Wakeboarding, a thrilling blend of water skiing, snowboarding, and surfing, continues to gain popularity across the globe. It’s an extreme sport that allows riders to soar above the water, performing stylish aerial tricks behind a boat or on a cable system. As you progress from carving and jumping to grabbing and spinning, the natural next step is learning how to flip.
But with flips being some of the most challenging maneuvers in wakeboarding, one of the most common questions from advancing riders is: “What is the easiest flip on a wakeboard?”
Flipping on a wakeboard can seem intimidating at first, but with the right technique, progression, and practice, it becomes an achievable and rewarding goal. Understanding the difficulty levels of different flips is essential to approaching your first invert safely and effectively.
This article explores the easiest flip for beginner-intermediate wakeboarders, breaking down the mechanics, preparation, and tips to help you master it. Whether you’re riding behind a boat or at a cable park, we’ll guide you through your first upside-down move with confidence.
Understanding Wakeboarding Flips: The Basics
What Is a Flip in Wakeboarding?
A flip in wakeboarding, also known as an invert, involves rotating your body end-over-end (forward or backward) while in the air. It requires you to leave the water, invert your body, and land cleanly back on the water surface—all while staying attached to a board and holding onto a tow rope.
There are different types of flips categorized by the axis of rotation:
Backflips (e.g., tantrums): Rotating backward over your heels.
Frontflips (e.g., front rolls): Rotating forward over your toes.
Side rolls (e.g., scarecrows, toeside rolls): Rotating sideways over your shoulder.
Off-axis flips (e.g., mobes, rolls with spins): These combine spins and flips.
Some flips are easier to learn because of their natural approach, simplicity in motion, and the way they complement body mechanics during a wakeboarding cut and pop.
The Tantrum: The Easiest Flip on a Wakeboard
What Makes the Tantrum the Most Beginner-Friendly Flip?
When wakeboarders ask, “What’s the easiest flip to learn?”, the answer is almost universally: the Tantrum. This move is essentially a backflip performed off the wake, and it’s widely considered the most approachable invert for riders of all levels.
Here’s why the tantrum is ideal for beginners:
Natural takeoff from the wake: The tantrum uses a progressive edge toward the wake and a natural release from the top, making it easier to get airborne.
Open body rotation: Unlike more complex flips, the tantrum follows a backward motion that feels similar to jumping on a trampoline and throwing a backflip.
Simplified handle control: The rider can let go with the trailing hand during the rotation, reducing the need for advanced rope management.
Visual cues: Riders can keep their eyes on the landing halfway through the flip, improving orientation.
Now let’s explore how to execute the tantrum correctly.
How to Do a Tantrum on a Wakeboard
Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Step 1: Develop the Right Edge
Before even attempting a tantrum, ensure you’re comfortable with a progressive edge. This means building speed and pressure gradually as you approach the wake.
Start with a wide, controlled approach.
Maintain a strong heelside edge toward the wake.
Stay low and balanced over your board as you build up energy for the pop.
Step 2: Set Your Body Position
As you reach the wake:
Keep your shoulders squared to the boat.
Look ahead—not down.
Keep the handle low and close to your leading hip.
Step 3: Initiate the Flip
Here’s where the tantrum becomes unique.
As you hit the wake, flatten off your board (stop edging) and let it push you upward.
Simultaneously, throw your head and shoulders backward, like a backflip on a trampoline.
Let go of the handle with your rear hand, helping open your chest and rotate freely.
This movement creates a natural cartwheel-like rotation with minimal twist.
Step 4: Spot the Landing
Mid-flip, you’ll regain visual contact with the water.
Tuck your knees slightly for control.
Prepare to land flat with your knees bent to absorb impact.
Keep your eyes on the water and extend your legs as you come down.
Step 5: Stick the Landing
Land with your board flat and pointed toward the boat.
Regrab the handle if needed.
Stay balanced and ride away smoothly.
Tips for Mastering the Tantrum
1. Practice on a Trampoline
Simulating backflips on a trampoline builds spatial awareness and air control. Try doing backflips with a handle or rope to mimic wakeboarding.
2. Use a Wakeboard Coach or Spotter
Having a coach or experienced rider observe your attempts can offer real-time feedback, helping you correct small errors quickly.
3. Learn from Video Analysis
Record your practice sessions and analyze your body position, timing, and rope control. Compare it to pro riders or tutorial videos for improvement.
4. Don’t Rush the Progression
Attempting flips without mastering edging, pop, and wake jumps increases the risk of injury. Build your fundamentals first.
Other Easy Flips to Try After the Tantrum
Toeside Front Roll
Once you’ve nailed the tantrum, a common next step is the toeside front roll, which is a forward flip over your toeside edge.
It requires more finesse due to the edge and body control but follows a simple rotational path.
Scarecrow
This trick adds a half-spin to the toeside front roll, rotating frontside 180 while flipping forward. It’s a stylish trick that follows natural wakeboarding momentum and flow.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Learning Flips
1. Rushing the Takeoff
Many beginners try to “throw” the flip too early, cutting short their pop. Always let the wake do the work and initiate your rotation only after you’ve left the wake.
2. Looking Down
Your body follows your head. If you look down too early, you’ll lose rotation and balance. Keep your chin up and eyes forward or slightly upward until you flip over.
3. Holding the Handle Too Tight
Letting go with the trailing hand is normal in tantrums. Don’t muscle the handle—allow natural arm movement and body rotation to guide you.
Is Cable Wakeboarding Different for Flips?
Yes. While tantrums are usually learned behind a boat due to the reliable, upward pop from the wake, cable parks offer kickers that simulate the same takeoff. Many riders learn tantrum-like flips off kickers because they can repeatedly practice in a short time frame.
Some parks even allow air tricks—flips performed without obstacles using the cable’s tension. However, these require advanced edge control and are typically not recommended for first-time inverts.
Safety Tips When Learning Wakeboarding Flips
Wear a certified helmet and impact vest—especially at cable parks.
Practice with a spotter or coach nearby.
Know your limits—do not attempt flips when fatigued.
Warm up and stretch before riding.
Progress gradually from surface tricks to wake jumps to flips.
Conclusion
Flipping on a wakeboard is a thrilling achievement that marks your transition from intermediate to advanced rider. Among all the available options, the tantrum stands out as the most approachable and easiest flip to learn thanks to its natural motion, body orientation, and minimal rope complexity.
With patience, proper technique, and consistent practice, this trick can elevate your skills and open the door to even more exciting aerial maneuvers. Remember: it’s not about flipping fast—it’s about flipping right.