Need help! Is it my board or is it me?
 

I am a beginner wakeboarder. I have only been out a handful of times. I can ride regular and goofy, and do surface switches. That's about it. I've never felt comfortable edging hard through the wake or really even attempting to jump. I have a liquid force omega (139) that feels super loose to me. It feels almost slippery on top of the water and I never feel stable when I edge.

I went out with a buddy this weekend who brought his Ronix Ibex (134) board. This board dragged more water and made me fatigue quicker, but I felt locked in to the water and felt comfortable edging hard and turning. I was even able to attempt a couple of jumps.

Despite being a smaller board, I was able to edge out wider from the boat with the Ibex because I could edge a lot harder and lean with my whole body when getting into the outskirts. I cant do this with the omega because toeside, my back shin will actually start to catch water (not sure if this is due to bad form).

Anyway Im just looking for advice on what I should do. I am really tempted to just buy another board that will let me feel more "locked in" and give me more traction on the water, but was thinking on trying some center fins on the omega to see if that helps me feel less slippery. Are my issues with the board due to me being a beginner, or is that board just not a good fit for me ?

I learned on an omega. You can put the center fins in and it will track better for you, but then once you have more control you are going to want to remove them and rely on the molded fins. When edging, if you are dragging your shin, then you probably aren't putting enough weight on your front foot. Try to get a bit more even weighted, and bring your handle closer to your hips.

I was able to edge and jump fine with the omega. You'll be able to get going and progress. You still may want to change boards later, but it is probably not holding you back right now.

Good luck!

Need help! Is it my board or is it me?
 

Yep it's your form. :) Put your fins in if you haven't already to track better, several of us on other boards learned with them out though as it teaches better edging form IMO.

Also, buy "the book" DVD set and do all the intro and foundation stuff... Over and over again.

thanks for the responses, I really appreciate it !

Serious (but funny) answer... go watch some old footage of Darin Shapiro riding a unidirectional board with sandal bindings and huge surf fins. You will then see what can be done on ANY board.. then go work on your form.
"-)

Agree with mark. its in your form. Kyle Smitdt (not sure on spelling) has a good instructional on body position help.