Let me just start with yes this is a naive post. I've seen some really cool pics posted from poker runs and many of them are staged for a following boat to jump a wake and voila really cool picture. I'm attending a poker run this weekend and I know there will be a photographer taking these types of pics.

I've seen the bass boat wake jumping video and I've seen the recent boat crash on Mead and I'm just not interested in endangering myself or my passengers.

Is there a safe way to get the cool pic? I have a Rage. Thanks.

Not that I am an expert..... But there is a right way and a wrong way to power a boat through a wake. The bass boat crash video on youtube is the WRONG way. Know your boats limits. I have had my Velocity out of the water many times but never have I put myself or crew in danger. But I cannot say I have ever pourposly forced my boat into the air for the sake of doing it or for a photo op.

A following sea is the best and smoothest way to get some air with a soft landing.

I was at a poker run this past weekend and we carried a 38 top gun 2 boat lengths completely out of the water....a 42 Tiger was beside us and he was getting 5 ft up and leaving 2 boat lengths of un-touched water too.

Now, you don't go out and jump a wake without learning how and the reality is you don't try. You learn how to drive the boat fast as you can in the conditions and it happens to leave the water some.....takes time and experience to learn. First time you rode your bike you weren't out riding with no hands were you?

BTW: those shots are often one of 100 a photographer took while riding in a helicopter beside the boat for several miles.

The chances of having that photographer and helicopter there at the exact time you launch is usually slim.

The safe way is do only what you have done before and know what your boat is capable of.

Remember, the flying doesn't hurt..........but the landing might.

Provided you get off the throttles! First time I was in a boat that got air, driver overrevved the engine. Not pretty.

here we were this past Sat.........must be 100 shots cover 3 miles but this one is the best.

http://PHOTOS.POWERBOATPHOTOS.COM/p232584688/e111d7d45

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Bad ass pic!!!

Great shot. The bay certainly has enough nasty wakes to air out, that's for sure.




Darrell