One of the most common questions beginner wakeboarders ask is “How can I get more air when I jump?”. Getting the skills to jump higher on your wakeboard is actually pretty simple in theory, but just takes some guts and commitment to execute. Also, many wakeboarders will often make excuses like “My boat doesn’t have a big enough wake for me to jump high”. WRONG! You do not need a big wake to get air! You can literally get air off flat water if you needed to. Sure, a big wake will help, but its not necessary. Let’s get you jumping HIGHER on your wakeboard with WHATEVER size wake you’re working with.
The Progressive Edge
One of the main keys to going higher is to use the progressive edge. The progressive edge is something that you will hear very often when talking wakeboarding, so if you don’t know what it is you need to familiarize yourself with it. The progressive edge is executed when you are cutting back in towards the wake. Once you are at your desired distance away from the wake and ready to cut back in, stop and let the rope gain its tension back between you and the boat. Once its taut, the rope will begin to slowly and naturally pull you back in towards the wake. As you get closer and closer, start progressively edging your board more and more towards the wake so that when you hit it you are at your fastest speed and your hardest edge.
Steps to Getting Higher
Starting at the base of the wake, edge out on your toes. Make sure you aren’t edging too fast. The faster you edge, the longer it is going to take for the rope to tighten after you stop. You want to cut out nice and gradually.
I’d recommend cutting out almost as far as you can. Once you have made your cut, stop leaning and pause. Let that rope get its tension back, and you will feel it start to slowly and naturally pull you back towards the wake. We now can begin to build our progressive edge.
As you are coming in, start to point your board more and more towards the wake. As you do this, gradually put more weight on your heels. This will cause you to build speed. When you hit the bottom of the wake you should be going just about as fast as you can. I know its scary, but this is what it takes to improve.
When you hit the wake, stand up tall, and push down on the handle. These 2 things are going to get you that extra pop off the wake.
When you are in the air, keep your head up, spot your landing, bend your knees, and ride off smoothly. You can take your back hand off the handle as you land to help your balance.
Tips
If you are having trouble getting fully across the wake, try shortening your rope 5 or even 10 feet. Master getting across the wake at that length, then lengthen the rope 2-3 feet and master it there. Keep doing this until you are back at your original rope length hitting big jumps and clearing the wake every time.
Cheers! I hope this helps you jump higher on your wakeboard.
Related Products
If you want a bigger wake, try FatSacs
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