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WATERSKI MagazineYou're cruising along in the flats when you make a move into the wake. Your feet hit the crest and you pitch forward. A camera clicks, holding the face masher for future generations. But wait. Like a Hollywood stuntman, you continue rolling onto your shoulders and back onto your feet. The folks in the boat are awestruck.
Reality check. Before even attempting a wake-to-wake flip, you should know how to complete a basic barefoot flip. This one, while more impressive, also takes more skill.
1. How hard do I need to edge into the wake?
You don't need to cut like a banshee. Start far outside the wake and flatten your feet. As the wake pulls you in, slowly build to an average cut.
2. Should I bend my knees?
Absolutely. The real questions are “when?” and “how much?” Bend them as you set up for your spring. Extend your legs at the top of the wake, and then bend your knees again when you land (just like landing on a floor). Remember, your inside knee should be loose and a little more bent to keep your inside foot from digging and slowing down your cut.
3. How do I jump without jamming my feet or toes into the water?
That's the biggest challenge. Perfect timing is a must. The best advice is to leave the water at the top of the wake, then wait until your feet are in the air before you start rolling forward.
4. What do I do with the handle during the rotation?
To start, the handle will be out. Gradually pull it to your waist throughout the rotation. When you land, the handle needs to be tucked all the way to your waist, a little off-center.
5. Should I land on my shoulders?
You should land on the top of your back, then roll like the end of a dive somersault in gymnastics. You'll rotate more slowly on a wake-to-wake than on a normal flip, so wait until the last moment to tuck your head and land.
6. After landing, how do I pull myself back up?
You'll automatically roll from your back to your tailbone. If the handle is in tight, you can stand up like you do on a deepwater start. If the handle isn't in tight, you'll get pulled forward for another half flip, this one uncontrolled and commonly referred to as the face-plant.
Top Tips:
B The boat speed should stay between 37 and 40 mph, depending on your size.
B Learn to flip on shoe skis first, at 30 mph.
B Use a shorter line length to keep the rope taut. Slack will stop you from rotating.
