The Perfect Pull
Driving a wakeboarder is easy – just hammer down on the throttle and go, right!? Wrong. Once a wakeboarder experiences the perfect pull, nothing else will get him as stoked as that session when everything was just right. So do your part, focus on your driving and let the rider focus on having fun.
- Pick your line... Start your rider at the beginning of a long, calm line, & make sure not to send any waves toward that spot on your way there.
- Punch it... Most weighted wakeboard boats (not Tigé's) are slower out of hole than your typical ski boat, so use that big engine & get up to speed as fast as possible.
- Anticipate... Even with speed control, you should start easing the throttle back when the speedometer reaches about 5 mph below your target speed to avoid going over your rider's desired speed. This will become more of a feeling than a reading after time.
- Be the boss... If one of the wakes looks washy don't hesitate to send one of your passengers over to that side of the boat to even out your weight.
- Set the vibe... You're also the official DJ, so have some tunes preset & crank up the stereo over the noise of the engine. Just be courteous & turn down the volume when the boat slows after the rider falls.
- Get comfortable... Kick back & relax in the comfy cockpit of your sweet Kick$#@ Tigé
- Be Aware... Always know what side of the wake your rider is on & don’t turn at critical moments of his session.
- Use Speed Control... They don't call it the "marriage saver" for nothing. If you don't have it, anticipate the rider slowing the boat down. When he edges hard & know that it will take a second for your throttle adjustment to translate into actual speed.
- No Ridge, no wake... When your rider falls, cut the boat to idle. Maintain a speed just above idle until you're ready to get him back on the water.
- Keep clean lines... Where are your waves going? This is a sixth sense you'll develop over time. Knowing this is the best way to keep your liens calm an enjoyable for everyone.
