How to Do a Progressive Heelside Edge in Wakeboarding

A progressive heelside edge allows you to gain momentum for big jumps. The progressive edge allows you to tighten your rope and gain speed gradually as you prepare for an advanced trick. You need patience if you're going to experience success with this maneuver.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Wakeboard

1. Start on the outside of the wake for the best effect. You should have your heels away from the wake and you should be a few feet away from the waves before you do a progressive edge.
2. Apply pressure backwards on your board to increase rope tension as you approach the wake. Slowly press your heels down on your board to kick up the water while you build momentum for a jump.
3. Crouch down over your wakeboard as you do a progressive heelside edge in choppy waters. Bend your knees and pretend that you are sitting on a stool to keep your body ready for the top of the wake.
4. Extend your body upward as you reach the top of the wake to maximize the momentum built up in your crouch. Avoid the temptation to jump by gradually extending your knees and back in a straight line cutting through the board.
5. Balance your weight over your wakeboard throughout the progressive edge process to avoid accidents. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and avoid pressing hard on your heels or toes.
6. Pay attention to an imaginary spot several feet ahead of your board at all times to maintain your stance. Mark off a spot on your tow rope as a visual aid before you hit the lake.
7. Shift your tow rope handle from hip to hip as you switch sides in wakeboarding. You can successfully complete a progressive heel edge and avoid falling off your board by keeping the handle close to your front side.
8. Adjust to the tension of a tow rope when wakeboarding by performing a straight run. Start learning the progressive heelside edge after you have performed a few trips and feel comfortable with the rope pulling you across the water's surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Pull the tow rope handle tight to your body as you do a progressive heelside edge. Maintain a good grip on the rope as the boat increases speed and creates greater tension on your upper body. Keep your arms bent and close to your hips while you hold the tow rope.