Wakesurfing Tricks: How to Get Air
Step 1: Practice out of the Water with a Skateboard
Step 2: Practice with a Rope
Step 3: Tuck Your Knees to your Chest
Every wakesurfer wants to get big air! Going big on airs is a lot of fun to do and also fun to watch. When I first started learning airs I practiced out of the water. Learning to ollie a skateboard is the ticket to getting big airs. Skateboarding gives you the feeling of stomping down on your back foot and sliding with your front foot. Taking this to the water will help you lift off the water. Once you have mastered the feeling of getting the board off of the water you can start to work on getting higher in the air. Practicing with the rope is a big help. It allows you to go bigger than you might go without the rope and provides extra stability.
Take a Wakesurfing Lesson or Ask a Pro
When I was learning to get airs I learned them from Chase Hazen. He told me that every time I go for an air to “try to make it as big and powerful as it can possibly be.” Chase gets giant airs because he is flexible and puts a lot of power into his take offs and who wouldn’t love to go as high as Chase goes? To get that high off the water you have to be able to get your knees high in order to bring the board up with you. Aim on getting your knees up to your ears, keep your body over the board and reach for the sky. Big airs are something everyone wants but not everyone gets. Go big every time and with practice you’ll be airing them out too!” Check out Chase below in his 2011 World Championship Run:
Watch Videos from Sources like Boarders Magazine
Learn from other athletes and watch as many videos as you can. Boarders Magazine is a great wakesurfing source for industry news, videos and trick tips. Check out their article: How to Get Air Wake Surfing.
By Parker Payne
Learn more about Parker Payne at parkerpayne.com
Check out Parker’s 2015 World Wake Surfing Championship run: