Back One Foot Wakes
by Michael Whittaker
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If you are doing six or more backwards two foot crosses in 15 seconds it’s time to step up to
the plate. This proves that you are pretty comfortable backwards. That’s step one. Step two,
you must be comfortable riding your back one foots. If not, I suggest you ride them one foots
till your sick of them and then do some more. Do them on both sides of the wake. Put your
foot on the rope and let go with one hand. Then change hands. These drills might seem
boring or repetitive but you must be comfortable on one foot to attempt back ones and be
safe. When you think you are ready, go for it. Start like you would doing two footers. Get
some momentum on that first cross. Try to keep your upper body as quiet as possible. Try
to relax your arms. Feel the pull of the boat in your shoulders. Do not pull in on the handle,
that will make you lean away too much. Keep your shoulders level (parallel to the water) If
you drop or lower one shoulder your momentum will stop. Move the handle over the leg your
skiing on. Keep your thighs together and point your hip and the foot off the water towards
the directions your going. Try to pick your foot up high and relax the foot your skiing on. You
just did a back one. To transition, try to plant your foot as close to the foot your skiing on as
you can, move the handle over the foot your transitioning to and point your hip and foot
towards the direction you are going. You just did another back one. You should try to go
slow and smooth with not a lot of upper body movement. Keep your head up and go for it.
You’ll never be able to do back ones unless you try. Be confident and good luck.
Michael Whittaker
Ed. note: Michael Whittaker is the current (2006) US Mens IV record holder in tricks with
2650 points and a two-time Senior Worlds competitor.