Wakeboarding Tips for New and Intermediate Riders
By Cliff Montgomery, ExtremeProSports.com
Wakeboarding Tips
For a first board, get one which is forgiving and helps you develop. A larger
board with one or more large rear fins helps to give the board direction, which is
important when learning.
Stance (How you stand on your board)
Your first step is determining whether you are regular
(left-foot-forward) or goofy (right-foot-forward) . For those of you who
skateboard or snowboard, this is easy. If this is your first board sport, don't panic.
Stand up, feet together and have someone push you from behind (sorry--on land).
Whichever foot goes forward first is almost surely your lead foot.
If you are someone who is still unsure about this experiment, it will be
especially precise if you stand with your eyes closed and have someone whom you
trust push you forward by surprise. This way you can't subconsciously choose
which foot you will be putting forward.
Another simple method is for someone to watch which way you put on your
pants or wetsuit. The foot you put on first will normally be your front foot for
wakeboarding.
Also remember: your front foot will be the same in all board sports, i.e.
wakeboarding, skateboarding, snowboarding and even slalom skiing.
Wakeboard Bindings Placement
Riders just getting started should try placing the bindings at about
shoulder-width with the rear foot slightly farther back (closer to the rear fin) to aid
with directional stability.
The angle of your bindings is quite important. Start with the rear foot straight
across the board (O degrees) or slightly forward to 9 degrees (one set of holes in
the base plate). Your front foot should be at an angle of 9-27 degrees (2-3 sets of
holes) to get started. Remember that this is just a guide and that your position
should feel comfortable. Keep in mind, however, that one of your first goals is
going to be to ride backwards. For this you will want something closer to neutral (0
/ 0 degree) stance.
Tip: Before you get started, double-check the security of your fins and
bindings. Do this every time you hit the water. You should periodically check them
during your ride when you can, and especially after a fall.
The Deep Water Start
Start in the water, floating on your back with a buoyancy vest. The board
should be perpendicular to the rope with your arms either side of your front knee.
Signal the driver to put the boat in gear. As you are pulled slowly forward, the
pressure against the board will allow you to get into the proper starting position
with most of the board below the surface of the water. Let the pressure on the
board push your knees into your chest, then push your front foot forward toward
the boat.
Signal the driver to drive faster and remain in a crouched position. As the boat
begins to advance, keep your arms slightly bent in near your lower stomach. Shift
your weight toward the front foot while keeping the nose above the water. As the
water begins to give you support, slowly rise to the standing position by extending
your legs until your knees are slightly bent. It is one continuous flowing motion and
you should not be dragged through the water for long. There is no harm in being up
before fully planing.
Once you're up, get comfortable on your board with slightly more weight on
your rear foot. Let your hips and shoulders turn away from the boat.
The Switchstance Start
(Riding 'fakie', 'revert' or backwards) should be learned as soon as possible.
Most riders find it easier to start in normal position, then push the board to revert
as soon as the board starts to plane off. Once this is mastered, you can go to a
more direct approach by alternating your front foot every time you start. Don't wait
to learn to ride switchstance; you'll need it for many tricks.
Crossing the Wake
This is easy if you approach it slowly at first with knees bent. The faster you
go, the more you need to 'suck it up' with your legs if you do not want to jump.
Jumping the Wake
This action is also easy. Compress just as you approach. Extend your legs and
body as the wake lifts the board. It is important to stay loose over your board. Let
your legs absorb the impact on landing. The key to getting good height in your
jumps is to edge all the way through the wake. A common mistake is to
ease up the pull on the rope as you approach the wake and flatten out the board,
loosing critical energy which lifts you into the air. Loading or stretching the line
primes it with the energy which 'pops' you into your flight. Cut hard and late.
