Newbie asks - Do I need a Tower?

Hi:

I am a newbie boarder (49 years old, just learning a HS jump). My boat is a basic bowrider (175 HP) and I get pulled with a ski-tow ring. My question is - should I put on a Tower? Is it necessary to achieve height on jumps? My goal is just to do good jumps. I don't see myself ever doing inverts or spins (too old and too scared of injury).

Thanks in advance for your opinion.

Marshall (Toronto)

If you're just going to be jumping, not really. It would make your jumps a lot bigger, and easier to go into the flats and stuff, but if you're trying to avoid injury, stuff into the flats isn't the best of ideas...

A ski pole hat moves the rope height over your motor will give you most of the benefit you'd get from a tower.

edit: I noticed that your post didn't say I/O or outboard. I was referring to a pole that's the height to clear an outboard.


(Message edited by fly135 on August 07, 2008)

I would say that for the first year you dont really need to do anything. Just learn the basics. I the long run getting a tower on your ride will really help you out, it will make catching air less effort.

the tripod poles John is referring to are a must on an OB. And a good way to get your rope a tad higher.

Like others mentioned, not really a necessity for getting the fundamentals down.

Check out this footage of Scott Byerly from ages ago. No tower, no ballast.
http://www.wakeboardreport.com/archives/2008/02/exclusive_footage_of_a_young_s.html

^ @6:38... Amazing! Front flip with no wake.