Beginner question

I only had a chance to ride 5 times last year and that was my first 5 times. They say try to slide the board sideways and ride like that and then do surface 180's and get to switch. First off everytime i ride it sideways i last a second and fall on my rear. Am i leaning back too far or holding the rope too high? Also i could get the full rotation to switch, but soon as i get to switch i feel retarded and fall. Does this just take practice? I am sure it does, like i say i have only ridden about 5 times.

slow the boat down

slowing the boat down will help like nacho said

yeah..if you're falling over backwards then you are definitely leaning too far backwards. Remember to bend your knees...your upper body will not have to lean too far back to slide the board sideways...just take a position like you are sitting in a chair. And keep the rope lower at about waist level.

As for riding switch...yeah..it feels really weird at first and will get better w/ more time doing it. try letting go w/ your back hand and that will help keep you oriented. but keep trying as it is much better to learn to ride switch right off the bat than to learn way later...like me and I still suck at it. actually..i suck at riding regular too.

Chris,

The reason you're falling backward isn't because your going too fast, although slowing the boat down will help you control your rotation. Everything is dependent upon handle position when rotating. To change your board direction you need to keep the handle at your hips. By moving the handle from your lead hip to the other will change the direction of your board. Keep your eyes on the boat and just change the handle position. This should help you get to the switch position easily. Bringing the rope up to your chest will make you slide out on your bum.

Good luck.

(Message edited by solo on April 13, 2005)

(Message edited by solo on April 13, 2005)

Good point, Steven. Also Chris, do not let the handle out. Keep it close to your body, and at your hips.

Maybe you should pick up a copy of Higher Education. Surface 180s and lots of other beginner tricks are gone over in detail.

Ok thanks guys. I actually have higher education but still fell backward, i was probabbly leaning to far backward because i was affraid to do the opposite and catch an edge.

A tip on preventing the face-smacker. When you try the surface 180 make sure you bend your knees. If you catch an edge with straight legs its a guarenteed face-smacker. If you catch an edge with bent knees you'll have a good chance of doing more of a dive. Also, If your knees are bent a little you have a better chance of not catching the edge in the first place. **Disclaimer - bent knees only means your less likely to face-plant. Face-plants are a rite of passage in wakeboarding - its gonna happen sooner or later.

also, to practice riding switch, you can get up that way, rather than just trying to switch into it. You have to mentally puch the wrong foot into a forward position, but then, its just a matter of getting used to the stance on the board. If you are having a hard time getting into the 180. Thats how I started riding switch, just get up that way.

starting to ride switch and uncomfortable w/ 180: butterslide in and out of switch. Its a fun beginner move and pretty easy also.