Hey there, wakesurfing enthusiasts! If you’re new to wakesurfing and eager to look cool on the water, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving into the top 5 tricks every beginner should master. And trust me, these tricks will set you on the right path to eventually nailing that elusive 360.
A Story from the Pier
Let me share a quick story. I was once at the pier when a student approached me looking pretty frustrated. “Hey! I feel so lost,” he said. “I’ve been trying my 360 for a year, but I haven’t spun once!” I asked him if he had learned tricks like the floater, carving, or ollies first. He said no—he went straight to the 360 after learning to get up and surf the wave.
I felt so bad for him. I’m a huge believer in systematic learning in wakesurfing. It’s like learning to crawl before you walk, and learning to walk before you run. Everyone wants to learn the famed 360 because, once you do, people call you a “pro.” But here’s the thing: mastering the basics is crucial before you tackle the 360. So, let’s dive into the top 5 beginner tricks every wakesurfer should learn.
1. Floater
The floater is a great trick to start with because it helps you get comfortable riding on the wave’s lip. It involves riding the top of the wave and letting the board float over it. This trick improves your balance and helps you understand how to control the board with your feet. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll feel more in control of your board and the wave.
2. Carving
Carving is all about making smooth, stylish turns on the wave. This trick helps you develop a feel for the board and the wave’s dynamics. Start with gentle turns, gradually increasing your speed and angle. Carving not only looks cool but also builds your confidence and board control, setting a solid foundation for more advanced tricks.
3. Ollie
An ollie is essentially a small jump off the wave. It’s a fun trick that adds a bit of flair to your ride. To perform an ollie, you’ll need to crouch down, then pop up quickly, using your back foot to lift the board off the water. Once you get good at it, you can even try grabbing the sides, the nose, or the tail of the board—this is called an ollie grab. It’s a versatile trick that can be incorporated into many other moves.
4. Lip Slide
The lip slide involves sliding the board along the wave’s lip. It’s a trick that looks super cool and helps you practice your balance and board control. To do a lip slide, approach the wave’s lip, shift your weight towards the back foot, and let the board slide along the wave. It’s a smooth, stylish move that adds variety to your repertoire.
5. Board Slide
Similar to the lip slide, the board slide is another trick that adds a lot of style to your riding. Instead of sliding on the wave’s lip, you slide across the face of the wave. It’s a great way to practice your balance and control, and it looks impressive when done right. To perform a board slide, position the board perpendicular to the wave and slide along its face.
Systematic Learning at Dream Wake Academy
At Dream Wake Academy, we believe in systematic coaching to help you shortcut your learning curve and learn to surf like a pro. Our step-by-step approach ensures you master each foundational trick before moving on to more advanced maneuvers.
Here’s what you can expect in your first experience with us:
- Arrival at Marina Country Club: Head to Pier 5 and spot our shiny blue boat with the DREAMWAKE logo.
- Meet Your Coach: Depending on your choice of boat, you’ll be greeted by either Head Coach Oliver, or Coaches Marcus or Xinyan. They’ll welcome you aboard our clean and comfortable boat.
- Personalized Experience: Request your favorite tunes to be played on the boat’s speakers as you set off to Seletar Island.
- Scenic Ride: Enjoy the 10-minute boat ride, take photos, and soak in the anticipation.
- Hands-On Instruction: Once at Seletar Island, your coach will guide you through the basics and demonstrate techniques.
What You’ll Learn in Your First Few Sessions
In your first few sessions, you’ll learn:
- Getting Up on the Board: Your coach will teach you how to position yourself and get up on the board.
- Stabilizing and Gliding: Learn how to stabilize yourself and glide smoothly on the water.
- Finding Your Stance: Determine if you’re regular (left leg forward) or goofy (right leg forward).
- Basic Tricks: Master the floater, carving, ollie, lip slide, and board slide.
Join Our Community
At Dream Wake Academy, we have a tight-knit community of riders who have learned these beginner tricks and strung them together in a seamless dance on the water. Our experienced coaches have taught these tricks to at least 50 riders, so we know how to unlock your potential and help you learn faster.
If you want to learn these tricks and more, come ride with us! We provide a supportive environment, top-notch coaching, and a fun community to help you become the best wakesurfer you can be.
Ready to start your wakesurfing journey? Visit us at Dream Wake Academy to book your session today. See you on the water!
