Surface 180 to faceplant

overdue · Newbie Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 4

So I'm decent at the progressive edge and jumping the wake, and I can easily complete a surface 180 - except as soon as I get into ridiing switch I just faceplant forward. EVERY TIME. It's getting rather annoying. I ride the CWB freedom without fins, and my bindings are centered and striaght, no angle. I turn, and then BAM - an immediate faceplant. I get pulled forward and cant control the board. Any suggestions? Maybe angling out my bindings? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks...

WakeFrog1970 · Outlaw Joined: 08 Jun 2006 Posts: 143 City: Richmond

when you spin, try to remember to just keep leaning away from the boat... it sounds like you are keeping your weight centered, and then you get pulled off balance...

Sinkoumn · Posted: Aug 10, 2006 11:49 am Post subject:

Try to keep the handle down around your hips. I see a lot of people that first start riding switch and do many things wrong; mainly not leaning against the pull of the rope, and holding the handle too high (usually above their center of gravity - their hips). Holding the handle lower will make it harder for your center of gravity to get pulled forward forcing you to fall out the front.

nick@night · Posted: Aug 10, 2006 5:16 pm Post subject:

It sounds like after you've already went switch that you are keeping the weight on the same foot, this will make you front heavy, when you're riding regular you keep more weight on your back foot, and when you go switch your back foot is now your front foot, so therefore you should transfer weight so that more is on your other foot once your switch.

also, riding without fins makes the board ride more slick so that you don't have as much control, however once used to it, it will help your cut in.

derek_lukasik · Newbie Joined: 09 Jun 2004 Posts: 44 City: Fort Collins

Really exaggerate the turn too at first. Bend your knees and really focus on keeping the front edge of the board out of the water. Pull the rope over to your opposite hip (right hip if lff, left hip if rff). And transition your weight to the new back foot as the board comes around. Everyone faceplants a lot when they're learning surface 180s. It's a part of the wakeboarding initiation ritual. After you faceplant a hundred times or so, you'll do everything in your power to avoid doing it again. On the other hand, you'll probably be moving into the realm of a whole different set of possible painful falling techniques. Have you heard the term "fireballs" yet? Shocked

nick@night · Posted: Aug 11, 2006 7:11 am Post subject:

overdue · Newbie Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 4

fireballs? haha no, please explain.

nick@night · Posted: Aug 16, 2006 3:31 pm Post subject:

take a video of you wakeboarding, it will help