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WATERSKI MagazineAs the new kid on the block, wakeskating is just beginning to break out of the shadows of wakeboarding. Wakeskating adds a new level of difficulty for wakeboarding enthusiasts, but the basic riding fundamentals are a combination of wakeboarding and skateboarding. Remember: wakeskates are padded for a reason – try to land right side up.
Getting up:
Submerge the board under the water and place it under your feet. Sit in the water like you are sitting in a chair – with your knees sucked up beneath you. The board will rest under your feet when it is submerged.
Keeping your knees bent, push the board against the water toward the boat. With your arms still around your knees, look at the boat with equal pressure on both feet.
As the boat begins to pull, allow the board to be sucked up under you, keeping your butt near your heels.
When the board begins to plane, stand up directly over the board and pull the handle to your lead hip. Looking at the boat will help level out your balance.
Toeside Jump:
Begin with a progressive edge, keeping your eyes on the horizon that you are approaching. Keep equal weight on both feet, and keep the handle low and oriented to your lead hip.
As you edge up the wake, push down with your rear foot while you lift up on your front foot (like you would ollie a skateboard).
pull both knees up to your chest, allowing the board to elevate while pulling the handle to your leading hip.
While in the air, center your balance over your board by focusing on the approaching shoreline.
As you land, pull the handle to your lead hip and ride toward the shore. As you land, it may be helpful to let go with your back hand and pull the handle past your lead hip to your butt.
Backside Jump:
Begin with a progressive edge, with slightly more weight on your back foot.
As you edge up the wake, push down with your rear foot while you lift up on your front foot.
pull both knees up to your chest, allowing the board to elevate while pulling the handle to the middle of your hips.
Stay directly over the board by keeping the handle at your hips and your eyes on the horizon.
Bend your knees as the board lands and ride toward the shore.
Adding grabs and rotation to your jumps are the next best thing. Remember to bring the board to you – this will keep you in a good body position for the landing.
Backside Slob 180:
Begin with a progressive edge, with slightly more weight on your back foot. As you edge up the wake, push down with your rear foot while you lift up on your front foot.
pull both knees up to your chest, allowing the board to elevate while pulling the handle to the middle of your hips.
Once you're up in the air, let go with your lead hand and begin rotating the board to fakie. Pull the handle to your rear hip. Remember to keep sucking the board up to your body. Let the board rise. Stay directly over the board by keeping the handle oriented to your hips and your eyes on the shoreline that you are approaching. Bend your knees as the board lands and ride toward the shore.
