How to Do a Wakeboard Tantrum: The First Invert Most Riders Learn

Wakeboarding is all about progression. From learning how to get up on the board to clearing the wake, every rider eventually reaches the point where they want to try their first invert.

For many wakeboarders, that first invert is the wakeboard tantrum.

The tantrum is often considered the easiest and most natural invert to learn because it uses an upward flipping motion rather than an aggressive spinning rotation. With the right fundamentals, commitment, and practice, the tantrum can become your gateway into advanced wakeboarding tricks.

What Is a Wakeboard Tantrum?

A wakeboard tantrum is a heelside backflip performed by approaching the wake on a progressive edge and allowing the wake to launch your body into a backward flipping motion.

Unlike many advanced wakeboarding tricks, the tantrum relies heavily on timing and body position rather than brute strength.

Because the motion feels more like a gymnastics backflip, many riders find it easier to learn than other inverts.

Skills You Should Master Before Attempting a Tantrum

Before working on your first tantrum, make sure you can consistently:

• Ride comfortably switch and regular
• Perform strong heelside wake jumps
• Clear the wake consistently
• Maintain proper edge control
• Stay balanced during takeoff and landing

Having a solid foundation will dramatically improve your chances of landing your first invert safely.

Step 1: Start with a Progressive Edge

The approach begins with a controlled heelside cut toward the wake.

Many riders make the mistake of charging too aggressively.

Instead:

• Start wide outside the wake
• Build speed gradually
• Increase edge pressure as you approach the wake
• Keep your shoulders level

A progressive edge creates the line tension needed for proper lift.

Step 2: Stand Tall at the Wake

As you reach the top of the wake:

• Keep your chest up
• Extend your legs
• Stand tall through the wake
• Maintain your edge

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is flattening off before takeoff.

The wake provides the lift. Your job is to allow it to launch you upward.

Step 3: Look Up and Over Your Lead Shoulder

The tantrum is often described as throwing a backflip over your lead shoulder.

As you leave the wake:

• Keep your handle close to your lead hip
• Look up and over your lead shoulder
• Allow your body to rotate naturally

Avoid throwing your head backward aggressively.

The flip should feel smooth and controlled.

Step 4: Spot Your Landing

Once the rotation begins:

• Stay relaxed
• Keep both hands on the handle if possible
• Look for the water as you complete the flip

Spotting your landing early helps you prepare for impact and maintain balance.

Step 5: Ride Away Clean

As the board touches down:

• Absorb the landing with bent knees
• Maintain handle control
• Continue edging away from the wake

Congratulations—you've just landed one of the most iconic wakeboarding tricks.

Common Wakeboard Tantrum Mistakes

Charging Too Hard

Speed is important, but excessive speed often causes riders to lose control.

Flattening Off the Wake

Maintain your edge all the way through takeoff.

Throwing Your Head Back

Let the wake generate the flip.

Looking Down Too Early

Focus on completing the rotation before spotting the landing.

Letting the Handle Drift Away

Keep the handle close to your body throughout the trick.

How Long Does It Take to Learn a Tantrum?

Every rider progresses differently.

Many wakeboarders learn their first tantrum after mastering consistent wake-to-wake jumps.

Factors that affect progression include:

• Boat speed
• Wake size
• Coaching
• Practice frequency
• Physical fitness

The key is consistency and commitment.

Why the Tantrum Is the Perfect First Invert

The tantrum remains one of the most popular wakeboarding tricks because it teaches:

• Air awareness
• Rotation control
• Confidence upside down
• Proper wake mechanics

Once you land a tantrum consistently, you'll have the confidence to begin learning other inverts such as:

• Backrolls
• Front flips
• Scarecrows
• Toeside backrolls

Final Thoughts

The wakeboard tantrum is often the first invert riders add to their trick list—and for good reason. It combines progression, excitement, and style while teaching many of the core skills needed for advanced wakeboarding.

Focus on a strong progressive edge, stand tall at the wake, trust the lift, and commit to the rotation. With enough practice, you'll be riding away from your first tantrum and opening the door to an entirely new level of wakeboarding progression.

Gear Up. Wake Up. Live the Wake Life.