Newbie wanting "safe" advice

(Bumpass1) · (Bumpass1) **Join Date: Oct 2010** 04-24-2011, 7:27 AM

I have been wake boarding only a handful of times. I picked up a boat in the winter and all oef the gear for me and the family. Starting out what is a safe speed to start pulling people at? Not to worried about adults, but I want to make sure that I don't put any kids in danger. What rope length should I start out at?

Thanks for the input.

Jamie

(wakebrdjay) · (wakebrdjay) **Join Date: Apr 2008** 04-24-2011, 8:30 AM

Use a rope that is long enough to reach past the roostertail and its wash,so they are starting with a nice wide smooth area.The speed depends on their weight,lighter riders will plane at less speed.Just start slow around 12-15mph and adjust as needed.

(wakebrdjay) · (wakebrdjay) **Join Date: Apr 2008** 04-24-2011, 8:34 AM

Also,try to have new riders watch an instructional vid on how to get up.It really helps Shaun Murray's Detention series of vids are great for the young ones,The Book series also has a great section on deep water starts.

(sidekicknicholas)

For learning - longer is better for the rope - they'll have more room to roam between the wakes - easier to get comfortable on the boat without having to deal with the chop from wind/boats/etc ---

I would say start at 15 mph and adjust from there

(radrachel) · (radrachel) **Join Date: May 2009** 04-25-2011, 2:44 PM

Noooo, start slow for beginners and kids as Jay T suggested, but for the record, regular wakeboarding speed is 18-23 mph. The shorter the better rope. I had a heck of a time getting up (for longer than I'd like to admit) and the pro I was with just kept shortening and shortening the rope til I got it. No ballast for beginners, by the way.

(Bumpass1) · (Bumpass1) **Join Date: Oct 2010** 04-25-2011, 4:12 PM

No way was I going to fill the 2400lbs for anyone until they are ready. My 9 year old daugther is all about trying to ride. The family was disappointed this past weekend because the weather was great but the boat is in the shop because the trailer axle is all jacked up.

(dudeman) · (dudeman) **Join Date: Mar 2005** 04-25-2011, 5:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sidekicknicholas

For learning - longer is better for the rope - they'll have more room to roam between the wakes - easier to get comfortable on the boat without having to deal with the chop from wind/boats/etc ---

I would say start at 15 mph and adjust from there

Nick is spot on. Longer is better. 15 is probably a perfect speed.