Everyone knows that there is no better feeling than launching off the wake and floating through the air before gently landing down the other side of the wake!

 

For some its easy, but for most it is a challenging and sometimes painful time in their progression…

 

Here’s some basic pointers on setting up for, and then mastering the ‘WAKE to WAKE’ jump.

 

• Start with your line longer than usual ( 1 or 2 extensions ), this will enable you to cut harder but still land somewhere near the middle of the wake. You want to avoid hitting the upside of the second wake as this will most likely hammer you!
• Make sure that you approach the wake with a soft stance. This means, knees bent and and in a squatted position. This will be the stance that you will stand tall from off the wake. You will want to make sure that you weight your feet evenly on the board when edging.
• As you ride through the wake, ensure that you hold your edge until you release from the wake. At the same time, be standing tall. This means gently extending your legs as you ride through the wake. This will maximise the load on the line and transfer all your energy up off the wake and into air time!
• When you are consistently nailing your jumps, shorten your line up from your usual starting position ( 1 or 2 extensions ).
• At this point it’s all about commitment! Get out wide so you can set up and start building a controlled edge at the wake. You will want to add 10% – 20% extra to your usual approach to ensure that you go the distance… The key here is to be in control! If you get out of shape, stop and start again.
• this should be enough to see you safely clear both wakes and start taking your riding to the next level! If you come up short, remember to use your knees to absorb the impact and worst case, ditch the handle…

During the busy holiday period, there are a few things that you probably want to put on the ‘NOT to do’ list!

1. If you own or choose to ride a jetski… STAY AWAY FROM ANYONE TRYING TO SKI OR BOARD!! Go find somewhere else to be.
2. Wakesurfing is awesome but maybe not in the middle of a busy waterway… It tends to send rollers straight up or down the waterway and take the fun out of everyone else’s day! Try to find somewhere out of the way or wait until it’s not so busy.
3. Make sure you have all your safety gear otherwise you’ll find it can be an expensive day out!
4. If you are riding, remember your line could be up to 80ft long. That means you need to pay close attention to what’s up ahead and to where you’re likely o end up if you take something into the flats!
5. Use your common sense and be respectful of those around you. Remember, everyone’s out there for the same reason, to have fun!

These riding tips have been brought to you by Travis ‘Ozzy’ Osborne WAKECOACH

Although the majority of drivers out there do a great job, I still see loads of people from the ‘turn and burn’ school of power turning.

If you want to maximise the glassy conditions, the best way to retrieve your fallen rider is to pay close attention to their riding. Be quick to react when they fall and simple pull the throttle into neutral, before coasting to a stop.

Turn full lock and simply idle back to your rider and perform a gentle arc around them while they grab the rope.

This keeps the water flat for you and anyone else that you might be sharing with…

Obviously in really busy times it may be necessary to use your common sense and ensure that the safety of your crew and fallen rider takes precedence.

 

These riding tips have been brought to you by Travis ‘Ozzy’ Osborne WAKECOACH

Getting started

Before you and your board even hit the water, it’s really important that you set it up correctly!

Here’s a simple guide:

1. For the average size guy or girl, place your boots one insert from the widest stance.
2. If you’re a shorty, bring it in 2 inserts. If you’re tall push it out as wide as it will go.
3. Your stance should be symmetrical with your feet slightly wider than shoulder width apart.
4. Your boots should angle outwards slightly. This is to ensure that your knees bend and straighten over your toes. This avoids excessive strain on the lateral and medial sides of your knees.
5. Finally, ensure that everything is tight and in proper working order.

The next bit is easy… strap in and go shred!!!

 

Rope length and speed

Every boat and rider is different!

Start with a speed that you are comfortable with

If you are NOT jumping, leave it longer and just work on carving back and forth to build your level of control

If you are jumping, stand next to the wake and begin shortening your rope until you are out of the foamy section and have a nice clean wake from which to launch from.

As you feel more comfortable you can increase your speed and rope length to suit!

These riding tips have been brought to you by Travis ‘Ozzy’ Osborne WAKECOACH