This is obviously from a newbe. I will be driving the boat for some very new wakeboarders. They have had some lessons and can at least get up on the board. The question is: how fast and hard do I pull them up? Do I just throw the throttle wide open from a stopped position and ease off when we get up to around 20MPH? Or is there a more subtle and skilled approach? This is from the driver of the boat. Wishing that I had gone along on the lessons to observe.

Hey Carey depends on the type of boat and size of the motor. If you have a small boat the wide open is the way to go. But with the larger boats or jet drives a steadily increasing throttle tapering off at the desired speed is choice, but everyone has their own preference. Slow and steady is good for me, but not to slow or the rider gets tired out before they even get up.Its hard to learn form text,but actual demonstration would be better. Kevin

If they are kids, then you definitely should take the slow and steady approach - just not too slow. Also, most beginners will prefer a relatively slow speed, such as 18 (maybe even slower for young kids). But as Kevin said, it's all personal preference. <BR>