How to Rail Slide on a Wakeboard

A rail slide is a trick where the rider hits an immobile, hand-rail type railing extending out of the water, then slides on the bottom of the board along its length. Rail sliding on a wakeboard is becoming increasingly popular. All the major contest circuits are adding rail-sliders to their courses. Be very careful as you go about learning this trick.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Life Vests
• Ski Boats
• Wakeboard
• Water Ski Ropes
• Wet Suits

1. Remember, and never forget, that sudden impact with any immovable object at a high velocity can, should and will cause severe injury or even death. Attempt this trick only if you are an advanced rider.
2. Watch other people riding the rail slide device before you attempt it.
3. Start out riding on the outside of the wake, and line up just outside the rail-slider.
4. Bunny hop before you reach the rail-slider. Begin your jump several feet before the rail to ensure that you land near the beginning of the rail-slider.
5. Ollie up and turn your board 90 degrees, so that you land sideways, with one foot on each side of the rail-slider, which should be centered between your feet.
6. Bend your knees and stay low to keep your center of gravity over your board.
7. Keep your chin up and your eyes on the horizon line while you are sliding.
8. Release one hand from the rope handle (the hand that is normally toward your board's tail) as you reach the end of the rail-slider.
9. Bend your knees just a little extra as you launch off the end of the rail-slider.
10. Turn back 90 degrees to point your nose (or your tail) forward.
11. Land and continue riding.

Tips & Warnings

• Some riders think it's easier to come off a rail-slider into fakie. Try both and see what works for you.
• Scout out the rail-slide device before you attempt to ride it.
• DANGER DANGER DANGER! This is so far from a beginner's trick, it isn't even funny.
• Always wear a life jacket and observe proper boating safety.