Load and Release

[Catch This Wake]

I hear this term all the time especially when cable riding. How excactly do you load and release or "flick" yourself?

[Jim M]

The 'load' is the amount of line tension you create. A good analogy is that it is similar to holding a ball underwater. The more downward force you give it, the more opward force it wants to give back. Another one is pulling a rope tied to a tree- the more you pull it, the tighter the rope gets. This creates energy. A wake jump uses the same principal, and is especially critical for cable parks where there is no ramp (on the turns anyways). The more you pull against the line and create force with your board against the water, the more potential energy is building up ready to be released.

The 'release' is the point where this potential energy changes directions and snaps upwards. For a wake jump, the release point occurs as you leave the top of the wake. Not when you get to the wake and not half-way up the wake. This is critical. For a cable jump (disclaimer-Ive only been able to huck my body parallel before doing a chest dive), the release point occurs when the pull of the cable counters the line tension you have built up and causes the snap or flick. Couple that with a quick direction change at the 3rd turn, and BOOM, lift-off!

Its all easy in writing! The cable operators or any locals at Ski Rixen should offer some good input if you need some in-person help.