toneeees
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[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]OK, it's time to get more air.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Wakeboarding is not about doing a trick on the water, but rather it's about getting air and doing a trick like a grab, spin, invert, or a combination of an invert, spin, or grab. That's the fun of wakeboarding.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Most riders know that the more air time the easier it is to throw in a trick. More air time also lets you develop your own personal style. The more you can stay in the air, the more tricks you can add. Going big also will make you the talk of the lake.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]In your quest for big air, don't let yourself become overly ambitious. Riders become overly focused on making the invert or spin instead of setting up the trick with ample air. Without proper air time, you get either a barely made trick or a plain fall. Getting enough air time to complete a rotation or invert is necessary if you don?t want to fall.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]The key to improvement is thinking of big air as a skill in itself. Mental discipline is needed because riders think of the end-result: a trick, and neglect the set-up. Focusing on big air is a skill that you constantly hone even when you become world champion. This is why I start my days on the water working on jumps in both direction and either foot forward.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Anyone can develop this skill. There are several factors to work on.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Factor 1. Big-Air Producing Equipment
Your boat matters in getting air time. Today's inboard wakeboard-specific tow boats do a great job of creating a big wake with a smooth upward wake curl to provide a perfect ramp for lifting off. I like to ride behind a Nautique G23 that gives me an ideal wake size and shape for plenty of air time.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Next, the high pull from wakeboard towers on these inboards boosts air time. If your boat doesn?t have a tower, maybe you can install an extended pylon to provide a high towline tie-off point.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Because tow ropes used for water skiing have some spring in them, they don't work best for getting air time on a wakeboard. Look for a low-stretch line made specifically for wakeboarding. When a rider launches from the wake, the extra tight line adds to the height and distance of the jump. Low-stretch lines come in 70-foot length with 5- and 10-foot loops. The handle is a separate 5-foot section.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Many pro riders like using an 80-foot line to get more distance and lift from a jump. However, if you are starting out, you might use a 70-foot line, which will let you focus more on technique. As you get stronger on wake jumps, you then can test out a 75- or 80-foot line.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Factor 2. Balanced Body Position
To get the right kind of lift from the wake, your body weight must be evenly balanced over your feet.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Back-foot heavy riders will not get the best lift from the wake. Lifting off the wake with most of your weight focused on the back foot will cause the front tip of the board to go up while the tail stays low -- a recipe for little air time.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Keep the handle low and in so that the pull is coming from your waist. This helps to keep you balanced over your feet.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Factor 3. Turn In and Approach the Wake
Now that you are balanced evenly over your bindings, the way you turn in toward the wake has a big effect on your wake jumps. Start your turn into the wake and approach it not far from the wake at first. You want to get comfortable with the idea of turning inward in a slow, smooth tempo. As you approach the wake, increase your edge as you go up the wake. The key is to start slow and smooth and to progressively increase your edge until you hit the top of the wake.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]The goal is to clear both wakes while starting your edge into the wake from close range. Clearing both wakes says that you are improving your air time skills. Now you can start your turn in a bit farther from the wake so that you get a bit more speed. Remember: you want a slow, smooth turn in with a progressive edge all the way up the top of the wake. This will keep the line tight (also known as loading the line).[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Of course, heel side jumps are easier, but you want to work your toe-side jumps just as much. Once you can jump from either direction (heel side or toe side) and clear the entire wake, you are at a level of development. You can now do tricks from either side of the wake. This makes riding a lot more fun.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Factor 4. Self Discipline
You want to keep the board on edge all the way up the wake as the line stays tight. This discipline is a major factor in getting air time.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]The key is to use the entire ramp of the wake to get ample lift. Most riders begin the jump a little too soon and don't get the benefit of using the entire wake for lifting off. It's just a wink of an eye too soon that makes a difference. So wait and be patient when edging up the wake.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Factor 5. Leg Power
Now it's time to work your leg strength into your jumps. By extending your legs at the top of the wake and pressing down, you will get even more air. And there?s more: As you lift off from the wake, retract your knees upward to add more to air time.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Patience is crucial: most riders extend too early as they go up the wake. Popping off the wake using leg strength is another skill you need to keep developing. I like the cross-training benefits of working on jumps on a trampoline. You can develop strength in the legs and work out your timing on a trampoline.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Air Master
Think of air time as separate from any trick.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
Not only do you want to be patient as you go up the wake so that you use the entire wake for lift, you want to be patient and wait until you are at the peak of the jump to do the trick. These skills along with discipline and patience will turn you into a stylish rider who gets plenty of air time, a rider who performs a long list of tricks for the appreciation of big crowds.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Raimi Merritt wins her 9th World Cup with her recent win in Mandurah, Australia. Raimi is also IWWF Open Women Wakeboard World Champion, is sponsored by MonaVie, Nautique, Hyperlite, Rollei Actioncam America, Breathe Boardwear. OrigAudio, Wakami, Peripheral LS and Fly High. Visit www.raimimerritt.comfor the latest news. Raimi also offers personalized coaching in Orlando, Florida. E-mailraimi@stevemerritt.com to schedule a lesson.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Wakeboarding is not about doing a trick on the water, but rather it's about getting air and doing a trick like a grab, spin, invert, or a combination of an invert, spin, or grab. That's the fun of wakeboarding.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Most riders know that the more air time the easier it is to throw in a trick. More air time also lets you develop your own personal style. The more you can stay in the air, the more tricks you can add. Going big also will make you the talk of the lake.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]In your quest for big air, don't let yourself become overly ambitious. Riders become overly focused on making the invert or spin instead of setting up the trick with ample air. Without proper air time, you get either a barely made trick or a plain fall. Getting enough air time to complete a rotation or invert is necessary if you don?t want to fall.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]The key to improvement is thinking of big air as a skill in itself. Mental discipline is needed because riders think of the end-result: a trick, and neglect the set-up. Focusing on big air is a skill that you constantly hone even when you become world champion. This is why I start my days on the water working on jumps in both direction and either foot forward.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Anyone can develop this skill. There are several factors to work on.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Factor 1. Big-Air Producing Equipment
Your boat matters in getting air time. Today's inboard wakeboard-specific tow boats do a great job of creating a big wake with a smooth upward wake curl to provide a perfect ramp for lifting off. I like to ride behind a Nautique G23 that gives me an ideal wake size and shape for plenty of air time.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Next, the high pull from wakeboard towers on these inboards boosts air time. If your boat doesn?t have a tower, maybe you can install an extended pylon to provide a high towline tie-off point.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Because tow ropes used for water skiing have some spring in them, they don't work best for getting air time on a wakeboard. Look for a low-stretch line made specifically for wakeboarding. When a rider launches from the wake, the extra tight line adds to the height and distance of the jump. Low-stretch lines come in 70-foot length with 5- and 10-foot loops. The handle is a separate 5-foot section.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Many pro riders like using an 80-foot line to get more distance and lift from a jump. However, if you are starting out, you might use a 70-foot line, which will let you focus more on technique. As you get stronger on wake jumps, you then can test out a 75- or 80-foot line.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Factor 2. Balanced Body Position
To get the right kind of lift from the wake, your body weight must be evenly balanced over your feet.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Back-foot heavy riders will not get the best lift from the wake. Lifting off the wake with most of your weight focused on the back foot will cause the front tip of the board to go up while the tail stays low -- a recipe for little air time.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Keep the handle low and in so that the pull is coming from your waist. This helps to keep you balanced over your feet.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Factor 3. Turn In and Approach the Wake
Now that you are balanced evenly over your bindings, the way you turn in toward the wake has a big effect on your wake jumps. Start your turn into the wake and approach it not far from the wake at first. You want to get comfortable with the idea of turning inward in a slow, smooth tempo. As you approach the wake, increase your edge as you go up the wake. The key is to start slow and smooth and to progressively increase your edge until you hit the top of the wake.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]The goal is to clear both wakes while starting your edge into the wake from close range. Clearing both wakes says that you are improving your air time skills. Now you can start your turn in a bit farther from the wake so that you get a bit more speed. Remember: you want a slow, smooth turn in with a progressive edge all the way up the top of the wake. This will keep the line tight (also known as loading the line).[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Of course, heel side jumps are easier, but you want to work your toe-side jumps just as much. Once you can jump from either direction (heel side or toe side) and clear the entire wake, you are at a level of development. You can now do tricks from either side of the wake. This makes riding a lot more fun.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Factor 4. Self Discipline
You want to keep the board on edge all the way up the wake as the line stays tight. This discipline is a major factor in getting air time.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]The key is to use the entire ramp of the wake to get ample lift. Most riders begin the jump a little too soon and don't get the benefit of using the entire wake for lifting off. It's just a wink of an eye too soon that makes a difference. So wait and be patient when edging up the wake.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Factor 5. Leg Power
Now it's time to work your leg strength into your jumps. By extending your legs at the top of the wake and pressing down, you will get even more air. And there?s more: As you lift off from the wake, retract your knees upward to add more to air time.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
[/FONT][FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Patience is crucial: most riders extend too early as they go up the wake. Popping off the wake using leg strength is another skill you need to keep developing. I like the cross-training benefits of working on jumps on a trampoline. You can develop strength in the legs and work out your timing on a trampoline.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Air Master
Think of air time as separate from any trick.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]
Not only do you want to be patient as you go up the wake so that you use the entire wake for lift, you want to be patient and wait until you are at the peak of the jump to do the trick. These skills along with discipline and patience will turn you into a stylish rider who gets plenty of air time, a rider who performs a long list of tricks for the appreciation of big crowds.[/FONT]
[FONT=Trebuchet MS, Lucida Grande, Arial, sans-serif]Raimi Merritt wins her 9th World Cup with her recent win in Mandurah, Australia. Raimi is also IWWF Open Women Wakeboard World Champion, is sponsored by MonaVie, Nautique, Hyperlite, Rollei Actioncam America, Breathe Boardwear. OrigAudio, Wakami, Peripheral LS and Fly High. Visit www.raimimerritt.comfor the latest news. Raimi also offers personalized coaching in Orlando, Florida. E-mailraimi@stevemerritt.com to schedule a lesson.[/FONT]