looking to get my younger brother (just turned 17) into wakeboarding... <BR>6'5'' , 290lbs <BR>he wears size 14 shoes <BR> <BR>what should I get him? any brands in particular? <BR> <BR>thanks in advance

Hyperlite Marek, the big one, its like 146 or something.

He will have trouble on anything below a 143. Just remember that bigger people need to ride a little faster too. Nothing like being on a small board and then riding too slow to make your starting out a big pain.

Thats a big boy. I'm 6'2" 240 riding a 143, but i dunno if that'd be big enough. As far as less expensive goes, the 2007 Hyperlite Era comes in a 147 as does the 2008 Apex. If you wanna spend a little more, the Murray comes in a 145, and the Marek in a 146. Marek will be the most expensive, you can get the 08 Murray and the shape is very similar, if not almost identical I believe. Additionally, the LF Trip is a good starter board i hear, comes in a 146, as does the Ronix One, which is a VERY popular board on here.

go with the 146 trip combo. the board is long as is wider then the other boards mentioned so the surface area will keep him higher on the water for less drag. also its a great board to learn and progress into. there is nothing abrupt or aggressive about it. its fast and smooth but still has good pop and soft landings. <BR> <BR>i think the combo with 12-15 index boots goes for $299. but he would probably like the new 12-15 domains better because they are similar to the vantages. they are really easy to get into and fit great for a multi size boot <BR> <BR>i have also heard the lower end ronix boots are great for bigger feet. the cwb low end boots are good for big feet but they just dont seem to be as comfortable.

Just find something big! I think we can safely worry about which big board later. If he's just getting into the sport we want something that will help get all that weight out of the water a little easier.

143 will be big enough. He just needs to ride around 23.5 to 24 mph though. I ride at 24.7 mph. Anything below 23.5 and the board just would not seem responsive and I could not advance myself very easily by pulling on the rope behind the boat because of the drag. It may make him secure riding a little slower but it will make him dog tired and won't let the board work. I am not as tall as your brother, but, I have rode around his weight and could not get below 260 in general.

146 Marek. It is sooo sick for us big boys!

thanks for all the replies guys. <BR>I don't think he's gonna be pulling big tricks anytime soon so I'm just looking for a good starter board to ride around and whatnot! <BR> <BR>thanks again

pete c, thats why i suggested the LF Trip. its sold as their beginner package but will never hold him back <BR> <BR>i would stay away from the marek for now. its going to be too much money and way too aggressive for now.

thanks mitch! <BR>I will look into it...the only problem is shipping to canada...this stupid border thing is just plain dumb..hell I can't even watch videos on mtv.com!! LOL.

they sell LF boards in canada

<a href="http://boardersmall.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17705&amp;cat=601&amp;page=1 " target="_blank">http://boardersmall.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17705&amp;cat=601&amp;page=1 </a>

yeah I know they sell LF boards here, I ride one <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0> <BR>I was looking to buy online but I guess I'll settle for a board shop

145 Murray, 146 Marek, or 140 Marius

gator legend 145 - big total surface area

well you might wanna look at the actually surface area of the board rather than the length, cause a 145 state actually has more surface area than a 147 apex/era for example

Please say he plays football and is interested in the Clemson, SC area! Lake Hartwell and Keowee get a lot of glass! <BR> <BR>I second the Hyp State....that is a great board and will progress his toeside edge quicker.

I second the Clemson thing... Plenty of smooth water there if the water is up enough to get a boat in...

Im 6'2"/205 and i hope to be riding the marek this summer. If you are willing to spend some extra money the marek is the way to go. Remember Rusty is one of the bigger pro riders and this board was designed around him.

yeah he does play football here in Montreal. He might just cross the boarder to play some ball in the near future <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0> <BR> <BR>thanks again for all the replies, much appreciated.

"I was looking to buy online but I guess I'll settle for a board shop" <BR> <BR>man you've gotta support the local board shops as much as you can. buying online for no reason other then maybe saving a couple bucks isn't worth it IMO.

How about a coffee table to ride? <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/lol.gif" border=0> <BR> <BR>Thats what all of my friends call my board. I'm 6"4" and about 250, I ride the Ibex 142 and it is fine. you'll have to ride faster than everyone else to not have the board feel like its plowing through the water and not on top of it.

You can find a Hyperlite State 145 setup cheap. Fantastic board to start with.

Hyperlite Movtive or Liquid Force Trip.

david, <BR>I always buy local. availability is what made me wanna shop online. I even drive an hour to my boat dealership to buy stuff from there instead of the 10 board shops near my place <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0>

Another good option on the plus side is the CWB Faction setup, the board is a 144 and covers a large range of skills. You can even set him up with the Faction boots which have the Hinge and are super easy to get into. Just another option to your already crowded list.

Today and today only on boardersbestbuy.com they have a 08 Byerly legacy 156 for only 180! That is the best board for him and at a great price!!!

Zach, its a 56 inch board not a 156 cm. board. They are made in the U.S. so they use inches. I think it is around a 142.

Boarder's Best buy has the 144 Witness on sale - excellent price.