Ask The Experts | Go Inverted... On Purpose

[iboats.com]

Over the past couple months we've looked at jumps and spins. They help get you set up for going inverted. Yes, you can go upside down when just fooling around and crashing, but to be the champion on your lake, you need to do it well and really stick the landings.
Doing an invert on a board is a blast. This is really where your groundwork in becoming a strong wake jumper will pay off. That's because the wake jump -- knowing how to easily jump the wakes -- is the core of the invert.
Let's take the back roll as an example. Here again, the "Now" moment is really important. For example, most riders begin a back roll too early -- at the base of the wake. This causes the board not to flip up and over completely. Sometimes, the board just barely makes it, but the rider doesn't. He ends up in a squatting position with no time to spot the landing.
Be extra patient and keep the board under you as you ride up the wake on the approach to the top for an invert.

Once you're off the wake, you are at the "Now" moment: that's your signal to finish the invert by having the board come up and over fully with plenty of time to spot the landing. You land upright over the board.
Above all, start working on your toe-side and switch-stance inverts instead of waiting to make one side really strong before trying the other side.

Always remember: your goal is not to try a lot or to be inconsistent at a lot of tricks but rather to master the three key elements of wakeboarding. Always continue to hone them, no matter how good you get. Do this, and for sure you will be the champion of your lake.
Raimi [EDITOR'S NOTE] Check out the great summer savings on wakeboards and other essential watersports gear at iboats.com
Raimi Merritt, 2013 Masters Wakeboard champion and 8-time World Cup champion, is sponsored by MonaVie, Nautique, Hyperlite, Smith Optics, Breathe Boardwear and Fly High. Raimi also offers personalized coaching in Orlando, Florida. Email raimi@stevemerritt.com to schedule a lesson. For all the latest news, check out www.raimimerritt.com or on facebook.