As told to: Vanessa Hornedo Photos: Thomas Gustafson
In this wakeboard how to, let go with Aaron Rathy and hold that grab longer than ever.
Break It Down
I try to hit the wake with a medium amount of speed and pop, just like I would on a typical 540 or 720. The biggest difference is I hold the grab instead of passing the handle. When you leave the wake, immediately reach for the melon grab with your front hand and initiate the rotation with your back hand. When you’ve completed the first 180, toss the handle behind your back while continuing to hold the grab. Spot the handle as you come around for the 360, then grab the handle, let go of the grab and finish the final 180.
Pop and Toss
The two biggest keys to this trick are good pop and throwing the handle in a spot where you can actually grab it again. Make sure you edge all the way through the wake so you have plenty of time in the air, and keep the handle close to your body before you make the toss.
Mellow Out
If you can do good heelside melon 540s, it’s actually a pretty mellow trick. In fact, I try not to think a lot while trying this trick because if you can relax in the air and spot the handle, it will happen itself.
Struggling? Take a Break
The most important thing in wakeboarding is to always have fun. I’ve found if I’m bailing on a certain trick, the best thing to do it move on to something else that stokes you out. Once you get back in the groove, come back to it.
Mix It Up
The variations are endless with this trick, and I hope to see a lot of tricks like this in the future. I’m working on fresh interpretations all the time, but one of my favorites right now is to dip my shoulder and try to almost rodeo.
