There are plenty of things that can make or break your set. Since we know you’re looking things that fall into that latter category, we tapped a handful of Malibu Boats pros to tell you how they set up for their perfect session. Raphael Derome, Amber Wing, Cobe Mikacich and Chad Sharpe all threw in their two cents to help you max out your time on the water this summer.
Before You Go
Make sure the boat is weighted perfectly before you go. Get people and ballast moved around from left to right and forward and back so that you don’t cut your session in half by trying to move things around while you’re riding. Oh, and make sure you’ve got some good music lined up — it’s so important to go into your sets in the right frame of mind. — Raph Derome
Set Your Presets
Malibu’s three Wakesetter MXZ models are among the easiest-to-drive high-end wakeboard boats on the market. In fact, I simply preset all the settings for everything from the Power Wedge to my speed and ballast in MaliView and let the boat do the heavy lifting. If you set up your presets properly, all the driver really has to do is accelerate slow, drive in a straight line and turn around when you fall. The boat takes away all the guesswork. — Amber Wing
Ready Your Rope
One of my pet peeves is when a rider’s turn is up and his rope isn’t ready. I always make sure my rope is hooked to the tower and tangle-free before the last rider is out of the water. Wasting time on the lake by untangling a rat nest rope is no good. — Chad Sharpe
Stretch It Out
I always stretch on the boat before taking a set. It warms up my body and reduces the chances of injury significantly. While I’m in the boat, I’ll grab the tower and lean back to stretch my rear shoulders and back. Malibu has a giant swim platform, so when I’m back there I touch my toes and do quads stretches to get my legs warmed up before heading out. — Chad Sharpe
Check Your Stick
I always check my gear before riding. I make sure my board isn’t weak, waterlogged or broken and my binding bolts are nice and tight. You’re definitely not going to have your best set if you’re pulled out of your rhythm by having to stop partway through to get a screwdriver and tighten your boots. Malibu has a seat at the transom where you can check all your gear before you slide off the platform. — Cobe Micacich
