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Wakeboarding: How to Catch Serious Air
Published: August 1, 2002  Photo of Parks Bonifay, courtesy Hyperlite
Then you think to yourself, man, how do they do that? How do wakeboarders rise to such incredible heights?
It all begins with the right equipment. The most important part of the
equation is the boat. It used to be that any old boat would do, and it
will if wakeboarders just want to get a little air. But if they want
that bone-jarring, arm-flapping, stomach-churning air that makes the
boat look smaller as they go up, they need a serious wakeboard boat. |
 Photo of Tara Hamilton, courtesy Hyperlite
In addition to a boat to tow them, wakeboarders need
something to hold on to. The rope of choice is non-stretch and has a
wide handle. The typical length is between 65 and 80 feet long depending
on the boat and speed. Typical boat speeds range from 18 to 22 miles
per hour – slower is better. For an effective ride, the boarder should
ask the driver to try to go straight and hold a steady speed (easier
said than done).
Also vital are modern multi-fin boards, with
high-tech lace-up bindings that keep them stuck to the wakeboarders’
feet. Vests to protect their ribs and keep them afloat in case of a
miscalculation are also a must. Oh, and all good boarders know this: If
their shorts don’t cover their thighs, they are out of style and it
doesn’t matter how high they go, people will point and laugh.
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 Photo of Ben Greenwood, by PJ Marks
The right instructor teaches wakeboarders that body
position, board control and edging are critical. Learning how to
leverage their body against the pull of the boat is the key to
harnessing the energy needed for big air. When learning, wakeboarders
must take their time and learn how to ride the board and cross the wakes
comfortably before going for big air. Skipping steps will get them into
bad habits that are a lot harder to break than learning the right
technique from the start.
OK, so they can ride a board, but can
they catch air? At this point, it’s all about nailing the timing. Every
new rider seeking big air typically makes the same mistake. They get out
wide on the boat, look at the wake and cut as hard as they can. All
they get is a lot of speed and not much height. To get the big air, they
need to get wide, drift in slowly from the outside with their knees
bent, all while maintaining a strong body position. They should have the
rope tight when they reach the wake by holding edge against the boat.
Then as they ride up the wake they stand tall and push against the
energy of the wake. Successful wakeboarders try to think about the wake
pushing them up as opposed to jumping off the wake.
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 Courtesy Hyperlite
If, on the other hand, you decide to
join the hundreds of thousands of riders out there and try wakeboarding,
go for it! But watch out: It’s like snowboarding or golfing – you won’t
want to stop. Before you know it, you’ll have a complete line of gear
and will be keeping up with the latest trends. It’s a whole new world
out there. And what better way is there to spend a day on the lake
hangin’ with the family?
You don’t have to be 20 years old with
abs of steel to do this, either. People of all shapes, sizes and ages
have discovered how fun this sport can be. Once you get a feel for that
air, it will consume you. You may get smacked around a bit while
learning but remember, it’s only water. Enjoy.
PJ Marks
has written for “Wakeboarding” and “Water Ski” magazines, and is the
former owner of The Wakeboard Camp in Clermont, Fla. (www.wakeboardcamp.com). He has been the color commentator for the Pro Wakeboard Tour on ESPN and narrated several instructional videos. |
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