the events of the weekend regarding Andrea got me thinkin <BR> <BR>I will be 44 this summer, self-employed, and have a huge deductible on my medical insurance <BR> <BR>with all of that being said <BR> <BR>I, like most, have bit it hard working on 3's and even wake to wakes.....years ago <BR> <BR>I would really like to be able to do a backroll or some sort of invert <BR> <BR>doing the P90X workout has gotten me physically ready <BR>and working on switch riding has helped me climb the trick evolution ladder <BR> <BR>Sasser Wakeboard school at Texas Mastercraft has helped improve my riding dramatically.....but <BR> <BR>I really feal that clock tickin.....feel like I need to get it done this season! <BR> <BR>Andrea's story makes me wonder if new tricks are better left to you young guys (and gals) <BR> <BR>I do know that one day this summer, I will have high energy, smooth water, and no other boats around ......and I will put on my helmet of courage and go for it <BR> <BR>fear is a nasty thing! <BR> <BR>pay no attention <BR>just ramblin!

Sounds like you have prepared yourself the proper way to take on these new tricks. <BR>I think being in good shape and having good fundamentals can prevent a lot of injuries... So I say go for it bro!

Cliff - I am turning 55 this summer and feel that there is so much to learn. I do not like falling, but go out have fun and stretch before each ride... I am going to work on new tricks starting this weekend...I think as you get older, you get wiser and tell yourself, this is going to hurt... usually doesn't but scary trying something new. this will be my first time on the water in 08. Good luck. Aloha Joe.

I say shread the GNAR CLIFF! You are never to old to progress!

backrolls are safer than tantrums. They may both be equally easy of tricks to learn but I have seen more than 3 knees blow on tantrums or tantrum based tricks. <BR> <BR>Also to touch on what joe is saying about becoming wiser. The part of the brain that controls fear doesn't get FULLY developed until around 25 years old.

thats how i feel about this one trick i want to take out into the flats, basically the opposite of a Japan Air but with a tail grab instead, i can see it going awesomely wrong

Even when its fully developed, we don't usually listen to it. <BR> <BR>don't plant the seed of doubt just yet. you have more strength, more instruction and more confidence (i would assume) than ever. besides, you need to take a couple dingers before you start talking like that! <BR> <BR>Andrea mentioned she wasn't feeling it that day. wait on newer tricks till you feel 100%. <BR> <BR>BTW you workin any drills for that 3?

We usually are pretty hard on my boat lol. Sometimes we push people into things they might not be 100% ready for but thats how u progress. My friends do the same thing to me. Our famous quote just throw it whats the worst thats going to happen its just water anyways lol.

Clif- hangin with Tony Horton huh? I have been doing it for a while and love it, recently turned my parents on to it. How long have you been doing it?

sometimes it takes a little push from the boat to try something new but for the most part i try to be working on at least 4-5 things at any one given point in time. That way if i'm not feelin something one day i can go to something else, that keeps the progression constant for me. <BR> <BR>i really think things thru when it comes to learning something new. i visualize how i want it to look and feel. i usually do this for a good period of time before i'll actually attempt something. for me thats the piece of mind i need to feel confident ab trying something new.

Whatever you try, and whenever you try it, commit. <BR> <BR>Half-assing a trick because its the first time trying is usually bad news... <BR> <BR>again, just commit completely whenever you're ready

thanks guys <BR>good advice <BR>I know that I have to pay my dues...... <BR> <BR>Matt, today was day 1 of week 9 of P90X <BR>I love it! <BR> <BR>Nick, that is sound advice <BR>I will go b*lls up! <BR> <BR>I have a trampoline and a tramp board <BR>I've practiced spins but not flips <BR>I was told that the rotation for a backflip simulated on a trampoline is a strange rotation <BR> <BR>kinda want to see it first <BR> <BR>the difficult thing for me is...I go out with the family....and I can throw the most stuff <BR>......eventually, my oldest daughter will be miles ahead of me......that might even be at the end of this season <BR>she learns so fast! <BR> <BR>it does help when I watch Dustin Swafford or Brian ride.....they are so relaxed <BR>brings a new perspective and determination to my riding, but I don't get the luxury to watch those guys very often

I think wakeboarders can progress at any age. Of course, Cliff, your body may not be as resilient as a teenagers, but I think as long as you take good care of your body you can work your way up to advanced tricks. The best way to prevent injury, whether you are fourteen or forty-four is to be in good shape and supplement your wakeboarding with a good exercise program that works on balance, stabilization, endurance, and strength. I'm not familiar with the P90XI workout program- it may already target these areas. Another important way to prevent injury is to try things within your skill level. For example, when working on w2w 360's it may be a good idea to have surface and ollie 3's down first. I personally believe inverts are easier than spins so perhaps you should try a roll first. You should be familiar and comfortable with an invert on the tramp first before trying it behind the boat. It's not exactly the same, but it will at least give you the kinesthetic awareness you need to achieve the trick behind the boat.

It maybe worth paying for a lesson or two and getting that sort of help

P90X is an incredible program. It's one of the only in-home workouts I support. If anybody ever needs to hear the benefits of being in shape let me know. The reasons are endless. Good luck with your program Cliff and remember that diet is extremely important if you're really looking to excell.

hey cliff, have you ever seen skippy(swafford)get out of his bindings in a hurry?

no Shane I haven't <BR>pretty funny stuff?

ask him to jump out them sometime, it's amazing!