Wakesurfing has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s no surprise why. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of riding an endless wave behind a boat. If you’ve already mastered the basics of wakesurfing and are ready to take your skills to the next level, it’s time to break the beginner barrier and start learning some more advanced tricks. In this article, we provide a roadmap to help you become a well-rounded intermediate wakesurfer that can perform advanced tricks.
1: Speed Control: Find Neutral
The first step to becoming a well-rounded intermediate wakesurfer is to find neutral. Neutral is the position where you feel relaxed and can stay in the same spot on the wave. Until you can maintain this position, you’re not ready to start carving up and down the face of the wave. The key to finding neutral is speed control. Experiment with different boat speeds to find the sweet spot where you can stay in the pocket without having to constantly adjust your weight. Once you find the right speed, practice staying in neutral by making small weight adjustments and keeping your eyes focused on a fixed point ahead of you.
2: Use All the Real Estate
Today’s surf boats create a lot of room behind them on which to play. Learn to use all the real estate on the wave by drifting forward or back on the wave and then making minor adjustments to your weight distribution to return to home base. Once comfortable doing that, start carving up and down the face of the wave, from top to bottom. The key to carving is to maintain your speed and momentum while using your back foot to push against the wave and your front foot to control your direction.
3: Frontside and Backside Slides
Backside and frontside slides will teach you how to break the fins loose and create the foundation for more refined edge control. First, work on breaking the fins loose frontside, and use the rope to do so. The mechanics of the backside slide are similar but with a couple of nuances. To perform a backside slide, turn your head and shoulders to face the back of the boat and shift your weight to your back foot. Then, push your back foot forward and out, allowing the board to slide across the wave. As you become more comfortable with these slides, start practicing them without the rope.
Conclusion
Wakesurfing is a fun and rewarding sport that can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels. With these skills, you’ll be able to progress toward advanced wakesurfing that includes the coveted surface 360 and airs. Remember, take your time, practice, and gain control and confidence while you still have the rope. Wakesurfing is all about having fun, so enjoy the ride and stay safe on the water.
