210 VS 211

[aarond0083]

No need to trade boats. Just practice. Sorry to hear about the injury. Hopefully you will have a speedy recovery.

How fast are you riding and what line length? If you're riding at 70' you need to be going at least 22 to be able clear the wake consistently IMO. Work on your progressive edge and sure you hold your edge to the top of the wake, then stand tall. Getting good pop is all about loading the line and using the proper edge technique.

[Rangertrace]

Thanks to all for the advise. There is no doubt my technique needs much improvement. I probably started learning a little bit too late (37 yrs old) and the only instruction I have received was from a CD I bought at my local CC dealer. But, I'm hard headed and I really enjoy wakeboarding. My plan is to continue the learning process next season with the 211, if my knee will cooperate. I may have to learn to wake scate or surf instead. I've read on this site where guys have injured their ACL more than once. I don't think my wife or my co-workers would appreciate me taking off for another 6 weeks.

Thanks again!

[Rangertrace]

By the way, they usually pull me at around 20. The rope is probably set at about 60 feet. It's an Airhead zero stretch tied 1 spot from the shortest spot. I know that sounds short, but it wasn't until the end of July that I was able to jump wake to wake at that length about 70% of the time. And I was crashing more than 50% of the time on wake to wake landings. I know it sounds pathetic, but I still have a great time. Like I said earlier, if I am able to wakeboard next year, I will start with some lessons or hook up with somebody who wouldn't mind teaching an old dog new tricks!!

[aarond0083]

Not pathetic at all. Fun is what it's all about. Try speeding up to about 22. Remember to use a progressive edge meaning building speed gradually with your hardest edge being at the top of the wake. Stand tall. Do that and you'll clear it every time. All about timing and practice.

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I highly recommend "The book" wakeboard instructional DVD series. It is really great staring with basics and building a foundation. You should have no prob going wake-to-wake on a stock 211. I think you want to tend to stay slower and really-really short (maybe even go shorter than 60 just to get started) until it seems really easy, then adding length will give you more time in the air which will require better technique. Also, instead of changing your boat, you might want to consider your board. There is a super huge difference between different boards and the best board for you may rapidly change as your technique improves. Speed and long lines are great when you've got experience, but when starting I think you should try to go slower with a short rope. When your knee is solid again don't neglect the toeside. Its not so bad once you get used to the twisted position. I wish you a quick and solid recovery and many more years in the sport (i'm 44 and trying to land an invert before my 15 year old son...)

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O, one more thing, I always go for a gentle bike ride to warm up my knees before go'n riding.

[Rangertrace]

OK, I'll look for "the book" as I will have plenty of time to watch them over the next six weeks. I had my surgery on Friday and they discovered torn articulate cart. on my femur. It will delay my recovery and I'm not sure if I will be jumping at all next summer. The ACL reconstruction went great, but the other injury could cause an early knee replacement if I continue to participate in "high impact" sports. I may have to totally re-think my way of life. Anyway, thanks for the advise, I probably should have asked for it before the injury!

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While you rest your knee, you can still have a blast carving and wakeskating without the impact. Maybe even some recreational slalom.

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Also, I always though that an airchair would be great if the knees got tired...

[Red57Bird]

I'll have to 2nd the suggestion of Air Chairing/hydrofoiling. At my age (44) my kness just can't take much abuse so most of my wakeboarding is spent carving and doing some surface spins. I'm perfectly fine with that and get to enjoy watching other boarders do the cool tricks. For me, it just isn't worth the time, hassle, expense, and pain of surgery.

That said I have started to take up the hydrofoil and it really is a lot of fun. Not easy to learn but I'm getting better, and the crashes are much gentler compared to wakeboarding. However, you can still get hurt on an Air Chair when doing some of the advanced tricks. I have heard a lot of back and leg injuries from riders that are trying some advanced stuff at the higher speeds.

Good luck on the recovery.