Wakeboarding
Mastering the art of crossing wakes: A guide for wakeboarders
Once you’ve mastered crossing the wake, you can try other wakeboarding tricks, from the ollie to the surface 180.
Looking for a fun new way to find exhilaration out on the water? Wakeboarding combines the thrill of surfing with the added momentum of a boat engine. As you move through the wakeboarding learning curve, you’ll discover how to turn, glide, and land some mind-blowing tricks. Whichever move you’re attempting to master, the most important wakeboarding tip for beginners is to have confidence on your board.
Meagan Ethell gets a ride in at Ft Lauderdale, Florida
© Bryan Soderlind/Red Bull Content Pool
Red Bull wakeboarder Meagan Ethell explains how trusting herself has been the key to landing every new trick. “I would tell myself to have confidence and believe in myself, because every time I believed in myself, I’ve been able to do what I want to do,” Ethell said.
One great way to work on wakeboard confidence-building is learning how to conquer crossing the wake. This fundamental wakeboarding technique is essential for all levels, from casual wakeboarders to the experts competing in the upcoming Red Bull Double or Nothing competition. Read ahead to learn how to cross the wake, from correct wakeboard riding posture to proper landing. With some practice, you’ll be crossing wakes like a pro in no time.
01
Understanding wake crossing
The term “wake” refers to the waves created by the speed of a wake boat. As a wakeboarder stands upright on their wakeboard and holds a rope tethered to the boat, the boat’s motion creates a stream of wakes. When wakeboarders ride over the surface of each wave, they’re performing a move known as crossing the wake.
Beginners working on their wakeboarding skills development usually try crossing the wake once they’re comfortable shifting their weight on their boards to create motion. This is a wakeboarding maneuver known as edging.
Additionally, crossing the wake is a separate trick from jumping the wake. The latter is a more advanced move in your wakeboarding progression where you’ll actually catch air. Crossing the wake is more of a sliding motion — your board will remain on the water’s surface throughout this wakeboarding trick.
Crossing the wake takes a combination of good balance and footwork. It’s similar to the technique of crossing the wake on water skis. But on a wakeboard, you don’t have to worry about synchronizing two separate skis as you coast over the wake.
02
Wakeboard safety
It can take a minute to get the hang of crossing the wake, so following all wakeboarding safety guidelines is especially important at first. In addition to a well-fitted wakeboard for your weight, your wakeboard equipment checklist should include a good life jacket. You might also want a helmet to be extra safe.
It’s also a good idea to communicate with your boat driver beforehand so you’re on the same page about wakeboarding boat signals. There are hand signs you can use to indicate when you need more speed or if you’ve fallen and need assistance. You’ll also want to pay attention to other wakeboarders, especially if anyone nearby tries to communicate with hand signals. Wakeboarding etiquette on the water means being mindful of who you’re sharing the lake with.
03
Body positioning and stance
Brian Grubb in Casey Key, Florida
© Bryan Soderlind / Red Bull Content Pool
Getting the nuance of proper wakeboard stance and balance right is the first step to successfully crossing the wake. This starts simply enough: Keep your knees bent from start to finish. Getting nice and low as you do this can help you absorb the speed of each wake. This makes it easier to control the wakeboard as you apply pressure with your feet to move it too.
As you hold onto the rope, you should keep the handle at roughly hip level and your shoulders square with the boat. Pulling on the rope as you push with your feet to move the board is an easy way to lose control. Try to keep your arms relaxed as you grip the handle.
Lastly, you’ll want to keep your gaze toward the boat. As tempting as it might be to check your board, it’s important to not look down. Keeping your eyes in the direction that you want to travel is key to successfully crossing the wake.
If you want to warm up a bit, you can add some simple turns to your wakeboarding practice routine. As you practice carving in and out of the wake, you can get comfortable with the proper stance and shifting your weight.
04
Approach and timing
The ideal wakeboard riding angle for a smooth crossing is to approach the wake at about 45 degrees for maximum control. This is the same angle that’s recommended for boat wake navigation when crossing wakes that other boats form.
As you approach the wake, keeping everything from your board to your body pointed in the direction you’re moving will help keep you upright. Once you’re ready to start crossing, try to keep your movements slow and steady for the best possible control.
05
Initiating the cross
As the boat pulls you closer to the wake, you’ll start to lead with your lower body and apply pressure to your heelside to begin edging. You can do this while pushing down on your toeside instead, but leaning back on your heels is usually easier for beginners. Since your feet are doing the driving, try not to use your rope handle like a steering wheel — it’s more like a balancing aid.
06
Crossing the wake
With your weight distributed evenly on both heels (or toes if you’re practicing toeside crosses), glide over the wake. You’ll slide over the top of the wake’s crest for just a moment and then move out and away from the wave. It helps to have a low stance, again with your knees bent, as you look in the direction you’re going. As with most wake jumps and tricks, crossing the wake can give you a euphoric sensation of weightlessness.
07
Landing and recovery
If you feel yourself starting to wobble just after you’ve slid over the wake’s crest, you can take your back hand off the rope. Place your arm out, just away from your side, to re-establish your balance. You should keep the rope handle at hip level as you do this. And as you may have guessed, keeping your knees flexible and bent is one of the best wakeboard landing techniques for absorbing shocks.
From there, you can keep crossing back and forth until this move feels as natural as walking. If you want to cross back, turn your shoulders so that they’re parallel with your board and hips, and apply toeside pressure. You’ll again look in the direction you’re heading. If you need help with balance, just take your back hand off the handle again.
Crossing the wake is just the first step
This foundational wakeboarding move is a key first trick for beginner wakeboarders. Once you’ve mastered crossing the wake, you can try other wakeboarding tricks, from the ollie to the surface 180. And if you want to see how the pros do it, check out Red Bull Double or Nothing in Orlando.