A common mistake in wakeboarding when trying to go big is literally trying too hard.   Going huge on a wakeboard is actually less work than you would think and has more to do with energy transfer.  In this article, Shaun Murray explains what you need to do and not do when trying to go big.  Once you understand the physics behind it, you will be launching into the air higher than ever before with a lot less effort.  Line tension, standing tall and timing all have a big part in it.

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How to Get Big Air on a Wakeboard

So you got the basics down and now you want to start jumping big on a wakeboard.  There are a few things you need to know how to do before you start going big.  First off, you should have very good edging skills.  You will need to learn the progressive edge. This is where your edge towards the wake starts off mellow and gets “progressively” harder as you approach the wake. Your line tension will also increase as you get closer to the wake.  You should also be comfortable riding over the wake at a consistent speed absorbing the wake as you go over it.

The first jump that wakeboarders usually learn is the heel-side jump.  If you are a regular rider (left foot forward), you are coming from the right side of the boat towards the wake.  Go about 15 feet away from the wake and make your turn so you start heading towards the wake.  Keep your knees bent and get down in a seated position.  Remember, the harder you edge, the more tension you will have on the rope.  Make sure that you are always in control so do not edge to the point where you loose control because that is just asking for trouble.

Approach the wake with a progressive edge with your  your body is in a seated position.  As you roll up the wake, keep your edge, line tension and stand up tall.  The wake will launch you up into the air.  The whole idea of getting big air is maintaining your edge, line tension and standing up tall as you are going up the ramp of the wake to get your body to lift into the air.

Once you get the concept of loading the line to get launched into the air, you can start experimenting with different tricks.  Remember, be careful out there and have fun!