Ask Jeff!

This is a new section on the site called "Ask Jeff". Jeff Weatherall has agreed to host this section that lets you ask all the hard questions of a professional wakeboarder, who is currently competing in the Wakeboarding World Tour.

Ask Jeff a question!

Question 31

Ryan wrote:

Hello,

Do you know of anyone who operates kiteboarding and/or wakeboarding in Taupo?

Cheers - Ryan

Jeff responded:

hey ryan,

sorry i have no idea at all about kiteboarding.. although i do know about wakeboarding... the boys at Ballistics.co.nz have a wakeboard camp set up at orekei korako which is only 20 mins drive from taupo and the best place to ride in the world!

look em up and theyll get you sorted with wake and im sure they know about some kiteboarding too.

take it easy
jeff

Question 30

Hayden wrote:

Hey Jeff,
I was just going through the questions and see there are a few people looking for coaching etc in the South Island, Mate I work in a boat shop (Mr Boats) in Timaru and Im really trying to get wakeboarding cranking in the area. Ive been running coaching clinics for a few years and have
just had a couple of months driving and coaching at Princes in the UK to learn more and bring that knowledge back. If you have anyone down South looking for coaching or they need info on boards tell them to get in touch with me and I\'ll get them out on the water, or if anyone wants to receive info on whats happening on the Wake scene down South they can email me on hayden@mrboats.co.nz and ask to go on my database to receive newsletters.

Cheers man all the best with your riding.
Hayden

Jeff responded:

Hey Hayden,

Killer job in supporting the scene down there bro. Its great to hear that theres some crew down there that are pumped on getting more interest in the sport.

I was down in Queenstown at christmas and had a killer time with the crew down there that hooked me up some rides.

Greame lester is my contact down there and he has similar veiws as you, and is all about stoking people out on the sport, so it sounds like you too should join forces and go from there.

Let me know if you need his contact details and ill pass them on.

Keep riding hard.

later
jeff

Question 29

James wrote:

Howdy Jeff,
I am over from Scotland working for a few weeks, I am hanging on for an extra week and was wondering where in the north island I could pay for some tows and hire gear, ideally there would
also be some where I could stay. I wakeboard in Scotland and spain and would really dig checking out the scene over here.

Cheers James.

Jeff responded:

hey james,

check out the boys at ballistics.co.nz. they have a full on wakeboard camp. new boats, coaches, all the new gear and as much free beer as you can drink.

tell them im sent you..

good luck
jeff

Question 28

Alex wrote:

Hey Jeff
I was wondering if you could give me some price ranges for wakeboards, for a weight use of 75-100 kg, family use, mostly one person. A First board for me/my family.

Thanks, Alex

Jeff responded:

Hey Alex,

Hows things going?

There are a lot of different basic packages that you can get these days that include board and bindings and also other extras like ropes,handles and life jackets etc...

I need a little more info to be able to help you out. for example how many different people would be riding it and what size feet etc would go into the bindings.

Ring Justin at ballistics and tell him what your looking for, give him this info and tell him I sent you and hed be able to tell you exactly prices and options. And if that does fail, check around for some second hand stuff...

good luck and let me know if you need any other info..

catch you out on the water..
jeff

Question 27

Patrick wrote:

Hey Jeff, i´m from Brazil and i´m thinking about spending the next 6 months in Queenstown-NZ. I would like to know if there is any wakebord school there and if you have their contact.

Thank you.

Patrick Pires

Jeff responded:

hey Patrick,

email the crew at ballistics as they know everything you need to know... so check em out on info@ballistics.co.nz

thanks
jeff

Question 26

Megan wrote:

Hey! i whonder, when is the session for wakeboard in new zeland.. is it ridding all the year around? end is it a wakeboard camp eny plasse?

Meegs

Jeff responded:

Hey Megan,

Check out the boys Justin and Richie at Ballistics. get em on Ballistics.co.nz and they can help you with all your wakeboarding needs in new zealand.

good luck

jeff

Question 25

Meegs wrote:

Hey! i whonder, when is the session for wakeboard in new zeland.. is it ridding all the year around? end is it a wakeboard camp eny plasse?

Meegs

Jeff responded:

Hey Meegs,

The riding season is usually from November to April. January and Feb being the best and warmest months. You can ride all year round but that depends on how commited you are to braving the cold and the rain.

As far as wakeboard camps go. check out www.ballistics.co.nz and theyll set you straight on everythinng you need to know.

later
jeff

Question 24

Jaimie wrote:

hay Jeff

its jamie i meet u at nats this year and would like to catch up with u again n do some boarding or go to a mx track n do some riding how can i get hold of u like email txt ring or something thanks

jamie

Jeff responded:

Hey Jamie,

Whats up?

I wish it was that easy but usually when im in town its only for filming or contests cause i have such a crazy schedule going on..
which means i never really have much time to go free riding or do any mx...

ill let you know though if i do.

good luck with the riding

later
jeff

Question 23

John wrote:

Hey Jeff

We have done a little bit of wake boardin (only a couple of times) but can stand and do small jumps (done heaps of snowboarding / windsurfing). We are keen to buy one for our boat - and were looking at the Evolution 134.

We're not competitive - just for playing around on weekends (but would like to learn tricks etc). Riders would range from my Girlfriend at 54kg, to me at 75kg. Questions:
- Is the 134 too small (I saw one of your earlier postings saying "bigger is better")
- Is the evolution good for our purposes?
- Any other recommendations for beginners?

Thanks for your help
John

Jeff responded:

Hey John,

Yes I have said in the past bigger is better as far as boards go. But in your case with you weights and where you want to take your wakeboarding the evolution would be great.

This is an awesome alround board and I think youll really like it.

The other recomendation as i have made before is to go and demo so boards from your local board shop. Ride them all and see what suits your styles the most.

If this is what you have your heart set on then you cant go wrong.

Enjoy.
Jeff

Question 22

Andrew wrote:

Hi,

Our sons dead keen at present and has started boarding at 12 over this summer. What are the age groups for competition?

Jeff responded:

Hi Andrew.

Contests cater for all ages from a junior level up. Get in contact with Wakeboarding New Zealand and theyll be able to give you all the info you need on getting started and what contest will be on in your local and surrounding areas.

Good luck.
Jeff

Question 21

Jimmy wrote:

Hey Jeff been wakin awhile behind folks Haines sf600 with a 200evinrude Vindicator on the back. Have been riding on the vertically challenged ski poll an just not getting the potential out of a seemingly nice wake that this boat produces. I particularly want to create this pole myself
to save costs. Is there anywhere(an I've searched the net a wee bit) where I can get specks on creating a 7-10ft stainless pole for ma boat. Please help me out fat air i ama craving!!

Jeff responded:

Hey Jimmy,

I know what your talking about. When i first started out ants Collings and i made this crazy stainless pole and rigged it up in my parents bayliner. It worked but was a hassle all around. If i was to do it again i would have sucked it up and gone and brought one from ballistics in the first place.

Get it installed properly and youll save yourself lots of time and hassle and possible damage to your boat.

Trust me on this one its worth it.

good luck
jeff

Question 20

Mousey wrote:

Hi Jeff, im over from uk for 6 months staying with rels in wellington.

Im a keen snowboarder but would like to have a bash at wakeboardin!

Could you tell me the best place/places to learn and be taught etc in new zealand (pref the north).im after lessons hire etc! thanks jeff..........

Jeff responded:

Hey mousey,

Check out ballisitcs.co.nz they have the camps, coaches, boats, equipment etc.... everything you need to get you as stoked as possible on wakeboarding.

You cant go past these guys theyll set you right. Just give ballistics a call on 09 489 4074...

tell them i sent you..!

later
jeff

Question 19

Ben wrote:

Do you know how long the longest slider in the world is??

Jeff responded:

Hey Ben,

the longest slider to the best of my knowledge was built by Wake editor kris bower and his band of merry men.

it was 150ft long and had to great big giant humps in it.

I think it was covered last year as an article in wake magazine.

later
jeff

Question 18

Will wrote:

Hi there, thinking of moving over to nz auckland next year, just wondering if u know if there is much wakeboarding around this area?

cheers

will

Jeff responded:

Hey will,

check out the guys at ballistics at barrys point, the boys there know all there is to know about wakeboarding in new zealand. Im sure theyll be able to point you in the right direction.

i grew up in auckland and there is heaps of spots to ride. Be sure to check out Greenhithe on the high tides. Usually is the best spot.

good luck
JDub

Question 17

Barny wrote:

Hi Jeff,

More of a technical boat question, don\'t no whether you\'ll be able to help or not. I have an old cabin outboard boat that is about 15foot. Currently have been wakeboarding behind it with a ski pole and because very limited in what i can do. I want to get a high pole but am a bit concerned about the risk it poses on weight distribution when towing someone, although that extra leverage on a small boatcould tip it. Any Ideas? I haven't looked into poles to much but was wanting a decent height pole if i was to do it,

Thanks heaps,

Barny.

Jeff responded:

Hey Barny,

If you get a standard pole which is around 7ft in height there shouldnt be a problem unless your towing guys around that are over 200kgs!

I started out with a 17ft bayliner with a homemade pole that Ant Collings and I put in it and the pole was about 13 ft high. We never had a problem other than reaching the top to attach our rope so you should be fine with it.

good luck
jeff

Question 16

Jo wrote:

Hi Jeff,

I'm coming to NZ next year and really want to improve my riding while i'm there. I've checked out ballistics and it looks great. Will probably spend some time there. But, do you know of anywhere i could do a wakeboard instructors course? If so how much, how long and would it cover British standards etc...???

Thanks for your help!

cheers,

Jo

Jeff responded:

Hey Jo,

As far as instructors courses go theres nothing really that you can do. And even if there was i dont think the Britsh association would have exactly the same standards and New Zealand as each country is different.

Sorry I cant be of more help on that one.

jeff

Question 15

David wrote:

Hey Jeff,

Saw you at the Nz Nationals- what can I say, YOU RIP THE BAG! Probably the best boarder I have ever seen, and you have a dope style aswell.

I was just wondering about some tricks that I have been trying lately. I have been doing some indy/ stalefish mexican rolls- how hard are the to take to blind? I can do blind 1's pretty well.

Also heel flat fives- I can do heel 3's with grabs- every time I try a 5 I get round but can ride away- maybe need to try big heel 1's into the flats?

I rode with Hayden, Kris and Brad at the camp for a few days and It helped me tons- watching brad ride was crazy. Its good to see he's killing it.

Good to see your still reppin NZ, good luck for you season in the states!

Peace,

David

Jeff responded:

Hey David,

Thanks so much for the support!

It sounds like you can do rolls and blind 180s pretty well so you should have a pretty good base to go from there. Just step up and try it. The trick is to start pulling it to blind as soon as you leave the wake. Also with the heel 5s instead of taking it out into the flats why dont you try and get it dialed wake to wake. If you feel you dont have enough air time maybe let your line out a few feet longer. The trick to taken this one from 360 to 540 is starting the rotation earlier. so as soon as you leave the wake pull the handle into your back with both hands. give it a good tug so that once youve passed the hanle for the 3 you should be able to spot the landing and then do the extra 180. Remember to land on you board on your toe edge, edging away from the boat. If you get on your heels youll always fall on your back.

good luck with it,
just remember if your not falling your not trying hard enough.
go get it.
jeff

Question 14

Kyle wrote:

hey
im lookin at getin a board iv rod with my friends and had alot of fun i like liquid force and have been lookin at either the evolution or the search and i dotn know withc to get lik ei said iv rode before so im not a totale beginer so i still what the stable landing and good controle but i
what a board that i will be able to move up with and be albe to get in to move stuff as i get better and was talk bolth would do good so witch one would be a better buy? i also dont know that leinth i should get iv only been on board that were 141, and i what to get a shorter one but i not sure
if thats goin to throught everythign iv learnd off? i weigh about 150 lb.

thats for the help sorry so long! peace

Jeff responded:

Hey Kyle,

All the high end boards these days are great to learn from a beginner stage all the way up to pro as all of the boards are pretty much some ones pro model board or is a shape that would have been some ones pro model the year before and has just been moved down the line because of a new years product.

As far as length goes I personally always think bigger is better. Softer more consistent landings and edging is a huge bonus of having a larger board. Plus then you dont have to worry about growing out of it.

So really which ever one you like the most go with in the bigger size. 141 is usually about the limit, but its a great size. I ride a 141 and love it.

good luck
jeff

Question 13

Annmarie wrote:

Hi Jeff,

I tried wakeboarding for the first time ever, last year in Singapore. I have recently arrived back in New Zealand and would love to try it again. Do you know of a company in New Zealand who take's you wakeboarding and supply's the boat, wakeboard, etc?

Jeff responded:

Hey annemarie,

Contact Ballistics.co.nz or call Justin hamlin at Ballistics the shop which is located in Barrys Pt road in takapuna auckland. They have everything you need.

A wakeboard camp with packages to include everything youll ever need or want to know about wakeboarding.

good luck
jeff

Question 12

Sam wrote:

Hey jeff

I got my first wakeboard last xmas and im having problems jumping it. I cant get any height what am Idoing wrong??? Plz help me.

Sam

Jeff responded:

Hey Sam,

With out watching you ride I could tell you exactly, but if you go down to your local boardshop and check out some of the instructional DVDS, or better still book into to see the guys at Ballistics for a wakeboard camp and theyll get you all sorted. Its amazing what a couple of days at the camp will do for your riding.

Let me know how you go with it.

later
jeff

Question 11

Keith R wrote:

Hey Jeff

I ride the insight 139. I was woundering whats the biggest differnce between the Insight and the Lyman in the way they ride. Dose one have more pop than the other. If so which one beside one being a three stage and the other being Continuous.

Thanks Keith R

Jeff responded:

Hey Keith,

The Lyman is such a sick board i would reccomend it to most people over the Insight. Ikes board is a super aggresive board and I only really would reccomend it to a really experianced rider.

Lymans board has tons of pop and because of the continous rocker line it makes it really easy to manage compared to Ikes board which has a 3 stage rocker which is really aggressive and can quite often buck a rider if they arnt used to it.

Good luck with it.
jeff

ps check out slidingglass.com to check out pics of my new boat.

Question 10

Dana wrote:

Jeff,

I'm planning a little vacation in New Zealand. I spend my summers wakeboarding all over Alberta, Canada. Can you let me where some good places to get in some wakeboard sets. I'd like to ride behind a good tournament boat with a board setup. Can you give me the names of some lakes, shops, and the closest town where I could get hooked up.

Thanks Dana

Jeff responded:

Hey Dana,

Canada aye?! I love canada, spend heaps of time up there every summer.

Check out www.ballistics.co.nz

they have the best wakeboard came in New Zealand. 2 Brand new Nautiques, countless setups from all the top brands like J Star, LiquidForce and Hyperlite, and the best coaches in the country.

They came is fully equipped with everything youll need, Free beer (sponsored by carona), jacuzzi, mini moto bikes and the coolest crew youll ever meet.

And if you come at the right time of year I might just be lurking around too.

Let me know how you go with it all.

Later
Jeff

Yo jeff, wat up!
Rip it up for the coasties, good stuff!
Do you recommenend spending the money on getting a decent tramp. Can do tantrums and backroll and toe fronts, but to further my boarding will a trampoline help dramatcially.... obviously it will help but will it be worth spending a grand on getting a decent tramp??

Jeff responded:

Hey Dave,

Whats up?
Thanks for the support.

Tramps are the best form of off water training. If you cant get on the water everyday the next best thing is a tramp.

When I first started riding I couldnt get out on the water everyday so i spent alot of my free time bouncing around on the tramp.

any trick you can think of or do on a wakeboard you can do on a trampoline.

Get the biggest sized tramp you can. and set it up some where so that you can tie off your rope and handle and use that just as you would when your riding.

have fun with it and make sure you get pads for your tramp.

Also dont attempt to strap on your board or a board of any kind to do tricks. Youll get delt to for sure and wreck your tramp in the process.

good luck with it.
I still have a tramp in my backyard and love messing around on it.
Itll really help you with airsense. Knowing where your at in the air will be your biggest asset.

Later
Jeff

Hey Jeff

Awsome job on all you've accomplished in wakeboarding so far. Good to see a nzer showing the world how its done. i've got a question on ts 5s. I always either over rotate or under rotate on them. I've only landed about 2 this season.

Any tips would be much appriciated.

Thanks

Craig

Jeff responded:

Hey Craig,

Toeside 5's.
As with anytrick your having problems with break it down and it might help you understand what your doing wrong.

Let me ask you a couple of questions.
Hows your toeside 180s?
and Hows your toeside 360s?

Your toeside 180's are the exact same landing as your 5's, if you have that down solid you might just be trying to hard.

Also a 540 is alot easier to land than a 360. It is just a continuation of the 3.

Two other important factors are.
Are you getting the handle?
and Where are you looking when you land?

Once you do the handle pass and have two hands back on the handle you should be riding away sweet because the line tension should stop you spinning.

Let me know how you get on with it.

Later
Jeff

Hey Jeff

your my favourite rider man i mean you go big, how many times do you get to ride? I just wanted to no we got a boat with a really small wake wat tricks could I do behind it to improve? And do you no of any old ski boat that we could buy that have fairly big wake?

Thanks.

Jeff responded:

Hey Matt,

Thanks so much for the support.

I dont want to brag, but I can ride as much as I want really.

Living in orlando is so different to anywhere else in the world. Everyone lives on a lake with a boat in there back yard. so apart from going to get gas theres minimal wasted time.

I used to ride about 8 times a day. Now I probably ride maybe four or five times. I usually ride a mountain bike every morning to warm up and keep my knees strong and I ride my mx bike at least a couple of times a week which is really good for my fitness. I feel pretty lucky everyday, knowing people would kill to be in my position.

As for boats. Put some weight in it. as much as you can. and look at getting the right prop for your boat.

My buddy andrew and used to have the biggest wake behind his 17ft sea ray.

I learnt my firt tantrum to blind behind it.

Start with the basics and work your way up.

Good Luck
Jeff

Hi, I am i keen wake sk8er and will be moving to Auckland in the coming months. I was woundering were are all the hotspots for getting rides were? Clubs, parks etc. And if there's a big scene? Keep up the good work.

Mish

Jeff responded:

Hey Mish,

I dont get to spend much time in NZ any more but I bet your best bets are to either head down to the Oraki basin in Auckland where the Auckland Water Ski Blub base themselves. Otherwise head up to Greenhithe. Wait at the boat ramp on the weekend and see if you can scab some rides. That's what I used to do when i didnt have a ride. Youlll make all sorts of cool new friends.

Or maybe search out Ant Collings and Brant Hales. There always down.

Good luck
Jeff

What is the offical height for a wakeboard tow frame on a boat?

Jeff responded:

Hey Drew.

There is no real offical height on Towers and High Poles. But they are usually set at 7 and a half feet.

Jeff

What are u exactly meant to do when trying to jump big off the wake. Do you just load the rope up and hold that position or so you jump at the top of the wake?

Jeff responded:

Hey Mathew,

Body Position is really important. You want to start out with your chest up, knees bent and hips forward towards the handle, in a relaxed position.

You want to start out faily wide and make a slow progressive turn towards the wake, while holding that body postion.

By progressive i mean start really slow and build up your speed so that the hardest edge you have is through the top of the wake, not before it.

The most important bit is when you ride up through the wake. Its important to resist the wake with your knees as you ride up through it.

Its kind of like when you jump on a trampoline. If you want to go higher in the air you have to resist the mat and when you want to stop you absorb the mat. Same goes with wakeboarding. If your absorbing the wake with your knees you wont get any pop.

See how that works for you.
Or come down to the Ballistics Wakeboard camp and we'll sort you out!

Catch you round.
jeff

Hey Jeff,

I saw you at the X-Air 2004 awesome performance!

I was just wondering if you prefer to ride with your fins off and just ride with molded fins or like to ride with both for the extra stability?

Jeff responded:

Hey,

Thanks so much for the support!

I ride Keith Lymans pro model from JStar wakeboards(Jobe) and I run with the 0.7mm steel fins. The main reason for that is if it gets really rough in contests I want to make sure that I stick all my tricks solid.

It really all comes down to personnel preferrence. Mess around with different fins or riding finless. But ride your set up the way it feels most fun.

Catch you this summer

Jeff

Question 2

Mary wrote:

When u say you rode your first FMX demo do u mean u actually rode a bike or wakeboarded at the FMX demo??

Cheers

Jeff responded:

Hey Mary,

Yep I rode my crf250 in the fmx show at wakestock and also competed in the wakeboarding event and placed 7th.

It was killer fun. Im so pumped on Freestyle mx!!!

Later

Jeff

Question 1

Nigel Harding wrote:

Hey Jeff Its me nigel from the ballistics camp. and i talked to u at the nationals.I can do tantrims, scearcrows and toeside backrols what tricks do u think i should be working on now. Also what would be the best way for me to get a sponser because iv been looking for one this year.

your m8 nigel.

P.S. keep up the good work Jeff!!

Jeff responded:

Hey Nigel,

Hows things going?

Wakeboarding is all about progression, so take the next step and improve on what you already have! Think about your basics and then add them to the tricks that you already have. Take your toesidebackroll to revert or turn that Scarecrow into a front roll.

Better yet throw some style into your riding by learning how to grab your inverts. Wakeboardings all about self expression.

Another great thing to do is go back to basics and learn how to land a backside 180. This trick is overlooked by so many riders but can add so much style and technecallity to your riding once you add it to those inverts you already have.

Dont jump to ahead of your ability though.

As for sponsorship just ride hard and represent our sport. Sponsors arent always looking for the best riders, theyre looking for riders that will represent them and there products the best.

If you ride solid and have a great attitude people talk and sponsors will hear about you.

Keep Ripping.

Jeff