a bargain 2nd hand, you gain the piece | | | | having a default binding that is fitted to the specific |
| of mind of a warranty and correct fit of equipment | | | | riders foot is much more comfortable and will keep |
| (which is important for safety issues). Be advised | | | | the heel down better (will stop blisters and the foot |
| though to buy a board that is suited to your ability | | | | coming out unintentionally whilst riding). |
| and has room for skill progression. There is nothing | | | | BINDINGS SETUP: |
| worse than to spend so much money on a board | | | | There are many variations of setting up wakeboard |
| and then to find it too hard to learn on or 'outgrow' it | | | | bindings, each involve the placement and angles in |
| too quickly, simply because of lack of knowledge | | | | which the toes point. However there are 3 main |
| when first buying it. (check out how to choose the | | | | ways that they can be setup. As follows: |
| right one here). This will only plateau your learning | | | | Beginner: This involves the bindings basically being |
| curve and dampen your enjoyment of the sport. An | | | | setup as if the board was uni-directional which can aid |
| easy guide is to choose a rounded shape board with | | | | a beginner wakeboarder in learning things such as |
| a variable, thicker edge, a continuous rocker and | | | | deep water start, movement/control and minor |
| larger fins. Although there is many board brands on | | | | uni-directional jumps. To set the board this way you |
| the market now, i must advise again to stick with | | | | need to know what way you normally like to ride, |
| your big guns like liquid force, hyperlite, obrien, CWB, | | | | regular or goofy. If you are familiar to board sports |
| Ronix, double up. Most of these players have been | | | | then you will know which way you prefer (it will be |
| around a long time and it shows with the technology | | | | the same) however if you don't then there is a |
| and quality of their equipment. | | | | simple trick. Get someone behind you to give you a |
| BINDINGS: | | | | gentle push unexpectedly. Don't think about the |
| After selecting a wakeboard, bindings will be next on | | | | process and see what foot you step forward with |
| the agenda and like the boards there are just as | | | | first. This will be the same foot that you ride forward |
| many types out there to choose from. Lace up, | | | | normally with. Set the back binding at the last |
| moulded/fixed, strap down, BOA system, open toe | | | | possible position on the wakeboard and the front |
| closed toe, rubber or cloth overlay, the list can seem | | | | about shoulder width apart (or what feels most |
| overwhelming to a wakeboarding beginner however | | | | comfortable) between 14-28 degrees. |
| here is a breakdown on what each component is | | | | Intermediate: This position is adjusted to aid |
| does. | | | | wakeboarding beginners that have some experience |
| ENTRANCE/HOLD: What type of entrance does the | | | | to be able to preform surface tricks and spins more |
| binding have, the types on the market currently are | | | | freely than the first position. Although the binding |
| lace up, moulded/fixed, strap down, and BOA | | | | setup is still bias to the riders preferred riding stance |
| system. For ease as a beginner pick a lace, strap | | | | there is some element to two dimensional tricks such |
| down or BOA type as these will be easier to get into | | | | as 360?s. To set up the board this way move the |
| than the moulded type which don't allow for release | | | | rear foot up a few positions and to a slight angle |
| to get your foot in. The lace up, strap down BOA | | | | between 0-10 degrees and the front likewise to a |
| types also hold the heel down better which will stop | | | | angle about 19 or so. |
| it rubbing and causing blisters, and will also stop the | | | | Advanced: This is the riding position that you see |
| foot coming out when you don't want it too. | | | | most people ride in and provides unbiased positioning |
| OPEN OR CLOSED TOE: This refers to the toe end | | | | for either regular or goofy stance. This stance is |
| of the binding which will either be open or closed toe. | | | | needed if you wise to develop as a wakeboader and |
| This is purely down to preference. Some people feel | | | | will allow the ability to preform all the variety of tricks |
| as they can edge harder on their toeside wearing | | | | (if you can), in two and three directional airs. To set |
| closed toe but it can be negligible. Closed toes are | | | | the board up this way, you need to find a |
| generally more expensive and in the high end market. | | | | comfortable stance probably just over shoulder width |
| They can also feel heavy as they fill with water | | | | apart with feet ducked out slightly. The degree in |
| when Deep water starting until they have time to | | | | which the toes point out is up to the individual |
| drain whilst riding. A pro though is that they keep | | | | however make sure it is not too extreme as it my |
| your toes warm during cooler months... | | | | put unnecessary strain on the knees. Once this |
| OVERLAY/UNDERLAY: This is the parts of the | | | | stance is found simply transfer it too the board. Note |
| binding in which it mostly made of. Overlay is the part | | | | the positioning of the feet should be mirror imaged |
| that goes over the top of the foot and underlay | | | | of each other. |
| underneath this. Materials are usually rubber or cloth | | | | At the end of the day you do not need to start with |
| like. Although rubber is more common and cheaper, it | | | | the first two stances, although they may aid you in |
| usually requires a lubricant such as dish washing | | | | progressing quicker. |
| detergent and water to get into them. The cloth like | | | | Here are a few great wakeboard packages that are |
| type do not require this. | | | | currently available on the market |
| HARDWARE/FIXING TYPE: The hardware that | | | | 2010 Watson Classic 142 w/Vantage Wakeboard |
| comes with the bindings is what is used to fix them | | | | Package |
| to the wakeboard. A lot of big brands now days | | | | 2010 Melissa 134 w/Melissa Wakeboard Package |
| have patented systems of doing this, most of which | | | | 2010 Premier 136 w/Remix Wakeboard Package |
| have the idea of a quick setup up and maximum | | | | Stay tuned for out next installment in the |
| variations of stances. The bindings should come with | | | | wakeboarding beginner instructional which covers |
| all the hardware to attach them to any make of | | | | rope and handles.... |
| board, not just the brand it was designed for. Just | | | | |