I am thinking about learning to wakeboard. Any tips?
485790
Go fot it!!\n\nI've been waterskiing since i was about 13 (over 20 years) but only started to learn to wakeboard about 2 years ago. They are nothing like each other but it's good that you're used to being in the water. It took me about 40 attempts to get up the first time but my girlfriend got up on her first go! (Must have been my expert tuition after making all those mistakes!)\n\nOne tip for getting up - Pretty much as soon as the boat starts to pull turn your hips (to the right if you're right foot forward, to the left if your left foot forward) and also push your toes down.\nOnce up the tendency is to try and keep the board flat which makes it very difficult to control so keep your weight on your back foot which will ensure the fins are in the water and keeping you straight. After that it's just a matter of getting the feel for it and practise.\n\nGreat sport and i'm really enjoying doing something new.\n\nGood luck!!
516227
Another option is SSI.   The skills are compatible with PADI and NAUI.  The real learning comes after the initial classes as you dive more and take more skill building classes.  Many people decided on certification purely by price.  Pay attention instead to the level of service that the shop provides and the options they have for purchasing gear. My shop wasnt the cheapest but they applied half of every equipment rental I made towards the purchase of my own gear, saving me hundreds of dollars.
1026652
Here's a good explanation I found on Fuidzone.com:\n\n"A good turn involves shifting and using your weight. Slip back on your board a bit (assuming you are already up on the board for more speed) and slightly closer to the side of the board which is closest to the wave face. From there you need to apply weight to the inside rail. Pull up on your outside hand and also slightly up with the hand on the nose. Try to push your inside hip into the water more but keep your body over the board. You don't want to scoop water. The more you lean the sharper you will turn but you will also lose more speed."\n\n\nThat sums it up well, I think. But if you are talking about turning to do a 360 or cut back, it's a little different than adoing a bottom turn. For thos you need to get your legs out of the water and swing them around to help you turn the direction you want to go.
1183220
Be patient with yourself.  I think it's great that you're learning how to swim and you should give yourself some slack about mastering it quickly.\n\nHave you tried having someone teach you or coach you as you try to learn?  Most places have some sort of recreation department class for adults learning how to swim.  If your area doesn't, take a look around the place where you swim.  If there's a lifeguard, ask the guard about a few lessons or ask the place  operating the pool or beach.  If that's not possible, maybe a member of your local high school's swim team could help you out.\n\nSwimmng is excellent exercise and you can eat more if you find you're losing weight because of it.  The benefits to your fitness go beyond the weight control that others may use swimming for.  It's good for your heart and for toning your muscles all over your body.\n\nAnyway, as I said, just practice, maybe with some coaching, and be patient.  You'll get it, I'm sure.
575520
It should be depending on your height and weight.  Most wakeboard companies have a chart to get you the right size.  Try www.liquidforce.com.  Another good site for researching wakeboards is www.wakeside.com
264003
Before you rush out a spend your hard earned cash on a board, borrow some of your friends' old boards or rent a board, if possible. Your board will take some punishment if you are learning and you want to be concentrating on surfing, not on the damage you are causing to your board. If you go out a lot, pick up a used board. It's cheaper than a new board or even renting. \n\nSince you are a beginner, I would suggest starting on a longboard. A longboard will provide stability in both paddling and standing. The dimensions of your board will depend on your height and weight. A 9' long board should be a good starting point. Once you become a little more experienced you can select what features you would like in a board. The type of waves you surf will also be a factor in deciding what type of board to pick up.
1135705
I have never seen the board. Check out www.wakeboarder.com fourms and post your question there. Thoes guys know everything about wakeboarding.
1152806
It take practice and trial and error to get it right for "you".  I put quotes for the word "you" because each of us are built different. Some people will have a easier time kicking while others will have a difficult time. Take me for instance. I have legs that are like sinkers. If I float on top of the water relaxed my legs will gradually sink.    :D  Anyway, relax. I had the same experience like you when I first learn to swim where everyone have walked around the pool and I was the only one left on the other side. Because I was committed to learn how to swim I was one of the best swimmers by the end of the class. I even go further and became a lifeguard in 2 years. So relax and try variation of kicking to get what's right for you. Also, you might look at how fish and other people swim. See what they're doing and imagine you doing it. Seeing is learning too. That's how we have dophlin kick as part of a swimming stroke. The movement (kicking) should be graceful unless you're racing in the Olympus. If I have to discribe which muscles to use I would say 60% hip, 30% knee, and 10% ankle for the freestyle; 35% hip 35% knee 30% ankle for the breaststroke kick;.... Hope this helps. It really depends on which style you're doing.
1015556
Lay on your stomach on the board with your forearms flat on the board. Your hands should be right at the front end of the pad. Start off going kind of slow, just enough for the board to be completely on top of the water. When you feel steady, pull yourself up. Don't try to strap in right away if you don't feel balanced, catch your balance first. Also, make sure that the strap is up by your hands and the handle and loose when you start so that you can easily slide it over your legs then tighten it.
613016
I LOVE to waterski, tube, and swim. I've never been snowskiing, but would love to try and I've never been wakeboarding, but it is my goal in life to get to someday.
555488
Consider attending competitive swim team practices and listen to the coach's instruction for improving stroke mechanics. \n\nMany people have similar stroke deficiencies and need similar instruction to improve mechanics. \n\n\nBest wishes !
870981
OH YES!!!!!!!\n\nAnd if you are nto swimming for competition and can swim well enough you could save your life.. then you dont have to learn anything else!\n\nUnless you want to!\n\nBreaststroke is great ... keep on going...\n\nYou can also use a kick board for working out and just kick ...really works out the legs\n\nGood for you any kind of swimming is gerat for fitness!\n\nGood Luck and keep it up!\nWismom
1155735
Be encouraged that if you seriously set a goal to improve your time, then you will!  These are some steps to take along the way.  First, work with experienced and trustworthy tutors to learn swim techniques.  Ask several coaches to watch you swim and accept their corrections and suggestions. Practice what works for you and discard what doesn't.  If possible, select one coach to encourage you, time you, spur you on.  Second, borrow books from the library about swimming, watch video tapes, and you will discover a lot.  Read Total Immersion material. You will be fascinated with your reading.  Also, research your topic on line to find articles about backstroke and freestyle.   Third, working your fast twitch muscles will help you improve time.  As you improve in technique, then -- and only then --practice harder and faster swims each time you get in the water.  Watch the clock and try to improve each week.  Most importantly, have patience with yourself and be less self-critical.  Let go of negative thoughts and stay positive.  A great deal of swimming is mental activity so stay positive.    As you practice new techniques to improve your strokes, you will find yourself improving, getting a better feel for the water.  In the end, you might surprise yourself with an improved attitude and an incredible mind-set about life.
173216
be sure to keep you arm straight for the plate and dont be stiff. Use your whole body to give it speed.  IF at all possible go in for privit lessons or rent a tape from a public library
1004105
Practice, practice, practice....The trick to ollying is shifting your weight back and forward very quickly while controlling the board with your feet.  \n\n1. Make sure you have some good grip tape on the front of your board and good shoes that will grab it.  This will help keep the board tracking with your front foot.  \n\n2. Place your front foot just forward of the middle of the board and your rear foot at the tip of the tail.  I always tilt my rear heel up so I have just my toes on the tail.  This gives me the maximum "kick".\n\n3. Gain control of your board.  I've found that it is actually a bit easier to have the board slowly rolling forward on a level surface -- not too fast though.  \n\n4. With your feet in the above position, bend your knees slightly with your shoulders bent slightly over your front foot.  Your weight should be over your front foot.  \n\n5. Stomp your rear foot down on the tail and shift your weight backwards.\n\n6. As the board "pops" up use your front foot to keep it from flying out from under you.  This is done by keeping your foot flush with the board.  In actuality the angle of the board will be parallel with the side of your foot.  You can tell when you are doing it right when you get a scuff mark on your shoe right around the outside your little pinky toe.  \n\n7. Land it!  Push the top of your front foot out against the board to rotate it back underneath you.  By starting with your weight slightly forward and keeping your front foot flush with board in flight, your momentum should carry you and your board forward at the same pace allowing you to land smoothly.  \n\nUntil you are ready to get advanced with kick flips and such, you will know you are doing it right when the board never seems to leave your feet, but just becomes a single fluid motion.  You might want to exaggerate these steps as you practice this technique to get an idea of how the mechanics work.\n\nGood luck!
444866
BZ is a really good board,Manta will prob last the longest, toobs are good too. even if you are still starting off, try get something with a bat-tail, which makes it easier to do spinners(360s) that is the most basic move in bodyboarding. you will also need fins to help you paddle onto the waves, i recommend either "vipers","redley's" or "toobs blunt cuts", you will also need wax, a leash or cord, and if you want to avoid a rash on your abbs, a rash guard or vest.
648892
Swim under the water.  That builds up more endurance.  Go side to side in the pool.  You can probably go one way without taking a breath.  You definitely need goggles for this. Underwater is often the fastest way because there is less turbulence.