Wakeboarding - Why can't I build enough speed outside the wake to jump?

Question

I can fly out of the wake fast enough but I can't seem to get far enough over to build up enough speed to get a decent jump, there's always slack in the rope too when I'm coming back into the wake.

Answer 1

That's useally a normal problem beginning you should try to cut as hard out as you can on your heelside edge and then when you cant cut anymore take a nice good "Progressive" edge in towards the wake a progressive edge is when you cut harder harder and harder so you build up your cut in at the wake. and when you are cutting in try to keep the handle in close to your hips as possible. and try to keep in a seated possition when taking your edge in. and if you are serious about learning i suggest buying "The Book" a dvd that helps you learn the basics and that helps everyone even pro riders.

so good luck =)

Answer 2

Try waiting for the boat to catch up with you before you turn back in to the wake. As funny as it sounds, when you turn and fly outside of the wake you are travelling faster than the boat and therefore, when you turn back in, the rope is slacked. Focus on waiting a bit before you turn back in, then come in gradually until the nose of your board is almost perpendicular to the wake. Lean back, keep your weight low and pop off the wake. Bending your knees in the air might help you gain height.

Answer 3

Work out your calves during the off season.

Swing out as wide as you can, and when you're out there, tell your driver to speed up the boat a little, by about 2 mph.  As they speed up, carve in. It should work.

Good luck! Keep practicing, you'll get it eventually, it'll pay off, I promise.

Answer 4

assuming you are not drifting in on a flat board....meaning the board has to be on edge to gain a progressive cut....your turn radius is too sharp, creating slack. when pulling out go as far as you can then stop. let the rope start to pull you in. that is when you can start to make your cut into the wake pulling with the most intensity at the bottom of the wake. after practicing that a while you should be able to do it without the pause out at your widest point. body position and handle position are key also. when making a progressive cut you should look like you are sitting in a chair. the handle should be low more toward your hips than at shoulder height.  feel the pull through your rear arm in the tricep.

Answer 5

you have to wait for the boat to catch up then go out far and when you're comming back in pull on the rope towards the wake but try to keep your arms straight