Complete and utter newbie: Help!

CarsinemiA · Faceplant Joined: 08 Dec 2011 Posts: 1

Hey everyone

So, as the topic states, I'm VERY new to this. I have been attempting to wakeskate for a few months now and I'm finding progress slow, so I have a few questions:

1. I'm behind a boat with an outboard motor (125). What is the ideal speed for wakeskating? I find too fast and I can't move my feet on the board without bailing, and too slow and I drag heavily in the water.

2. Shoes... Is it imperative I get a pair of "skating" shooes or can I just use any old pair? (currently using converse all-stars... they stick pretty well).

3. I get up every time, but the minute I try anything like a 180 or a basic ollie I end up straight in the drink. I'm relatively comfortable crossing the wake. Should I be attempting these or should I just stick to getting more comfortable moving my feet around on the board for the time being?

I'm currently riding with, like I said, a pair of converse on a Ronix Zariel Bi-level (it was the only decent board available). It should also be noted that I'm 26 already so the addage of "teaching an old dog new tricks" applies here. I didn't wakeboard before this (only once of twice) and I used to skateboard some 10 years ago of which I remember jack. Very Happy

Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks!

mank the tank · Posted: Dec 15, 2011 1:14 pm Post subject:

CarsinemiA, keep riding. The more you cut around, slaysh, butterslide, ollie, get pitted, find pockets, one footer, no footer, coffin or rat trap... will only lead to you landing a trick.

That will be the best feeling ever for you.

The more you ride the more you understand what you need to do.

brassmonkey · Posted: Dec 15, 2011 1:59 pm Post subject:

Jake S · Backside 180 Joined: 29 Dec 2010 Posts: 683 City: SLC

get pitted.... Rolling Eyes

CarsinemiA,

speed 18-22 is about where i find people like to ride, i like 21, as far as ollies go, spread your feet more than a skateboard and exaggerate the motion of the ollie, and do it a little slower than on a skateboard. The more you learn about the importance of handle position things like 180s start to come easier. There is a trick tips section on the site that always helps, there are plenty of tricks from easy to super hard being discussed.

hope that helps..

nate · Frontside 180 Joined: 31 Aug 2006 Posts: 278 City: ATX

Just ride bru. Tricks will come later. Don't skip over the best part of wakeskating...Riding. Get to know your board in the water. Really feel your edges and speed. Nothing feels as good as laying a big slash through some butta. Like riding powder on the MTN. Cut and slaysh your face off.
Just have fun!

johnnyk · Posted: Dec 15, 2011 3:58 pm Post subject:

CarsinemiA,

just continue riding. ride anything you can. even if you can skate or longboard in your spare time, it will give you the feel and balance you need. maybe pick up an indo-board if you have the money to.

as far as 180's and spinning goes, it is all handle control. I got a lot of my handle control from wake surfing, just learning spins nice and slow. but since you're on an outboard, maybe just take an old surf 20 feet back and go about 12 mph, and just feel the balance of the handle. Keep that handle close to your hip!

thats awesome you're picking it up at your age, don't give up! it just takes that one trick that sparks your progression; from there the possibilities are endless. be persistent.

Sagittorious · Posted: Dec 15, 2011 5:28 pm Post subject:

Like everyone says just get out there ride and enjoy it. Once you get a good feel for your board start trying surface 180's and just play around while your out there. Wakeskating is all about fun and having a good time out on the water. Watch videos and trick trips if you wanna figure something. And if you ever have anymore questions feel free to ask. Oh and as far as shoes go its really what ever you feel comfortable with. Wakeskate shoes do tend to float better than regular skate shoes though. Be sure to check out the find a pull section to see if anyone is in your area to go wakeskating.

jdarr · Posted: Dec 16, 2011 8:58 am Post subject:

As everyone says, keep riding and and don't get frustrated. I started wakeboarding at 24 and immediately started wakeskating. Trust me, they are nothing alike and having no previous wakeboarding experience is no biggie. Its always a grind trying new tricks, but once you stomp one.....its the best!
If Im having an off day out there Ill just do some surface tricks, wake grind, slaysh, ect..... and when you ollie remember to bring that back foot up with the board. Have fun and good luck progressing.