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1. Where are
you located?
Launch is located on
Folsom Lake, in Northern California. We primarily
teach out of the Browns Ravine Launch Ramp which is on the East side of
Folsom Lake.
There are nine boat launches on the lake and 1 marina (Browns Ravine), which
has fuel, food and drinks. We are willing to travel to different lakes and
we teach lessons on either our boat or on yours. Each
situation is handled differently, so please give us a call.
2. Are you willing to travel to other places to
give lessons?
Yes, we realize that not everyone is able to take lessons on
Folsom Lake, so we are willing to travel to different areas to give
private lessons on your boat.
3. When are the lessons taught?
Seven days a week with two sessions a day, except for weekends we
only teach a morning session. We work around your schedule so please
contact
us when you want to make an appointment. We ask that you arrive 15 minutes
early, which gives us time for introductions and to get your gear loaded
in the boat. For private lessons (lessons on your boat), we can
teach them any day at any time.
4. How much will I get to ride?
Each
lesson is 3-4 hours of instruction with 1 hour riding time. The
lessons
are divided between two thirty-minute sessions. Your session starts
when you put on your wakeboard and jump into the water. The 5 to 10 minutes
traveling to nice water does not count as your
lesson
time.
5. What is the water like?
The water on
Folsom Lake
and the Delta is great. They are both cleaner than private lakes
and the scenery is amazing. We enjoy smooth water all week long
because everyone else is working while we are out having fun. The water temperature stays in the 70’s to 80's throughout
the summer, so you will not need a wet suit.
6. Will I be the only adult, boy, or girl?
Many people worry they will be the only adult, boy, or girl in the
lesson. Although this is a valid concern, we notice that once everyone
gets here and they start talking to each other, they realize that even
though they may come from very different places and lead very different
lives, they have one thing in common, wakeboarding. Then everyone becomes
friends, regardless of age or gender. This is all part of what makes wakeboarding
such a great experience.
7. How many people go out per set?
We generally have 3 to 4 students in the
boat at one time, but the
number of students can range from 1 to 6 (except during our Kids Day
Camps). Having 6 students in the
boat
usually means we are taking out a family, group of friends,
or a
corporate
group that want
to learn together. The number of students really depends on the group
we are taking out.
8. What kind of equipment is available to try,
and do I have to rent it.
We offer all top of the line
equipment
including
Hyperlite Wakeboards & Bindings,
Accurate Ropes and Handles, and
Hyperlite Neoprene life vests. We
offer all our equipment to you at no additional charge. We suggest you
try our gear out because newer gear makes learning much easier. The gear
really does make a huge difference.
9. What is the wake like?
Our wake can be adjusted to meet any riders’ needs. We have a
ballast system that can be pumped in or pumped out by the flick of a switch.
This is ideal for little wakeboarders or beginner who needs a small wake
to first learn. This is also good for the intermediate or advanced wakeboarder
who wants the huge wake for pulling off bigger tricks.
10. Is there an age limit for
lessons?
No, we welcome children and adults of any age
or skill level. If your child is willing to try, we can teach
them.
11. How long have you been teaching?
Launch Wakeboarding School has been providing excellent service since
1999. Our
instructors have been teaching several years before they joined
the Launch Team. They all love teaching and it is noticeable when taking
a
lesson.
12. What type of boat/boats do you use?
All of our
lessons
are taught on a new
Super Air Nautique with a tower
and a ballast system. We only provide the best
equipment
for our students.
13. Who’s boat do we use?
We offer
lessons on our boat or on yours. We also offer a discount
for
lessons taught on your boat. Please check out our different
packages
for more info.
14. What should I bring to the
lesson?
We recommend every student bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel,
water and snacks just in case you get a little hungry. You may also bring
your own gear if you want to.
15. I just bought a boat and want to learn about
boat operating and pulling a wakeboarder or skier?
We offer a
2 hour boaters class where you bring your boat to the
lake
and we give you a hands-on instruction about operating your boat. We include
all aspects such as safety, launching and operating your boat, rules of
the water, how to adjust the wake, proper speeds, towing a wakeboarder/skier,
and much more. This is a very informative class and is highly recommended
for all boating and wakeboarding enthusiasts.
16. I want a video, can you tape my riding?
Yes, we have a professional photographer name
Mika Dahm who can take
still photos or film your riding and put it onto a videotape or CD. Please
let us know ahead of time so we can schedule a time for him to meet us.
Prices vary depending on what service you want, but his rates are inexpensive
and he produces excellent quality photos. He took most of our photos.
17. How and when do I pay for the
lesson?
The
lessons
are not paid for in advance like most schools. We want
you to be completely satisfied with your
lesson
so you do not pay until
the
lesson
is over. If you are not 100% satisfied, the
lesson
is free.
We gladly accept credit cards, cash, or personal checks. Of
course, you may purchase a gift certificate which can be used when you
are ready and never expires.
18. I am a beginner; do I have to ride for a whole
hour?
Don’t be afraid, you will not ride for an hour straight.
Lessons
are broken up into either (three) twenty minute or (two) thirty minute
sessions with breaks in between. This allows you to relax, learn, and
have fun watching the other students ride. Any rider can easily handle
the time period without getting wore out.
19. What are the
instructors like?
All of our instructors are friendly and great teachers. They are all
experienced and have been teaching for several years. They are also very
good wakeboarders so if you want to see some cool tricks, just let them
know before the
lesson.
20. Am I good enough to take a
lesson?
There is no prerequisite to taking a
lesson
with us. We have taught
first time wakeboarders as well as highly advanced riders. Actually the
less you know, the better your chances of advancing quickly. If you don't
have any old habits, things will be that much easier.
21. Will I be in the boat while others ride or
do I get dropped off on shore after my set?
All Wakeboarders get to stay in the boat until everyone’s set
is over. This way everyone can watch and learn from each other;
plus listening
to the
instructor
teaching other students will most likely help you pick
things up you may have not learned during your set. Most people
are visual learners, which makes this teaching style very beneficial.
22. “Is the school safe”?
We focus on safety as our primary concern. All of our
instructors
are CPR and First Aid certified and trained thoroughly
in water safety. We take our time with each student just as if they were
one of our family members. We want everyone to feel safe and leave with
a smile on their face. |
