How to Sideslide in Wakeboarding

Wakeboarders learn to sideslide to increase the difficulty level as skills progress. The sideslide requires that you slide your board from the outside of the wake to the inside and back. The control needed to perform the sideslide requires hours spent practicing each step before getting in the water.

Things You'll Need

  • Wakeboard
  • Life vest
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Instructions

    • 1

      Swing your hips to face the path of your boat at the beginning of your sideslide. You should gradually turn your inside hip away from the boat to get into the proper position for the sideslide.

    • 2

      Complete your turn toward a wakeboarding boat by placing your board at a 90-degree angle in relation to the boat. Stay perpendicular to the boat in order to slide along the wakes effectively.

    • 3

      Shift your weight from left to right as the boat pulls you along to perform a wakeboarding sideslide. Begin the momentum shift with your lead shoulder and allow your legs to follow, using the tension of the tow rope.

    • 4

      Press your board flat against the water as you do a sideslide. Avoid the bumps and turbulence of each wave by keeping even pressure on your board throughout the process.

    • 5

      Create a show out of your sideslides by pressing down on one side of your board. Produce a greater splash back as you cut through the wake by applying pressure with your heels or toes as you cross from one side to another.

    • 6

      Protect yourself while you are in the water by wearing a life vest. A life vest that has a durable covering and enough buckles to fasten tight to your body is ideal. Adjust your life vest on shore so that you have the flexibility to navigate your board while performing the sideslide.

    • 7

      Work on the sideslide in creative ways when you are away from calm waters. Practice wakeboarding tricks during the winter by finding an ice rink in your neighborhood. Or practice your tricks on a trampoline to avoid serious injury.