Learning a new wakeboard trick is incredibly satisfying. Combining adrenaline and style, wakeboarding is an awesome way to get out on the water this summer—whether you’re just starting out or are looking to level up your skills.
Read along as we cover our top 10 wakeboard tricks for beginners and intermediates looking to uplevel. We’ll start with the basics and work our way up to more advanced moves while giving you a few pointers along the way.
1. The Straight Air
Straight Air is the foundational trick for any wakeboarder. It's all about getting air off the wake without attempting any spins or flips. This trick dates back to the early days of wakeboarding, evolving from the simple jumps in waterskiing.
How to Nail It:
- Approach the wake with a moderate, steady speed.
- Bend your knees as you hit the wake and spring upwards, keeping the board under you.
- Aim for a smooth landing by keeping your eyes on the water.
2. The Surface 180
The Surface 180 is a stylish way to change your stance from regular to goofy, or vice versa, while riding the surface of the water. It's one of the first tricks that show board control.
How to Nail It:
- Start with a relaxed stance and keep your weight balanced.
- Initiate the turn with your hips and shoulders, letting your feet follow.
- Practice on calm water to perfect your balance during the turn.
3. The Ollie
The Ollie is a trick borrowed from skateboarding, allowing the rider to jump off the water without the wake's help. It’s a fundamental skill that leads to more complex maneuvers.
How to Nail It:
- Begin by crouching slightly and leaning back.
- Snap the tail of the board down and jump, pulling your knees to your chest.
- Land flat to maintain your balance and continue riding smoothly.
4. The Tail Grab
Tail Grabs involve reaching down and grabbing the tail of your board while in the air. It's a trick that adds flair and style to your jumps.
How to Nail It:
- Get a good amount of air off the wake.
- Reach down with your trailing hand while sucking your knees up.
- Make sure to look at your landing spot as you let go of the board.
5. The Backside 180
The Backside 180 is an essential trick where the rider spins 180 degrees in the air to face the opposite direction. Confidence is key, especially with this one. The Backside 180 is a classic move that has been around since competitive wakeboarding began.
How to Nail It:
- Approach the wake with slightly more speed.
- Pop off the wake and initiate the spin by turning your head and shoulders.
- Land smoothly, switching to your new stance confidently.
6. The Tantrum
The Tantrum is a backflip performed off the wake. This trick is a crowd-pleaser and looks more difficult than it is, making it a great intermediate trick.
How to Nail It:
- Approach the wake with strong, steady speed.
- As you reach the wake, lean back and throw your head and shoulders backward.
- Tuck your knees and look back to spot your landing.
7. The Indy Glide
An Indy Glide involves a grab while you spin 180 degrees in the air. It combines elements of both style and technical skill.
How to Nail It:
- Gain considerable air off the wake.
- Grab the middle of your board with your back hand while spinning.
- Keep your eyes on your landing zone and prepare for impact.
8. The Scarecrow
The Scarecrow is a front flip with a frontside 180. It's an impressive trick that originated in the late '90s as riders began pushing the boundaries of what could be done on a wakeboard.
How to Nail It:
- Build up good speed and hit the wake with a strong upward and outward push.
- Initiate the front flip while simultaneously beginning your 180 rotation.
- Spot your landing early and prepare for the impact with your knees slightly bent.
9. The Raley
The Raley is a dramatic trick where the rider swings their body back into a Superman-like position flat to the water, then snaps back up before landing. It's a staple in any professional wakeboard competition.
How to Nail It:
- Hit the wake with high speed and a strong edge.
- Throw your legs behind you while keeping your arms straight and the rope close to your hip.
- Snap back up forcefully and aim for a clean landing.
10. The Krypt
The Krypt is essentially a Raley followed by a 180-degree turn. This trick is a real test of aerial control and adds a dynamic twist to the already exhilarating Raley.
How to Nail It:
- Execute a Raley as mentioned before, but as you start to snap back, initiate a 180-degree spin.
- Keep your eyes on your landing area and prepare your body to switch stances upon landing.
- Maintain tension in the rope to help stabilize your rotation and landing.
Have Fun & Level Up This Summer!
Now that you’ve got a list of awesome tricks to try, remember that wakeboarding is all about progression and having fun. Start with the basics, build your confidence, and gradually move up to more challenging tricks.
Most importantly, always ensure you’re riding safely and have the right gear. Buckeye Surf has everything you need to gear up and hit the water in style.
Whether you're mastering the Straight Air or spinning through a Krypt, each trick you learn will boost your skills and add to the thrill of your wakeboarding adventures. So grab your board, hit the lake, and start shredding!