Pain is good!

My first time wakeboarding was on a trip to Japan after I started college. My host family took me wakeboarding at lake Yamanaka right next to Mt. Fuji (how cool is that ), and then to watch the World Champs that were being held one lake over. Ever since, I have been trying to get back on the water. Yesterday, after a year and a half, I finally got out to the lake, determined to learn some tricks. Havin' a bit of trouble switching stances and bunny-hoppin', if anyone wants to offer up some advice. Anyway, got some great air, and feelin' the pain of a few good crashes today. It hurts, but damn that's a great feeling!

(Message edited by fujiair on October 07, 2002)

That is awesome about Japan. I would kill to ride there. Switching stances is pretty easy. The hard part is the mental block. I recommend that you start trying right away. The longer you wait, the farther you will be behind when learning new tricks. I first learned how by getting up switch. And then bunny hopped back to regular. You can also switch stances by doing a quick 180 off the wake. "bunny hops" are pretty easy. If you have ever skateboarded it is just like an ollie. Don't just try pulling your front leg up. That is what I did at first. It doesn't work. What you need to do is sort of push down with your front foot slightly and puch down from front to back quickly and then pop it up. It may take a few times, but you will get it. I also recommend trying over a little roller at first. That helps you get a feel for it. Hope that helps!

Brett