In water skiing, a wake jump occurs when a skier uses the boat’s wake as a ramp to launch themselves into the air.
Here is how it works:
- The Approach: The skier cuts across the water toward the center of the boat’s path.
- The Edge: The skier maintains a strong, firm “edge” on their skis to build speed and tension against the rope.
- The Launch: As the skier hits the sloped wave (the wake) created by the boat, the upward force of the water pushes them upward.
- The Flight: The skier leaves the water’s surface, travels through the air, and attempts to land smoothly on the other side of the wake.
Why Skiers Do It
Skiers jump the wake to add excitement to their run, perform tricks, or—in competitive slalom skiing—to cross from one side of the course to the other as quickly as possible.
Key Tip
To jump successfully, you must keep your knees slightly bent and your core strong. If you lock your knees, the wake will likely “bounce” you off balance rather than lifting you into a controlled jump.