Boosting Airs

[Poison]

This year, I want to learn to get some air behind the boat. I have an older hull so the wave might not be comparable to the newer stuff but I think with the right technique I can still get the board out of the water. This has been an area that I have consistently failed at. I either don't get the tail of the board off of the wake or I fall. I'm looking for tips on how you guys that have nailed it (or have kids that have mastered it) approach this trick. I've been all over YouTube and I've only found a couple of videos that talk about it and they weren't really that helpful (as opposed to wakeboard technique videos that are all over the place). There has to be more too it than pump to build speed and ride up the face. Is it more of an Ollie off the top of the wake? I know you should bring your knees up. Maybe I'm trying to hit it like a wakeboard. Either way, any tips for getting off that wave?

[kaneboats]

OK. The only way to actually get better is to grab your checkbook and run out and get a new boat. Old boats will not work. You have to have the latest year model as a starting point. And, each year, you better upgrade to the newest model boat. Oh yea, don't forget that you have to get the newest model board and bindings as well. That is the only way to prO-gress to be a great rider.

One more thing. Nevermind watching videos like "the book" or going to a riders' school. They will only teach you old techniques that will hold you back. That kind of foundation just gets in the way of the big air you are after.

[Poison]

Thanks, that is helpful and constructive.

[muehlcj]

This year, I want to learn to get some air behind the boat. I have an older hull so the wave might not be comparable to the newer stuff but I think with the right technique I can still get the board out of the water. This has been an area that I have consistently failed at. I either don't get the tail of the board off of the wake or I fall. I'm looking for tips on how you guys that have nailed it (or have kids that have mastered it) approach this trick. I've been all over YouTube and I've only found a couple of videos that talk about it and they weren't really that helpful (as opposed to wakeboard technique videos that are all over the place). There has to be more too it than pump to build speed and ride up the face. Is it more of an Ollie off the top of the wake? I know you should bring your knees up. Maybe I'm trying to hit it like a wakeboard. Either way, any tips for getting off that wave?

It's most similar to a skateboard Ollie except you don't really need to slide your front foot up the board (but if you can/do great). Search for videos on that then practice that technique in the flats until you can get 6"-12" of air in just the flats. Then go slow. Don't worry about flying at the lip at mach 10 just ride up the face and do that same ollie off the lip. Keep practicing that technique. Getting knees and board higher each time. Once you have that down add speed to your approach.

[muehlcj]

It's most similar to a skateboard Ollie except you don't really need to slide your front foot up the board (but if you can/do great). Search for videos on that then practice that technique in the flats until you can get 6"-12" of air in just the flats. Then go slow. Don't worry about flying at the lip at mach 10 just ride up the face and do that same ollie off the lip. Keep practicing that technique. Getting knees and board higher each time. Once you have that down add speed to your approach.

It's more about timing then sheer athletic ability. Don't force it just work on your technique and timing.

[5:00]

Same boat and setup as mine and I am able to clear the wake with a 60' rope. Others can do a lot better. That is with a few people in the boat and no ballast. Fill up some of that ballast, even out the wake on both sides and you will have a nice wake to jump.
As far as videos, Kanes helpful comments above include The Book video series. It is old but the basics never change. Take a look at that over and over and practice.

[Ed_Geary]

Bindings and a 60' rope? Man, wakesurfing sure has changed

[KnoxMojo]

Ed, thats what I was thinking. He's talking about catching air on a wake SURF board. Kaneboats fell right off the deep end with this post. Not very helpful or becoming of a super moderator. At the time of his response, maybe there was some liquid courage involved. Lol.

Hey guys! He posted his question in the "wakesurfing" section.

Poison, very few people are worth a dang on a surf board. The extent of their riding is drinking a beer, wear sunglasses and a hat, and have people take new profile pictures of them. This statement goes for most, not all.

[KnoxMojo]

Poison, to try to help. You have to build speed from the back of the wave, ride up the face, ollie pop and get the board turned back towards the boat past center and land on the down of the wave. Your board also makes a difference. Yeah, pros can do it on anything, but for most of us, we need a faster surf style board. Taking a lesson is never a bad idea either. It's the fastest way to progress.

[The General]

Poison, to try to help. You have to build speed from the back of the wave, ride up the face, ollie pop and get the board turned back towards the boat past center and land on the down of the wave. Your board also makes a difference. Yeah, pros can do it on anything, but for most of us, we need a faster surf style board. Taking a lesson is never a bad idea either. It's the fastest way to progress.

This was helpful. Now if the lake would just thaw already
Total newb asking here but why is the surf style board better for this than say a skim style?