I just tried 'riding' my wakeboard without bindings like a balance board (rocking back and forth) on a foam cylinder 6" diameter and was surprised at how well it worked. Does anyone (other than EndoBoard reps) see any problems or risks associated with using that setup as a balance board in the off season (foam cost $2.00)?

The only problem is that a wakeboard does not have stoppers at each end to keep it from rolling off the cylinder. i suppose the fins (depending on the model) might help to create a stopper, ESPECIALLY if you take off the fins and reverse them so the butt end faces inwards!!! <BR> <BR>But, yea i have heard of people making their own things like this using all sorts of arround-the-house junk. a wakeskate would be better i am sure as it would not be sooooo freaking looonnngg.

what does an endo board help with? Like how does it help for off season training?

We used a wakeskate and a keg. Now those were some falls! <BR> <BR>That was outside and not all that often but we did use a blank skateboard on a medium-large diameter pvc pipe. Worked better in my opinion. You don't need stoppers.

balance boards help with...err, uh, how do i put this....balance.

I start my workouts with balls squats.... <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4mIBtje5i8" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4mIBtje5i8</a>

For me, the off-season balance board also helps alot with sanity. I live at a summer vacation destination but the winters get long (and last season I got bored with indoor mini trampoline and wakeboard). J-Rod, if I could get over the name "balls squats" that looks like one of those "instability during the exercise leads to all around stability of the knee" deals...nice}

Dang Jarrod, that's hardcore...

Take any piece of plywood or lumber and cut your shape. We use blank skate decks a lot they are good size and shape but even a flat board will work fine. <BR> <BR>I use a small section of 6" pcv tubing as a roller. <BR> <BR>Sand paper w/ adhesive bottom on 'roller' helps prevent slipouts. These are great for balance. <BR> <BR>Once you get better you can stall the nose/tail out on top the roller. I also like stand the wrong way (like I am slalom skiing on the board) and then 'walk' from one end of the board to the other. <BR> <BR>I can land ollies and shuvs but they are pretty tough. No idea how anyone can get air or land a fliptrick. Wow! <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>Wait....what can I do with a mini tramp??? <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0>

I took the trucks off an old skateboard deck and then filled up a 2-Liter bottle with water and wrapped tape around the cap, it worked fine

Mikey, thank you for the recipe...just added it to my to do list tomorrow. What I did with a mini-tramp was use rachet straps to secure foam kayak rooftop blocks on it, put a pillow in between the blocks and then with a handle tied to the wall bounce around complete with grabs and up to 270s...work on handle passes, aerobic, and again an unstable exercise that strengthens knees.

Pretty funny story: I got home today and saw my wifes workout ball on the floor and thought I would try a ball squat. I jumped up on it, it rolled forward, I fell on my arse on the ball violently doing a backflip onto the ground. I got wiplash from the fall hitting my head on the carpet. I missed our entertainment center by inches! That definitely would have left a mark. I will try it again in a safer place!

I personally don't jump up on that ball, not the big one at least. I start on my knees and climb my way up. It's a good idea to start near a counter or something that you can use as a crutch if you need it. Once you get it, it's easy,.

Good advice, I had to laugh at myself for awhile there.

Nice J-Rod! <BR>Check this one out. This is insane. <BR><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QR3BZGfchk&amp;feature=related" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QR3BZGfchk&amp;feature=related</a>

lol thas sweet eubanks but heres one for dans situation lol <BR><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QR3BZGfchk" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QR3BZGfchk</a>

jrod is indeed HARDCORE

Yeah I saw that one. There is another on youtube called the gauntlet, where this kid jumps around on 4-5 different balls. Nuts... <BR> <BR>I work out in a public gym where those falls can be embarassing. I jump on the smaller basketball size balls, but not the big ones.

We used a skateboard deck too (til it broke, gotta pick up another one) and a car spring from my wagon, about 6" diameter, I'm looking for some PVC off cuts now because that sucker hurts when you fall on it. I got drunk and tried to ride it, thought I'd broken my leg, had a hell of a bruise for weeks. <BR> <BR>Just scored a Swiss ball for free so I might try falling off that instead. My flatmate destroyed our kitchen trash can falling off it last night, wish I had video hahaha. He almost stuck his head through the oven door as well, they can be dangerous in confined spaces for sure.