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WATERSKI MagazineQ: I am a member of a water ski club in the Midwest. We have a ski jump and have been attempting different acts for our shows. I have a few questions I was hoping you could answer:
1. How high is the jump for show acts?
2. What speed is the boat traveling for the jump acts?
3. Does the boat travel parallel to the jump?
Joe Fennewald
jfennew
A: For most jump acts, I recommend a height of at least 5 feet, 6 inches. This will give you enough clearance for acts that incorporate cutting under the jumpers, and will allow the skiers to get sufficient height for helicopters, flips and gainers.
As far as a speed, I recommend a range of 32-35 mph.
And yes, the boat should always travel parallel to the jump. – Matt May is a member of Tommy Barlett Water Shows and 1996 national freestyle champion. He is sponsored by MasterCraft, O'Brien, Intensity and Hobie.
Technical Glitches
Q: Why can't I get air on my wakeboard? Is it because I don't have a pylon or because I stink? I can jump into the other side of the opposite wake, but can't clear it or get height.
CRUMLEY@urvax.urich.edu
A: The problem you have is a common one. There isn't anything wrong with you or your boat. The problem is your technique. Starting with body position, you need to have your shoulders rolled down, hips underneath you, arms straight, pushing the handle down always, knees bent slightly, and, most of all, head up.
Once you've got the positioning down, start off easy with a solid backside (cutting on your heels) edge up the wake. It's very important to keep the body form as you hit the wake; breaking at the waist is both common and painful. The way you edge up the wake is the most important aspect. Start about 20 feet from the wake and turn slowly toward it. As you turn, it is really important to look across the wake, pick an object and stare at it. This will keep your shoulders turned and your head up.
Keep cutting all the way up the wake, and at the top extend your legs and push down on the handle. The cutting will give you the distance you need and the “pop” at the top. Pushing the handle down will give you the height you want. The harder you cut at the wake and pop, the farther you'll go. – Zane Schwenk finished fourth on the '96 Sea-Doo Wakeboard Series. He is sponsored by Cypress Gardens, MasterCraft, Connelly and Oakley.
