In watersports, change through progression is a constant. Ever-improving technology, mind-blowing athletic advancements, and the search for the newest iteration of water gliding go on. Foiling is the newest big thing, providing a vehicle for progression without the impact.

If you’re interested in ­foiling behind a boat, then read this ­article. In it, wakeboarding legend and early foil adopter Jeff ­McKee and three-time Wakeskate World Champion—and the poster child for a Red Bull athlete—­Brian Grubb offer five key areas you should focus on when getting started.

Prerequisites: ­Experience and Board Control

McKee shares: “I recommend that you have at least beginner ­experience in wakeboarding or wakesurfing. However, the preference would be intermediate experience so that you’re comfortable riding a board ­sideways behind the boat.”

The key here is balance. Because foiling introduces an extra layer of complexity (the lift of the foil), mastering basic board and body control is essential.

Start Slow: Rope and Speed Control

McKee opines that foiling is not like wakesurfing and advises starting slow. “A big mistake is to start with a wakesurf rope and a wakesurf wave, and let go of the rope and surf the foil the first day. That’s ­jumping too far ahead.”

Instead, keep a long rope in hand, start at the slowest speed possible, and gradually increase to around 11 to 13 mph. This will give you the time and stability to focus on controlling the foil ­without worrying about flying too soon. Treat the ­initial deepwater start like ­pulling up a child who has never wakeboarded ­before.

Positioning: Mastering the Stance

For beginners, foot position and weight distribution on the board are keys to control.

McKee uses an aviation comparison. “You’re standing on an airplane, so leaning forward over and putting weight over the nose will hold the plane on the runway, and leaning or standing back on the board forces the plane to take off at a slower speed. You’re flying a plane with your feet.”

Make sure you keep your body upright and avoid bending over too much, “like you would when standing on stilts,” McKee states. Stay tall and centered, with your chest up, bending only at the knees when necessary.

Grubb adds: “You want to have your back foot in front of wherever the mast is set up. A wide stance is not helpful while foiling, so start at about shoulder width or slightly wider.”

Board Setup: ­Equipment Matters

Start with a ­­beginner-friendly board, around 4 feet 6 inches in length, with a shorter mast and a larger wing for ­stability.

Grubb says: “Start with a bigger wing, such as a 1,000-square-­centimeter (150-square-inch) if you weigh up to 200 pounds. If you have an option to use a ­bigger stabilizer, or “rear wing,” do so, because it will help stabilize the foil in the beginning. Also, ensure that the foil mast is positioned as far back as possible to reduce the amount of lift, making it easier to control the board during initial start-up.” 

Read Next: Foiling the Biggest Wakes in the World

Flight Control: Practice Patience

“You’re flying a plane with your feet; you’re standing on top of the fuselage. I always tell people, when you start flying, don’t change a thing. Don’t even breathe. Don’t move a muscle. Be a statue and enjoy the ride,” McKee says.

Final Thoughts

By mastering these foundational skills, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the ride and progressing as a foiler.

The post 5 Keys to Wakefoiling Behind a Boat appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

In this video, Noah Flegel, professional rider for Team Nautique, rides behind his own Nautique Boats G23 Paragon to share his experience and expertise. A great teacher, Flegel describes here how to perform a Backside 180 while wakeboarding. Flegel’s lesson starts with the foundation of possessing a good wake jump and having the switch down, before advancing to mid-air techniques such as arm position and handling the handle. Should you switch hands? Should you land wrapped? Where should your weight be? Learn all these and more from Noah Flegel in this video.

Read Next: Noah Flegel History

Flegel bills himself on Instagram as a “Rider of Boards,” and that he is. This native of Lighthouse Point, Florida, wakesurfs and wakeboards professionally. According to his bio, Flegel spends his off-time,  “surfing in the ocean, spearfishing, and pretty much anything involving the water.”

Look for more how-to video content from Noah Flegel, as well as pro tips from other pro riders, right here.

The post How to Do a Backside 180 Wakeboarding With Noah Flegel appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

In this video, world champion wakesurfer and @MasterCraftBoats pro rider, Jett Lambert (Instagram: @jettshreds) breaks down how to perform a backside Alley Oop. In the vid, shot aboard Jett’s own Mastercraft XT 24, the pro speaks about your position on the wave, the desirable speed, when to turn your head, and more. 

With advice from from a pro like Jett, you get insights such as how this trick is similar to a stalled 360 and why you may find this trick easier to learn if you are comfortable riding switch. 

Check out Jett Lambert’s advice, hit the water and learn this trick!

The post How to Do a Backside Alley Oop appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

A heelside backroll is a fun trick and one that can help advance your riding skills to the next level. Do you know the best handle position for performing heelside backroll? How about how to hold the handle? What should you be doing on approach to the wake when attempting a heelside backroll? 

Taylor McCullough, champion and Centurion Boats pro wakeboarder provides these answers and more. In this video Taylor not only instructs you, “how to,” but also shows you how, riding behind her own Centurion Ri230.

Check out how to do a heelside backroll with Taylor McCullogh.

The post How to Perform a Heelside Backroll with Taylor McCullough appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

In this video, we joined Centurion Boats pro athlete, Matt Manzari aboard his Ri230 for a day of wake school out on the lake. Manzari shared his time and considerable expertise to, show you how a wakesurf trick can be conceptualized, developed, and practiced as a progression of three tricks. He not only tells the story, but he shows you how, complete with slow-motion footage.

Learn why the most important thing about performing a 180 Shuvit concerns rotating your back foot. Learn when to stay on your front foot. Learn how you can practice with a skateboard without wheels. All this and more, told and shown to you by Matt Manazari himself, using his personal Centurion Ri230.

Learn More About Centurion Boats

Learn More About Matt Manzari

The post How to Do a Backside Big Spin Wakesurfing appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

In the video, Wildman describes what a floater is, and why he likes teaching this entry-level wakesurfing trick. For one thing, frontside and backside floaters help generate speed for your following trick.

Check out this video featuring Beaux Wildman. And, look for more Pro Tips videos from the world’s best watersports athletes.

The post How to Do Frontside and Backside Floaters appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.

In this video, two-time World Champion and Axis Wake rider, Bec Gange, shares advice for performing the nose grab heelside frontside 360. It is the first installment in Wakeboarding’s Pro Tips series.

Shot aboard Bec’s own Axis A24, watch as she tells and shows you how to advance your riding skill and technique. In the video, Bec shares her champion’s advice for approach, edge, position and more. Take her advice out on the water and you are sure to up your own riding game.

The post Bec Gange Teaches the Nose Grab Heelside Frontside 360 appeared first on Wakeboarding Mag.