AIR GAINER

Swing wide to the outside of the wake, straighten up your direction of travel by coasting a few feet. This will cause a slight amount of slack in the rope. As in all aerial maneuvers, the ski starts about 2 feet off the water. Lean forward to swoop the ski down, eyes should be focused on the water surface. As the ski barely rises the water, lean way back, extend your head back simultaneously. As you take off, release as close to your hip as possible. Hold your position, do not break forward at the waist or look at the ski tip as this will stop your rotation. When you see the water, grab the handle with your loose hand. To stop your rotation, keep your eyes focused on the water. Simultaneously commence moving your shoulders forward back to more of a tucked position with a slight handle elevation to stop your rotation. The timing and air presence necessary for repeated successful smooth landings only comes from repeated attempts.

WAKE GAINER

The Wake Gainer is exactly the same as the Air Gainer. Take a gentle cut at the wake, keep the ski pointed as straight forward as possible, the handle may be harder to keep at your inside hip than the Air Gainer. But all else should be the same.