Trick: Tantrum to Revert

Description: A Tantrum with 180-degrees rotation, landing switch.


How to perform this trick: Start this trick by cutting out as wide as you can; the wider you cut out, the easier and less work you'll have to do. Although, just because you're out wide, it doesn't mean that you should cut into the wake any harder. The width just allows you to generate speed without trying too hard, and enables you to lock into position in order to execute the trick. Cut into the wake with a medium to hard edge. Hold this edge all the way into the base of the wake. At this point, there are two components that make this trick possible. If you combine these two, you will be able to do the Tantrum. (1) At the base of the wake, quickly change your edge from your heels to your toes, as if you were going to Surf the Wake aggressively. This will cause you to trip backwards over the wake. At the same time you're changing your edge, let go with your back arm so you can square up your back and shoulders to the wake (so they are parallel to the wake or shoreline). The faster you change your edge, the faster you will flip. (2) Rise (push with your legs) all the way up the wake and take your head straight up (not back) towards the sky. This is what gives you the height to complete the trick. It is important to keep your head squared up with your body; do not turn your head and look away from the boat. If you do these two things properly, you will do the Tantrum and be able to spot your landing on the last half of the trick. The rest is all up to you. If you have access to a trampoline, hop on and practice some back flips before taking to the water. That way, you'll be more accustomed to the Tantrum, and able to learn it faster.

Trick: Tantrum

Description: Edging in hellside and throwing the true Back Hip.
Before attempting the Tantrum to Revert, you need to know how to do a Tantrum. They are the same trick, except you're adding a 180.

How to perform this trick: Approach this trick the same way that you would from the time that you turn toward the wakes until the time you get to the wake (exactly the same approach as with the Tantrum). The key to this trick is to switch hands and grab the handle with your back hand immediately after you leave the wake. If you try to rotate the 180 on the way down from the Tantrum, you will have a difficult time finishing the 180 rotation in time. The earlier you switch hands, the more time you will have to rotate the board to revert. On your landing, you may experience the board slipping out on you, and you may feel as if your body is falling back toward the wake. This just means you're under-rotating the flip. When you add the 180 to the Tantrum, it will slow down your rotation. Try to over-rotate the flip. This will help give you the proper rotation you need to land over your board and complete the trick in time.

Trick: Toeside Front Roll

Description: Edging in toeside and rolling forward.
It is strongly advised that you learn a Tantrum before you learn this trick. The Tantrum is easier and will give you an understanding of how the Front Roll works. It is the same trick except on a Tantrum, you edge in heelside, and with a Toeside Front Roll, you edge in toeside.

How to perform this trick: Start by edging out half the distance that you would on a Tantrum (15 to 20 feet). Turn slowly and cut into the wake with a medium to hard edge. Then, at the base of the wake, start to rise and change your edge from your toes to your heels. Like the Tantrum, changing your edge will give you your rotation (ability to flip). At the peak of the wake, throw your head down and between your legs. This will ensure that your body is moving in the right direction, and will help you compact your body to make it easier to roll. At the same time that you're throwing your head down, let go with your back hand. This will allow you to land in the same position as your take off. At this point, all you have to do is spot your landing. Remember to keep the tip of the board pointing in the direction that you are traveling. If you find yourself coming up short on your rotation and landing on your rear, it means one of two things. You're either edging through the wakes and not changing your edge, or your edge change is too slow. Don't forget, the faster you change your edge, the faster you will flip.

Trick: Toeside Back Roll to Revert

Description: Toeside Back Roll with 180-degree rotation, landing switch.
The Toeside Back Roll is the root of this trick, so you must learn it first. The difference between the two is that you have to start wider and м edge in harder when approaching the wakes.

How to perform this trick: Start 20 to 25 feet outside of the wake, turn slowly and lock yourself into a reasonably hard edge all the way into the base of the wake. At the base of the wake, start to rise (pushing with your legs), just as you would with the Toeside Back Roll. Once you leave the wake, you will feel pressure on your back arm. Using that pressure, pull the handle into your trailing (back) hip with your back arm. You may find it easier to rotate this trick if you let go with your front hand and pull yourself to revert using only your back arm. Either way, this will help you to initiate the 180 and allow you to land switch. You will be able to spot your landing easily with this trick. Remember that you're landing switch and to keep your momentum moving out, away from the wake.

Trick: Toeside Back Roll

Description: Edging in toeside and rolling the board end-over-end.
The most important aspect of this trick is what you do with your legs. You want to rise (push with your legs) all the way up to the top of the wake to the point where they are straight. This will give you maximum height and allow you to complete your flip in plenty of time. This is true with all tricks, but it is especially crucial with the Toeside Back Roll.

How to perform this trick: Cut 10 to 15 feet outside of the wake. Turn slowly and build on your edge all the way up the wake. Because you have to build on your edge up the wake does not mean you have to edge harder. Just make sure that your finish is harder than your start. At the same time you're rising up the wake, push the board in front of you and pull the handle in close to your hips. Try to hold the handle there for the first two-thirds of the flip. This will help you maintain the correct body position. Then, on the last third of the flip, simply let go of the handle with your back arm and keep your chest closed or away from the boat. The tip of your board should stay pointing in the direction that you are moving. An important key to this trick is to keep the handle low throughout the flip, so that the boat doesn't pull you out of position. This will also help you rotate more easily. Be prepared to spot your landing and use your knees as shock absorbers.

Trick: Heelside Back Roll to Revert

Description: Heelside Back Roll with 180-degree rotation, landing switch.
You should definitely learn the Heelside Back Roll before attempting this trick. It is the same trick, except you're adding a 180, landing switch.

How to perform this trick: Edge about 10 feet outside of the wake (a little less than on your Heelside Back Roll). Turn slowly and cut into the wake with an increasingly progressive edge. The key to this trick is when you rise up the wake, you need to throw the tip of your board away from the boat, and turn your head in the same direction. This will force you to land revert. When you rotate the last half of the roll, let go with your front hand and hang on with your back. This will help ensure that you won't have any problems landing in the switch position. On your landing, be strong with the arm that you are hanging onto the handle with, and keep the tip of your board pointing in the direction that you are traveling.

Trick: Heelside Back Roll

Description: Edging in heelside and rolling the board end-over-end.
The Heelside Back Roll is the first invert that you should learn. This trick is very easy if you can jump the wake properly. It is essential to approach this trick exactly the same way you would approach a Heelside Wake Jump. The only other thing you have to incorporate differently is the movement of your head.

How to perform this trick: When you're at the point where you rise up the wake, throw your head toward the tail of your board. To ensure that your head is moving in the right direction, try to put your ear to your back shoulder (similar to the way you would hold a telephone between your ear and shoulder). This will help you avoid throwing your head back and away from the boat, and force you to throw your head to the side (at a 90-degree angle to the boat). Start by cutting 15 to 20 feet outside of the wake or as wide as you would cut on your Heelside Wake Jump. Turn slowly and cut into the wake gradually, building on your edge with control. Rise up the wake (pushing with your legs) while simultaneously throwing your head to the tail of your board; then freeze. Try to spot your landing and it will happen naturally. It might take a few times before you feel comfortable with this trick, but it will come with practice and patience.

Rolls & Flips. Introduction.

Wakeboarding is a blast and there is nothing more satisfying than landing your first invert. There are two important elements when first attempting any of these tricks. (1) All of these tricks are based off a wake jump, whether you're edging in heelside or toeside. It is important not to get ahead of yourself and be thinking of other things when approaching the wakes. Remember to approach the wakes (whether you're edging heelside or toeside, easy or hard) the same as if you were going to just jump the wake. This will help enable you to stay in control and maximize your height, which will give you the proper air time you'll need to complete the trick. (2) It is very important that you are mentally prepared to attempt these tricks. You may act and/or hope that you are ready for the trick, but in reality, you may not be. Being 100% mentally ready for any trick that you attempt will help you totally commit to the trick, which is what's required. This will save you a lot of hard falls and allow you to learn the trick much faster. (3) Be sure that your riding is at the appropriate level before attempting any of these tricks.

Trick: Shifty

Description: Change the direction of your board and body in the air and bring it back to original position to landing.
A Shifty can be combined with many grabs and spins to increase the style and difficulty of a trick. The most common way of learning the Shifty is to approach it from a heelside edge.

How to perform this trick: Make sure to cut out wide and take this trick really big to ensure that you have ample time to finish and land the trick. It's important to initiate the Shifty immediately after leaving the wake so that you have time to return the board back to its original position. When you leave the wake, hang on to the handle with your front hand and move the handle around to your back. This should cause your board and body to rotate so that your back will be facing the direction that you are traveling. Once you've extended the Shifty and reached your maximum height, simply bring the handle back around to the front of your body. You'll then land in the same position from which you took off. This will probably be the first way that you will learn the Shifty. However, there are many different ways to rotate this trick with grabs and spins. Be sure to incorporate grabs into your Shifty once you've got it dialed in.

Trick: Stiffi

Description: Straighten both legs while grabbing your board.
A Stiffy is performed with an Indy or a Mute grab, since you must grab the toeside edge of your board in between your feet.

How to perform this trick: You can approach this trick from a heelside or toeside edge, to combine it with an Indy grab. Make sure you take the trick up and grab your board before you attempt to straighten you legs. If you attempt the Stiffy before you have a hold on your board, it is very difficult to reach. Once you've mastered this, try a Heelside 180 with a Mute-Stiffy. If you're feeling flexible, you can also add this grab to the Roast Beef.

Trick: Tweak

Description: Bone your board to the side.


How to perform this trick: A Tweak is the next level of a Bone. You simply Bone the tip or tail of the board to one side and tuck in the other foot in the opposite direction. For example, to Tweak out a Stalefish you would Bone the tail of your board in front and away from your body by extending your back leg and tucking your front foot under your body. This gives the appearance of the board traveling sideways through the air while it's Boned out. It looks great and gets chicks — or dudes as the case may be! A Method is a grab you'll often see Tweaked out.

Trick: Poke

Description: A quik-defined Bone.


How to perform this trick: The dictionary definition of this verb is 'to thrust at with a sharp instrument'. A Poke is the same as a Bone, but is more abrupt and defined. A Poke looks best when the grab is taken to maximum height and then Poked out. This displays the control that a rider has and adds style to the trick.

Trick: Bone

Description: Push the tip or tail of the board away from your body.


How to perform this trick: In order to Bone your board, simply extend or straighten one knee and bring the other toward your chest. If you extend your front knee, this would be called a Nose-Bone. By extending your back knee, you would be doing a Tail-Bone. You can either Bone the board down or out depending upon the grab. Be sure you completely leave the wake before you start to Bone out any trick.

Trick: Crail

Description: Rear hand grab on toeside edge in front of your front foot.
This is probably the most difficult but most stylish of all grabs because you are reaching across your body and it is an unnatural position. Since you are grabbing the board with your back hand, you can approach this trick from either a heelside or toeside edge. However, it is best to learn this particular grab from a heelside edge, as most riders have a stronger Heelside Wake Jump.

How to perform this trick: To initiate this grab, bring your front knee up toward your body and as close to your back shoulder as possible. At the same time, straighten your back leg to Bone out your tail. This should bring the front of your board under your body and you can then point the nose up to make it easier for you to reach

Trick: Roast Beef

Description: Rear hand grab on heelside edge between your feet, while reaching between your legs.
Like all grabs performed with your back hand, you can approach this from either the heelside or the toeside edge. The Roast Beef is a versatile grab since you are grabbing it at the center of the board.

How to perform this trick: When you attempt to grab this trick, reach down with your back hand in between your feet and grab your heelside edge. You now have the option to Bone your nose or tail in any direction. For added style, you may also want to twist your palm down with the arm you are grabbing the board with. This is not the most common grab, but it will help you to home in on your grabbing skills.

Trick: Stalefish

Description: Rear hand grab on heelside edge in between your feet, while reaching behind your back leg (this is like Melan with your back hand).
The Stalefish looks great and can be approached from either the toeside or heelside edge, since you're grabbing the board with your back hand.

How to perform this trick: When you are at the highest point of your wake jump, reach down and grab your board behind your back leg and in between your feet. Because you grab the Stalefish in between your legs, it is a versatile grab. It gives you the option to Tweak or Poke the board in almost any direction. The most common way to do this trick is with your back leg Tweaked out toward the direction that you are going, and with your front knee tucked into your chest.

Trick: Slob

Description: Front hand grab on toeside edge in front of your front foot.
The Slob is a grab that has earned its name out of laziness, not because it's an ugly grab (if done right). To master this grab with a wake jump, you should approach it from a heelside edge since you will be grabbing the board with your front hand.

How to perform this trick: Be sure to go up and attain maximum height before you bring your front knee toward your chest and reach for the board. You'll often see this grab performed with frontside spins, since your front hand will be free to initiate the handle pass. This may be the first grab that you want to attempt with a Heelside 180.

Trick: Melan

Description: Front hand grab on heelside edge in between your feet, while reaching behing your front leg.


How to perform this trick: The Melan is a grab that's best approached from a heelside edge because you are grabbing the board with your front hand. Remember to take the wake jump to maximum height before you bring your knees up to your chest to initiate the grab. The Melan looks best when you Poke out your front leg while keeping your back leg tucked into your chest.

Trick: Method

Description: Front hand grab on heelside edge in front of your front foot.


How to perform this trick: When learning the Method, it's best to approach it from a heeiside edge since you are grabbing the board with your front hand. To initiate the grab, bring your board up bending only at the knees. Once you're comfortable doing the Method grab and want to add some style, try this: Tweak out the board by extending your back leg out and tucking your front knee down. This keeps the base of the board exposed to the direction you are traveling (the shore) as well as keeping it parallel to the water.

Trick: Nose

Description: Front hand grab on nose of the board.


How to perform this trick: The Nose grab is just the opposite of the Tail grab and it is done just like it sounds. It's best to first master this grab from a Heelside Wake Jump, since you will be hanging on to the handle with your back hand. As you reach the maximum height of your wake jump, bring your front knee toward your chest. This will get the nose of your board within reach and allow you to grab it. Since your front knee is bent, it then makes it very easy to Bone out the tail of your board.

Trick: Tail

Description: Rear hand grab on tail of the board.
Since you are grabbing with your back hand and hanging on to the handle with your front hand, this trick can be approached from either a toeside or heelside direction.

How to perform this trick: Once you've jumped the wake, bring your back knee up toward your chest. This will help you bring the tail of your board closer to your body and allow you to grab the board with more ease. Also, by sucking your back knee up to your chest, it will help you Bone (explained later in this book) out the nose of your board. When you are in the air, be sure to keep the board pointing in the direction that you are moving. Remember to always leave the wake and go up before you reach for the grab.

Trick: Mute

Description: Front hand on toesie edge in between feet.
Because you are grabbing the board with your front hand and initially hanging on to the handle with your back hand, the Mute grab is best learned from a Heelside Wake Jump.

How to perform this trick: You'll want to approach this trick like a Heelside Wake Jump, trying to get maximum height. Then, just like the description says, reach down with your front hand and grab the toeside edge of the board in between your feet. This grab looks best when you wrap your front arm around the outside and behind your front knee, while still grabbing the toeside edge of your board between your legs. This will also help to Tweak out your board for added style. The Tweak is explained later in this book.

Trick: Indy

Description: Rear hand on toeside edge in between feet.
An Indy can be performed from either a Heeiside or Toeside Wake Jump. The Indy grab is probably the most common grab of all and will probably be the first grab you master.

How to perform this trick: Approach this just like a normal Wake Jump. It is advised that you learn this trick for the first time from a heeiside cut at the wake. It is very important to rise all the way up the wake on this trick. Then, when you're at the peak of the trick, simply reach down with your rear hand and grab the toeside edge of your board in between your feet. To raise the difficulty of this grab, you can reach down to grab the board with your back arm, behind your back knee and in between your legs. Be sure to grab the board on the toeside edge in front of your back foot. Then if you want to get real stylish, at the same time, you can Poke (explained later in this book) the tip of your board down for an Indy Poke.

Grabs and Added Style. Introduction.

Grabs — all of them — should be first learned with either a Heelside or Toeside Wake Jump. Due to the nature of each grab — whether you are grabbing the board with your front hand or back hand — the direction in which you will approach the wake will be determined. The degree of difficulty for each grab depends upon where and how you grab the board. The most important aspect of all grabs is that you concentrate solely on the wake jump before you initiate the grab. Be sure you take the wake jump to its maximum height before you reach for the board. If you start to grab the board too soon, it will throw you off axis. Be patient and wait until the board has completely left the wake before you think about grabbing it. Once you have mastered a grab, wake-to-wake or into the flats, you can — and should — try to incorporate them into your spins, rolls and flips. This is what will really add style to your riding.

Trick: Half Cab

Description: Jumping the wake switch heelside, and rotating the board 180 degrees into your regular position.
When you are doing the Half Cab, think of it as a Heelside Wake Jump landing switch, except you're the opposite foot forward. Meaning, if you ride left foot forward, tell yourself that you're right foot forward and do a Heelside Wake Jump landing switch. This will help your form when you're in the switch position.

How to perform this trick: Start by edging out approximately 15 to 20 feet; turn slowly, keeping the line tight, and hold your edge into the wake with a medium cut. Rise to the top of the wake and wait until you're at the peak of your trick before rotating your board 180 degrees. The key thing to remember with this trick is to stay in the switch position longer than you think, once your board leaves the water. To rotate your board, pull the handle across your body from one hip to the other. If you rotate your board too early, it will force you to go off axis or even catch an edge. Keep the handle close to your hips and make sure the board is pointing in the right direction when you land.

Trick: Heelside 180

Description: Jumping the wake heelside and rotating the board 180 degrees.
The Heelside 180 is a little more difficult than the Toeside 180. When you're edging toeside, there is a lot of tension on your back arm, which makes it very easy to spin. When you're edging heelside, you don't have the same tension on your arm to help you spin. Therefore, you're the one who has to make it happen.

How to perform this trick: Start off by jumping the wakes a few times to remind yourself how it feels. Then go ahead and attempt the 180. The approach and take off to this trick is exactly the same as the Wake Jump, so don't change a thing. When you leave the wake and are at the highest point of the trick, initiate the 180 by rotating your board and pulling the handle to your back hip. This should give you the 180 degrees you're looking for. When you land, it is important to fully complete your rotation and to keep the tip of your board pointing in the direction that you're traveling. If you find yourself slipping out, it simply means you're either under-rotating the 180, or you are landing with your back falling into the wake. Visualize your chest falling toward the shore (away from the wake). Remember to use your knees to absorb the landing and you shouldn't have any problems landing this trick.

Trick: Toeside 180

Description: Jumping the wake toeside and rotating the board 180 degrees.
It is much easier to learn a wake 180 toeside than it is to learn it heelside. This may sound crazy, but you will understand when you try it. When you're cutting toeside, you really load your back arm with tension. So, when you leave the wake, the tension from your back arm will naturally rotate your body and board, which will make the 180 much easier.

How to perform this trick: Edge outside the wake 10 to 15 feet, turn slowly and cut into the wake with a medium edge. It is important to be strong and hold the handle low, while keeping your chest closed to the boat. Hold that position and rise all the way to the top of the wake. When you leave the wake, you will feel the tension on your back arm and the boat will naturally want to spin you; this is when you can ignite the 180. In the air, take the handle from your leading hip and pull it across your body to your other hip. This will rotate your body and board 180 degrees. On your landing, use your knees as shock absorbers and maintain your momentum moving in the direction that your board is traveling.

Trick: Toeside Wake Jump

Description: Cutting toeside up one wake and landing down or past the second.
Jumping the wakes toeside is always harder than heelside. This is caused from the amount of tension on your back arm. Because you're standing sideways on the board, when you edge toeside, your chest is facing away from the boat. Based on the position of your body, there is a great amount of pressure on your back arm. So when your board leaves the water, the tension from your back arm will pull your chest and hips around, squaring you up with the boat. This is not want you want, and could be a good indication that you're not keeping your chest and hips closed or away from the boat, especially if you find yourself slipping out when you land.

How to perform this trick: Start by edging outside the wake 15 to 20 feet; turn slowly and cut toward the wake with a medium edge. Be strong and keep your chest and hips turned away from boat, as well as try to push the handle behind you. At this point, lock yourself into that position. At the base of the wake, start to push with your legs. Rise all the way up the wake to the point that your legs are straight, or as straight as you can get them. Once you are in the air, hold your position and keep the handle as far behind you as possible. This will prevent the boat from pulling you around. On your landing, keep the tip of the board pointing in the direction that you are moving, and use your knees as shock absorbers.

Trick: Heelside Wake Jump

Description: Cutting heelside up one wake and landing down or past the second.
This trick is a very important trick to learn properly. Almost every flip or roll is based on a wake jump. Your legs are the key element in successfully completing the Heelside Wake Jump. The term "rise" is used because it describes what your legs should do. Rising means extending your legs from the bottom of the wake all the way to the top (crest). There shouldn't be any sudden kicking motion; you want to try and feel pressure on your legs all the way up the wake.

How to perform this trick: Cut outside the wake 15 to 20 feet; turn slowly and approach the wake with a medium edge. Your legs should not be bent more than 45 degrees; they should be bent the same as if you were going to jump up high off the ground. Hold your edge through the wake, keeping the line tight. Then, at the base of the wake, simply rise all the way to the top (to the point where your legs are straight or as straight as you can possibly get them). The straighter your legs are off the top of the wake, the higher you will go. Once you have left the wake and you are in the air, you can bend your knees if you want. Some people like to bend their knees because they feel that it gives them more control. Be strong with your arms when you leave the wake, and don't let the handle get away from your body. When you come down for your landing, remember to use your knees to absorb the impact.

Trick: Power Slide

Description: Sliding sideways on your toeside edge in the flats (creating a wall of spray).
his trick is best performed with lots of speed while coming off your heelside edge. If you are right foot forward, you will start in the trough on the right side of the wake (or vice versa if you are left foot forward).

How to perform this trick: Edge away from the wake aggressively on your heelside edge. Then, initiate the slide when you're at maximum speed. You should be approximately 30-40 feet out in the flats. Be careful not to edge out too wide because you'll start to lose speed. To initiate the slide, think of doing an extremely hard carve and transfer your weight from your heelside edge to your toeside edge. At the same time, let go with your back hand and point it down, back toward where you just came from. This will help prevent you from catching your heelside edge and should help you release your fins and rotate your board 90 degrees. You should then be able to easily slide on your toeside edge. The most important key to the Power Slide is committing to the trick. If you don't, you'll catch your heelside edge. The more pressure you apply to your toeside edge when you're sliding, the larger your spray will be. Have fun and stay away from the fishermen!

Trick: Ollie 180

Description: Ollieing up rotating board 180 degrees.
This trick is an Ollie with a 180. Practice a few Ollies while trying to catch as much air as possible and still be in control. After you feel comfortable doing some of these Ollies, you're ready to try this trick.

How to perform this trick: You'll need to cut outside the wake 10 to15 feet. There are two parts to this trick. The first half of this trick is done the same as a regular Ollie (try to get as much height as possible). The second part of this trick is when the board has completely left the | water. Rotate your hips while pulling the handle into your trailing hip and turn the board into switch position. Remember not to spin the 180 too soon, as the board has a fin and spinning too soon will force the board to catch an edge. On your landing, make sure the board is completely around (180 degrees) and use your knees to absorb the impact.

Trick: Lipslide to 180

Description: Coming out of a Lipslide, rotating the board 180 degrees.
It is advised that you learn a Lipslide before attempting this trick. It is the exact same trick, except you're going to rotate your board 90 degrees into the switch position (versus back to your regular position) when coming out of the Lipslide.

How to perform this trick: When you are in Lipslide position, your board will be at a 90-degree angle to the boat on the crest of the wake. At this point, there should not be any difference whether you come down the wake in your regular or switch position. So, approach this trick exactly the same as you would approach a Lipslide. When you're Lipsliding on the crest of the wake and you feel ready to complete the trick, simply push your back foot (or the tail of your board) forward while coming out of the trick. Now that you're in a switch position, a good way to return back to your regular position is to do a Half Cab (defined later in the book).

Wakeboard Beginner.

Wakeboarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world. Ninety percent of individuals who get pulled behind a boat are on a wakeboard. Not only is it easy and fun, but also you can wakeboard behind any watercraft that is strong enough to pull you out of the water — and the possibilities of the sport are endless.to be continued...

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Trick: Lipslide

Description: Riding up the wake and sliding on the crest of the wake.
This is one of the most popular and fun tricks to do, no matter what your riding level. A Lipslide is performed by turning your board 90 degrees on the crest of the wake. This trick is designed to start outside the wake. In fact, you can approach this trick in a similar way to your approach to Surfing the Wake.

How to perform this trick: Edge up the wake as if you were going to surf it. You're going to want to edge up the wake a little longer and more aggressively than when you performed Surf the Wake. This will help you blow out the tail of your board to enable you to Lipslide. Once the board starts to slide, it is very important that you bend your knees and rock to your heels, leaning away on the line (away from boat). This will prevent you from catching your toeside edge and taking a nasty fall. Once you're Lipsliding, it is then just a balancing act. When you decide that the show is over, simply start to straighten your board as you come down the wake. Remember to keep your weight on your heels until you're back in regular position.

Trick: Ollie

Description: Catching air without using the wake.
An Ollie is not too hard of a trick to perform as a beginner. When first trying this trick, it is best to edge outside the wake heelside.

How to perform this trick: With a mild and consistent edge, cut out approximately 10 feet. Then simply push with your legs as if you were going to jump off the ground. You want to try to have the tail of the board leave the water last. In order to do this, two-thirds of the way through your leg extension, you'll need to pull your front leg up while simultaneously pushing with your back leg down. Once your board has left the water, you can then bring your back leg up to the same position as your front leg. At this point, prepare to land with both feet at the same time. However, it is important not to let the tip of your board drop. And make sure that the tip of the board is pointing in the direction that you are moving when you land, or you may not enjoy the fall. The rest will be self-explanatory.

Trick: Air (1 Wake)

Description: Air (1 Wake).
Using one wake to catch some air

How to perform this trick: Cut out 5 to 10 feet from the wake. Turn slowly so that there is no slack in the rope and gently cut in toward the wake. When you're at the base of the wake, think about rising (pushing with your legs) all the way through the top of the wake. When you're in the air, the tension from your back arm is going to cause your body to rotate so you would be opening up to the boat. To avoid this, be sure to keep the handle close to your leading hip. This will keep you in the right position and keep the board pointing in the direction that you're moving. Remember, we're only jumping one wake, so don't attack this trick too hard. When you're in the air, prepare yourself for the landing. Use your legs as shocks to absorb the impact and you will ride away.

Trick: Surface 180 & Riding Switch

Description: Rotating the board 180 degrees on water.
There are two ways to do this trick: (1) Take the fins off your board so that the board will rotate easily, and you won't catch your edge. (2) If you decide to keep your fins on, then slow the boat speed down to about 10 m.p.h. before trying to rotate your board. This will also help prevent you from catching an edge. If you try to rotate the board at high speeds, the board will reach 90 degrees and the fins will act as brakes, which will result in a nasty fall.

How to perform this trick: Now, to actually do this trick, stand comfortably centered over your board. Be careful not to lean too far away from the boat. Rotate the board with a push-pull motion using your feet. This is done by pushing your rear foot forward, and pulling your front foot back. As you rotate your board, try to pull the handle into your leading hip and remember to keep your knees bent. Now that you are riding switch, stand on the board comfortably as if you were riding in your regular position. Relax and don't get freaked out because you're riding switch. To return to your regular position, simply repeat this same process.

Trick: Surf the Wake

Description: Carving up and down the wake.
This is a great trick to photograph. Snap the shot when your spray is at its highest point. Then blow it up and throw it on the wall.

How to perform this trick: How to perform this trick: You should begin this trick 5 to 10 feet outside of the wake. Approach the wake toeside with a medium edge. Then, at the base of the wake, let go with your back hand and simply change your edge from toeside to heelside. Repeat this up and down the wake, and you will officially be Surfing the Wake. It is much easier and quicker to repeat this motion if you keep your upper body as still as possible. Use only your legs and the board to do the surfing. The harder you change your edge, the faster you'll surf the wake — and the higher your spray will be!

Trick: Cross the Wakes

Description: Riding over both wakes.
Think of crossing two wakes just the same as crossing one wake twice. It's the exact same concept. Have your knees bent, arms straight (or slightly bent) and keep the tip of the board pointing in the direction that you are traveling. The first time you try this trick, you should cut into the wakes heelside.

How to perform this trick: Start by edging out about 10 feet. At this point, you'll hardly have to edge at all. The natural pull from the boat will get you up and over the first wake, and your momentum should carry you over the second wake. If it doesn't, after crossing the first wake, apply a little pressure to your heelside or toeside edge (depending upon which way you're traveling). This will give you a little more speed in order to get you over the second wake. Remember to keep the board pointing in the direction that you are traveling (especially toeside) and you should be fine.

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Trick: Stand on Board (5 Seconds)

Description: Standing on the board for five seconds.
The great thing about this trick is that if you can perform it, you can officially wakeboard. If you can stay up on the board for five seconds, you can stay up as long as you want.


How to perform this trick: There are three key points to performing this trick:
(1) Always keep your knees bent.
(2) Keep your arms straight, or as straight as possible, and try to avoid pulling the handle into your chest.
(3) Keep the tip of the board pointing in the direction that you are moving. Remember, you are standing sideways on the board and the tension from your back arm will make your chest open to the boat. Again, this will cause you to either slip out or catch the toeside edge of your board — exactly what you do not want to happen. It will help if you think about rotating your hips so that your leading hip is pointing at the boat. This will also ensure you that your body is at a 90-degree angle to the boat. At this point, simply freeze, hold your position, and enjoy the ride.

Trick: Deep Water Start

Description: Getting out of the water.
The first time you're in the water with a wakeboard on your feet, it may feel very awkward. It will seem hard to get into control and feel as if you're comfortable enough for the boat to go forward. The best thing to do is just lie back, relax and let the board naturally float sideways in front of you, while keeping both hands on the handle. The boat driver should put the boat in and out of gear in order to keep the line tight but hardly moving. The driver doesn't want to pull the wakeboarder forward; he only wants to apply enough tension so that the rope is just off the water. Again, it is very important to have a good boat driver who can work with you, or it could make things difficult.

How to perform this trick: When you're ready to take off, bend your knees, keep your arms straight, and freeze. Be sure not to pull on the handle or straighten your legs, as either of these will cause you to fall back. As the boat starts to take off, gradually straighten your board so that the tip of the board is pointing at the boat, or in the direction that you are moving. This is the most important element to remember when first learning how to wakeboard. Otherwise, because of the way that you are standing on the wakeboard (sideways), the tension from your back arm will force your body to open up, with your chest facing the boat. This can also cause your board to rotate and not allow your board and fins to track. The consequences will be one of two: (1) your board will slip out, or (2) your board will catch the toeside edge... and we all know how uncool that is! To avoid this, push the handle across to your leading hip and keep your hip and handle in line with the boat. It is very important to be conscious of the direction your board is pointing. Follow these tips closely and you will be well on your way to becoming a World Champion!

Beginner.

Wakeboarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world. Ninety percent of individuals who get pulled behind a boat are on a wakeboard. Not only is it easy and fun, but also you can wakeboard behind any watercraft that is strong enough to pull you out of the water — and the possibilities of the sport are endless.


There are a few things to keep in mind when wakeboarding for the first time:
(1) Be sure to have the proper equipment and always wear a personal flotation device (life jacket).
(2) In order to properly set up the board, the most important thing is to have your board perfectly symmetrical (bindings are exactly the same at both ends of the board). Place each binding in either of the middle two holes and make sure they are in the equivalent hole on both ends of your board. For the angle of your bindings, start by placing them on your board at 90 degrees. Then slightly open them up one hole or a couple of notches, so that your feet are in a duck position. From here, you can play around with a stance that best suits you.
(3) The length of your rope should range between 60 to 70 feet (you may want to lengthen the rope as you get better).
(4) The speed of the boat depends upon the size of your wake and the length of your rope. Generally, if you have a big wake or a long rope, you would want to slightly increase the speed. A good starting speed is probably around 21 m.p.h.
(5) It is critical to have an experienced boat driver to make things easier and safer for you.


Keep the above points in mind and you'll surely have an excellent and safe start with the fun and thrilling sport of wakeboarding!

Glossary of Terms.

Rider: Wakeboarder.


Heelside: When you use the edge of your board that is closest to your heels to edge or generate speed.


Toeside: When you use the edge of your board that is closest to your toes to edge or generate speed.


Backside: When you spin clockwise if you are left foot forward or counter clockwise if you are rightfoot forward. Most people refer to this as "blind".


Frontside: When you spin counter clockwise if you are left foot forward or clockwise if you are rightfoot forward. This is considered the most common or easiest way to spin.


Line: Another term of rope.


Rise: This is a smooth and consistent leg extension from the base of the wake though the crest. When done properly this as how you attain maximum height.


Base: The bottom or through of the wake.


Crest: The top of the wake.


Regular position: In this book, this term refers to your normal or natural riding position.


Switch: Riding with the opposite foot forward from your regular position.


Revert: The same meaning as switch.


Half Cab: Starting a term switch and landing it in regular position.


Flats: This refers to the area outside the wake and past the spray of the boat.


Chick: Who dudes want to impress.


Load the line: Getting the rope tension to be tighter as you make your cut into the wake.


Landing blind: Landing a term in a wrapped position where you cannot see the boat or spot your landing.


Dude: Who chicks want to impress.