Basic wake boarding technique?

Question

i snowboard, and my family just got a boat. so im trying to wake board how can i say up, turn, jump the wake. is it all the same and snowboarding?

Answer 1

Once you are up, the key to proper technique is edging, similar to snowboarding.  As stated before, get a non-stretch spectra line.  The key to getting great pop off the wake is the progressive edge and line tension.  This does not require you to get out as far as you can and come storming into the wake.  You only really need to go 10 - 15 feet outside the wake at the most and begin your movement towards the wake in a slow controlled fashion.  With your knees slightly bent, slowly increase your edge as you approach the wake.  when you reach the wash of the wake, be at your maximum edge.  This will ensure that the line is loaded to its maximum tension.  When you hit the wake, do not flatten out, stay on the hard edge all the way through the wake.  As you reach the top of the wake, extend your legs as if to press out of a squat.  The tension on the line and the boat's speed will pop you up into the air with plenty of speed to clear the wake easily without charging like a mad man from way outside.  Trust me, get the progressive edge down and you will be amazed at how easy it will be.  

As stated before, I would advise getting a copy of 'The Book' Wakeboarding Instructional series.  The 5 DVD set will provide you with everything you need or ever wanted to know about wakeboarding.  Also as stated, as early as possible, learn to ride switch as soon as possible to avoid building any bad habits.  All too often someone will learn one trick early on and throw it so much that it becomes very difficult to develop the muscle memory to ride switch or jump the wake while riding switch.  Being a snowboarder, if you already can ride switch comfortably, then you should have no problem.  Hope this helps.  Have fun.

Answer 2

Honestly buy a dvd then take a lesson it will speed up you progression. But if you snowboard you will take to it quickly.

1. boat speed 20-25 non stretch rope.

2. Getting up: don't push with your feet, sit back in the water and let the board sink under the water, rotate you board straight keeping you weight 60/40 on you back foot.  Change to more 50/50 once up.

3. side tracking in the water simply let go with your back shoulder hand until the board tracks straight then take hold of the handle again.

4Get comfortable riding reg. and goofy before wake jumping. and making a switch second nature

5. Get a helmet because the water is hard and you are going to hit hard alot.

6. WAKE jump.  Edge out as far as you can go.  Cut in at at least a 45 degree angle,  building speed to the wake.  (KEY) do not let the tow rope slack, keep it tight, tighter the better.  Stiffen you legs.  don't let you knees take the shock out of the hit.  Keep you handle in at your hip.  Keep you head up, don't stair down the wake, see your landing.

7.  If you are landing the other wake cut harder, still can't make it, bump up you speed a hair. Still can't make it shorten the rope or add weight to get a bigger wake.