on water 180

[dredde2002]

I am new to wakeboarding, but i pick things up very fast. I ride a Ronix Vault which i got up on my first time ever trying to wake board. I am in love and i ride decent i would say. I want to start trying tricks so i thought on water tricks would be the place to start. Do you guys think im on the right track? If so, how do i do it. I tryed the other day and i could not get the board to come around. Do i need to take the fins off? I hope thats not a stupid question. I would just like some pointers, Thanks!

[Bama_Wake]

In order to do any surface tricks, your gonna need to take the fins off. You will eventually grow to like the board loosened up more without the fins anyways.

[HHI Dave]

The term you're looking for is "surface tricks" and yes they are a basic fundamental of wakeboarding. Removing the center fins will make surface tricks easier, though they are still possible with the fins in place. I'm personally not a fan of center fins at all, but its a matter of preference.

The key to surface 180's is in the handle position. Most beginners focus all of their energy on trying to move their feet. In reality, it is the handle that makes you rotate.

Try this:
Cut out hard away from the wake on your toeside edge. Once you're out far, flatten out your board so you are no longer on edge. Then move the handle from your lead hip (left hip if you ride regular) and move it across the front of your body to your rear hip. This will pull you around 180 degrees and you will now be riding switch (right foot forward if you ride regular).

One final tip (that I learned the hard way)... reduce the boat speed to about 14-16 mph when learning surface tricks. This makes the inevitable faceplants hurt far less.

Hope this helps and good luck.