How to Jump a Wakeboard from Wake to Wake

Just getting up on a wakeboard is an accomplishment, but the goal of most riders is to spend time above the water, soaring through the air. That's where tricks like acrobatic spins and flips take place, tricks that are fun to learn and guaranteed to impress. Before you go airborne, however, you need to master one simple move, the wake-to-wake jump. Here's how:

Things You'll Need

  • Wakeboard
  • Boat
  • Towrope
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Instructions

    • 1

      To generate the necessary "pop" to launch off one wake and land on the downward slope of the next, you'll need to first master a progressive edge. Don't crank a hard turn and go charging at the wake, only to flatten off once you get there. Instead, ride about 20 feet outside the wake, then let the pull of the towrope cause you to naturally begin to drift back toward the center. As you head back toward the wake, gradually increase your edge by leaning back on your heels. The idea is to mimic a pendulum; start slow at the widest part of your arc, then increase the aggressiveness of your cut so that you are moving the fastest, and holding the greatest edge, right as you meet the wake.

    • 2

      With the basics of the progressive cut mastered, cut outside the wake and roll the board's edge into a gentle turn. Build that progressive cut as you approach the wake, keeping the handle low and near your waist. Avoid the classic baseball bat-grip on the towrope. Elbows should be bent, with both palms facing down on the handle.

    • 3

      As you reach the wake, don't let up on that cut, or attempt to spring off the lip. Height and distance will come naturally if you simply maintain your edge and ride off the wake's natural ramp. Keep your body position stable, with knees slightly bent, weight centered over the board, hips and shoulders perpendicular to the water.

    • 4

      As you reach the crest of the wake, extend your knees in a smooth, fluid motion. Again, don't try to spring or jump. Simply ride cleanly up and off the wake, extending as you reach the top.

    • 5

      Keep your body relatively compact once in the air. Avoid looking down at your feet or the water. Instead, look in the direction of the opposite wake where you'll be landing.

    • 6

      The goal is to set the board down on the downward slope of the opposite wake. It's a lot easier on your body than the flat water beyond. Keep knees bent to absorb the shock. Once you land, get back on your heelside edge as soon as possible to avoid catching your toeside edge and ride away from the jump.