The Wake Plan 3 – Trampoline Benefits
When was the last time you messed about on a trampoline? “Trampolines are just for kids” we hear you cry, well they most certainly are not! In this series of injury prevention and fitness we would like to re-introduce to you, or reinforce the value of the trampoline to your wakeboarding as a training tool and fitness friend.
Top US Wakeboarding coach Mike Ferraro, who has trained the likes of Nicola Butler and Dallas Friday discourages his pupils from trying a trick for the very first time out on the water. Instead he uses trampolines amongst his training techniques as simulators allowing his riders to physically and mentally prepare before taking a new trick to the water to maximise their efficiency and reduce the risk of injury. By attaching a rope handle to a nearby tree or pole, you too can have your wake simulator.
“I like asking people if they’d rather try a new trick that there is a good chance that they won’t make at 24mph being pulled by a boat with a 15lb board? Just makes sense to work it out on a tramp, add a loaded line then add a tramp board. I don’t know a pro rider that is not better on a tramp then they are in the water!” – Mike Ferraro, Elite Wakeboard Coach
We all know that the first time you try any new trick is the most daunting; that fear of the unknown takes over your concentration and hesitation creeps in, you close your eyes, loose all sense of awareness and crash, when you most likely need not have if you were calm and collected. Well what if a new trick is very familiar, eliminating the ‘unknown’? Let’s take a heel side 360. You’ve done the drill over and over on a trampoline, physically and mentally, you can spot your landing, you’re getting lots of height and a handle pass is second nature. Well, transferring the trick to the water at this stage will only require minor adjustment and you’ll have it, as the trampoline practice will give you aerial awareness and muscle memory to make a smooth transition to the water and you’ll confidently know what to expect.
We’re not suggesting you all behave like Olympic athletes, but adopting these principles will make the most of your water time; you won’t be smashing yourself so much on crashes, wasting energy swimming, but doing more of what you love – having fun wakeboarding.
Trampoling can’t be recommended enough as a ‘friend’ to wakeboarding; it’s fun, gets you super fit and strong, and will help you progress more quickly on the water. By using a Voda Tramp Board, you can simulate wakeboarding further! Speak to your local sports park and get a group together, or if you can, get your own trampoline, tie a spare line to a tree and off you go!
See how Mike Ferraro helped the 2010 GB Cable Wakeboard Team with their training
Next week – Introducing Chriopractic
Wake Plan: Prevention is better than cure !!
The Wake Plan Series: Prevention is better than Cure
The Wake Plan 1 – Tailor Made Wakeboarding Fitness
The Wake Plan 2 – Complimentary sports and activities
The Wake Plan 3 – Trampoline Benefits
The Wake Plan 4 – Introducing Chiropractic
The Wake Plan 5 – Diet and nutrition
The Wake Plan 6 – Warm up and stretch
Monday 11 April 2011 | Permalink
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