How to Double Up on a Wakeboard

These days it's all about the big air. And when just hitting the wake at 100 percent velocity is not enough, it's time to learn how to "double up." Doubling up is when your boat driver turns around in a big circle so that your old wake and your new wake meet at an angle to form a liquid launch ramp. Get ready to soar.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

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

1. Talk to your driver beforehand about doubling up and which way you like to do it. If you ride left foot forward, your driver should turn to the right, and vice versa.
2. Ride on the inside of the boat's loop as it goes into its turn.
3. Cut toward your boat's current wake as you see the old wake approaching it.
4. Slow down just slightly to gain control and put tension in your rope.
5. Keep the rope tight and bunny hop as you meet the wakes' convergence. Try to jump off the point that's formed as the two wakes meet. This will take some practice.
6. Pull your knees up as you jump, then tweak, grab, contort, twist and say hello to the birdies. Congratulations - you're now flying.
7. Bend your knees to absorb the shock of your landing, laugh and get set to do it again.

Tips & Warnings

• This is a timing thing, so it may take a few runs before you and your driver get your rhythm down together.
• Have the driver veer slightly to the left before beginning a right-hand loop (and vice versa). Have the boat slow down as it veers, then speed up going into the loop. This, according to many experts, is the optimal technique.
• Adding weight to the back of the boat will make its wake bigger, and thus a better jump ramp.
• Bigger air equals bigger danger.
• Always wear a life jacket and observe proper boating safety when you wakeboard.