I'm a newb and I'm riding (or trying) a Liquid Force Omega 139. I'm just shy of 6' tall and I weigh 180. <BR> <BR>I've figured out how to get up-- I can do that with no problems now. But after I stand up the board gets very sketchy. It's like fishtailing left and right and I can't seem to control it. I was expecting a relatively stable ride once I was standing. <BR> <BR>Anyway, I've watched The Book and used their advice to setup my bindings. But I'm thinking maybe my bindings are not properly dialed-in?? My lower back was definitely sore after trying to ride a few times and standing up on the board isn't exactly comfortable. <BR> <BR>Do I need to widen or narrow my stance? Maybe increase my duck foot angle or whatever it's called?

Sounds like you need to edge...watch the book section on edging...the board was not designed to be ridden flat which is why it is fishtailing and you may need a little more weight on your back foot.

Sounding simple and not to flame but I have seen amny a n00b put thier fins on the board backwards and it does what you are describing. Are you shure you have them on right?

Interesting! I had no idea-- thanks for the advice. <BR> <BR>So, basically, I should always be edging to some degree? <BR> <BR>What if I just want to go straight in the middle of the wake behind the boat? Do I just softly edge back and forth?

Hey Don, thanks for the suggestion. I'm pretty sure the fins are attached correctly. But I will check it out just to be sure... doh!

Sore back might be a result of leaning over too much while being pulled. Back when i started, i had a tendency to bend at the knees more than i needed and hunch forward like the boat was going to pull me off the board any minute. Once you get a more confident stance, stand tall and put the handle to your lead hip.

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm a little confused now though. Andy said the board is not designed to be ridden flat but Don said the fishtailing may be caused by the fins being backwards. <BR> <BR>Can anyone clarify for me? <BR> <BR>What if I just want to go straight in the middle of the wake behind the boat?

one of the most noticeable things that affects your balance when your first getting started is handle control. Almost every new rider that I've been out with (myself included when I first started) will not keep the handle low enough. If the handle is even a little bit to high it will totally throw off your balance, and make sure your standing up straight. The sore back is a normal thing. My back is always a little sore at the beginning of the season because your not used to using those muscles so much. The edge control thing is definitely just as important as well. If you didn't already have the Book then I would say to buy it but since you have I would just tell you to watch it a lot.

Clarification: the board is designed to break loose when it is ridden flat. If you just want to go straight, take Cason's advice on the handle and make sure you are leaning against the boat and engaging those two molded in fins you have at the tail.

fish tailin'? like mike said, stand tall and proud and drive the handle down towards your hips and to whatever hip is leading.. it will give you more control instead of being hunched over and it will place more pressure on the heel fin for deeper tracking.. that will get rid of your cavitation and also, square off your shoulders to the back of the boat.. if you have a handle at home, tie it off to something where you can visualize the back of the boat and practice your "proud" stance on land a couple dozen times a day and it will become memory muscle when you ride.. keeping the handle low to your hips is an excellent way to remain balanced for both toeside and heelside Wake 2 Wakes.. (the first air you will need to learn).. good luck!

Ok... that helps alot! <BR> <BR>Thanks everyone!

Welcome to the life of WakeBoarding Scott! You just got youself hooked on the most addicting drug you can amagin. Ya you will be able to ride straight behind the boat or out in the flats. With the advice above and a coupke trys, you will be able. Remember, Stand tall, handle to your waist more weight on back foot (power foot the one you would kick with) and square shoulders with the boat. <BR> <BR>Enjoy the times!

by golly kid you've got heart, just keep trying and someday youll be riding with the pro's <BR> <BR> S.S.7.<img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/blush.gif" border=0>

not sure but you might try putting more weight on the your lead foot. I have seen alot of begginners ride back foot heavy and they fishtial. try 70% weight front foot 30% back. and like everybody else said...dont bend over at the hips....good luck!

i would think if its loose and you back hurts you are bending over at waist and putting to much weight forward. i think a little more weight on back foot would help your stability it will dig the back fins in and allow you to control the board. and like alot of people already mentioned shoulders back and handle at the hip. good luck. just keep trying you will find it. you could also get a bigger fin but i think you will find the fins you have to be fine once you learn the sweet spot

Knees bent, back straight, handle in tight at the waist. If you continue fishtailing, keep the same posture but play with how much weight you have on your back foot. Usually you need more if your fishtailing, but sometimes...no one knows what you're doing wrong :P <BR> <BR>Give it a try, keep us updated?