Learning One of the Coolest Wakeboard Moves of All:
The Method Air – an intermediate level maneuver – is considered one of the coolest wakeboard moves, so is well worth listing here for your consideration and instruction. The Method Air is found in many board sports such as skateboarding and snowboarding but found it’s origins in skating.
Method air in snowboarding is described as a half pipe aerial maneuver. The snowboarder grabs the heel-edge with the front hand, bends both knees and pulls the board to head level. Watch any snowboard half-pipe competition and it’ll be there! But for all the wakeboarding groovers – here’s the cool wakeboard version:
Approach the wake heel-side with a smooth and unswerving cut. Roll onto your edge and bend your knees.
Try to reach maximum speed as you leave the wake.
Build your speed gradually to optimize your air time. Don’t jerk on the handle to fix your body into position.
Relax and drop your lead hand. Always try to keep the rope tight. Keep your shoulders above the board.
So loft, drop your lead hand as you keep the rope tight. As you drop your hand, draw your front foot across the front of your body.
At the same time, grab your back rail or method. (You can grab method a number of ways.
One way is to grab in front of your lead foot. Another way is to grab between your feet.)
Now, lift your back leg out towards the back of the boat. Actually this part is more important than landing the trick. It’s the ‘style-part’ of the maneuver. Now release the grab, let the board back around and land on the other side of the wake.
To simplify – try the trick initially without the grab. Go for the grab later. Just loft, drop your lead hand, pull your front leg across your body, bring it back and land. That will give you the feeling of the trick. Have fun!
