The method is a difficult front-hand grab, but it’s also one of the most stylish grabs you can do, so it’s well worth the work to add it your arsenal. Here are a few tips that make a method easier to learn, and then a few things you can do to take your method to the next level. — Raph Derome, Malibu Boats team rider
Boost Your Consistency
A method is one of the hardest tricks to do with a curly wake. Fortunately, I don’t ever have to worry about that with my Malibu Wakesetter MXZ, because it has by far the most consistent wake there is. It will never curl on you no matter what you do. It’s a confidence booster to try new tricks when you know the wake will be the same every time you hit it. That said, I still can’t say I nail methods every time. It’s a tough trick and it’s easy to get it wrong, but every now and then I’ll get one that feels perfect and the MXZ helps me make my method look like I want it to more consistently.
Position Proper
Handle placement is the biggest key to a good method. You want to position the handle towards your front hip as much as possible — this will keep you stable and ensure you don’t start unwrapping in the air. At the same time as you lock the handle in position, grab your board and tweak your hips towards the back so your upper body still faces the boat.
Tweak It
One of the best ways to learn this trick is to work on the method motion without the grab. Tweaking your tail without worrying about the grab will still give you a good idea of how the trick will feel, where you need to place the handle and how much you have to tweak your hips — all without having to fully commit right away.
Evolve It
My method has evolved a lot over the years. It progresses naturally, I guess. I learned it flat then glided it out a little over time and now it’s usually somewhere in the middle. But I think I want to change it a bit and make it more flat. It all depends on what you think looks good and how you feel on the water — a trick doesn’t have to remain constant year after year.
Grab, Land, Repeat
A method is a great trick to put your own style on. To make it your own, I think you just have to do the trick over and over and just do it like your body let’s you do it. A look or a style is not something you should have to labor over — it’s just the way you ride and what feels and looks good to you.
Go Next Level
The next step is to take your method out into the flats. Or if your knees are tired, try a method backside 180. Either way, just make sure to get a consistent pop and keep your handle in at your front hip. If you don’t do that, you’ll never get anywhere with a method.
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