Wakeboard set-up

[Lakenut]

My 6.5 year old is ready to give wakeboarding a try. This is her 2nd summer kneeboarding. She learned how to ski last weekend and it will soon be on to the the wakeboard. I put together a board for her from the close out sections on the internet. (props to the house.com for free shipping...plus the boots were at my front door in only 2 days!) Got her a 119 Hyperlite divine and LF micro switch. My question concerns the fin set up. The divine has 2 molded in fins and a screw in center fin. What is everyone's thoughts on teaching a kid? Keep the center fin or take it off?

Any other pointers for teaching kids to board?

Edited July 11, 2009 by Lakenut

[srud]

My 6.5 year old is ready to give wakeboarding a try. This is her 2nd summer kneeboarding. She learned how to ski last weekend and it will soon be on to the the wakeboard. I put together a board for her from the close out sections on the internet. (props to the house.com for free shipping...plus the boots were at my front door in only 2 days!) Got her a 119 Hyperlite divine and LF micro switch. My question concerns the fin set up. The divine has 2 molded in fins and a screw in center fin. What is everyone's thoughts on teaching a kid? Keep the center fin or take it off?

Any other pointers for teaching kids to board?

I'd recommend leaving that center fin in there. I think it will help reduce the chance of a faceplant for a new wakeboarder.

It would be worthwhile putting her in the board at home and going over the correct stance while holding on to the handle. The big thing is to have her keep the handle on her lead hip when riding. If she has skied already, there may be a tendency to hold the handle in front which will result in the board turning, and soom after, a faceplant.

Edited July 11, 2009 by srud

[Connor51]

My 6.5 year old is ready to give wakeboarding a try. This is her 2nd summer kneeboarding. She learned how to ski last weekend and it will soon be on to the the wakeboard. I put together a board for her from the close out sections on the internet. (props to the house.com for free shipping...plus the boots were at my front door in only 2 days!) Got her a 119 Hyperlite divine and LF micro switch. My question concerns the fin set up. The divine has 2 molded in fins and a screw in center fin. What is everyone's thoughts on teaching a kid? Keep the center fin or take it off?

Any other pointers for teaching kids to board?

Definately leave the fin in at first. I have found that while learning it is much easier for people to stay up with a fin. Then once they get used to riding in both directions over both wakes, it's probably safe to take it out.