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Completing Your First Frontside Air is Easier Than You Think
One of the first things every wakesurfer wants to do after learning how to ride the wave consistently is boost big frontside airs. Fear not — with a few quick tips, you’ll be launching of the lip in no time. It all starts with your board. An air-inspiring board will typically be a surf-style board with a wide and thick tail, which will give you the lift you need to release of the top of the wave. Of course, you can launch airs with a thinner, skim-style board as well, but that’s a bit more difficult.
To set up for your big-air boost, drop back on the wave almost to the end of the pocket. This will allow you to build maximum speed into your pop of the lip. Start your attack by pumping the board forward with little cuts that lead smoothly into one big cut that directs you straight up to the most vertical section of the wave. It’s important to load your front foot heavily as you do the final turn and maintain that pressure until you feel the board leaving the water. As the board completely exits the water, keep your momentum moving forward, spot your landing, and guide the board frontside to 90 degrees. All that’s left for you to do at this point is absorb the landing with your knees, and ride away from your first air.
By Craig Kotilinek
