| Beginners
may have difficulties and even hurt a bit
when they first put their feet into the binding
boots. Actually, the boots are very tight
so that the board won't come off easily. Don't
panic, use lubricants like shaving foam. Spread
the foam all around the inside of your boot
and you will find it easier to slip on. Then
bind them up and get in the water...
1.
Since the board is highly slippery and flotative,
beware of your head and avoid bumping the
end of the dock when you get in.
2.
To start in the water, float on your back
with the life vest and let your board float
normally as well. Never try and push the
board under the water or turn it from side
to side like a ski.
3.
Make sure that your board is perpendicular
to the rope with your arms on either side
of your front knee. Signal the driver to
gear up the boat. (Note that wakeboard gives
more resistance upon starting, so start
slowly. Let say 14-22 mph, depending on
the your weight and size of the board.)
4.
Lean backwards a bit as if you were sitting
in a rocking chair. Never try and lean forwards;
otherwise the boat will pull you under or
over. As you are pulled slowly forward,
pressure against the board will lead you
to the proper starting position with a portion
of the board below the water. Let the pressure
from drag of the boat push your knees into
chest. (But don't absolutely crouch up in
a ball.) Signal the driver to hit it, keep
the crouched position and have the handle
in between your two bended knees.
5.
As the boat begins to go, keep your arms
slightly bent in near your lower stomach.
(Don't pull your arms to your chest but
keep them extended). Push your weight towards
the leading foot while keeping the nose
of the board above the water. As the board
begins to plane off, push with your legs
against the board, and slowly rise to a
standing position with your legs extended
while keeping the knees slightly bent. Up!
6.
Once you are up, slightly put more weight
on your rear foot and let your hips and
shoulders turn away from the boat. Your
board and body will turn the way you feel
most comfortable and you will be riding
sideways. It's funny, right?
This
process is just one continuous flowing motion
and you should not be dragged through the
water for long and you should never get
a face full of water. The best way to get
up is to let the boat do the job for you,
stay down low and stand up slow.
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