beginer needs help

hey guys, i'v read just about all of these threds, and it seems like theres alot of helpful people here. so i thought maby someone could give me a litle advise. I started boarding last year, and have only been out a few times. I'm pretty confortable with moveing in and out of the wake, and i got the balance down prety well.
but what i'm haveing problems with is landing simple jumps. i can pop off the wake fine (i think) but whenever i come down, i always land on my back, or my stomach.
any help would be great, and thanks in advance

Dave

It sounds like you are off balance when you leave the wake. Make sure you come in nice and slow at first and focus on standing tall as you go off the wake. Pull the rope to your hips as you leave the wake and then spot your landing. Absorb the impact with your knees, keeping your head up and your back straight. Many beginners make the mistake of looking down as they land and the saying "where your head looks your body follows" applies. By having the rope in close to your hips you'll be able to absorb the shock of landing and let the rope out a little. If you land with your arms all the way out then you are likely to get pulled forward.

So practice by taking nice small controlled jumps and focus on your technique. Then you can slowly starting hitting the wake faster and soon you'll be easily clearing it. If you have any videos watch the in slow motion and look at their technique as they leave the wake and as they land.

thanks man, the part about not looking down will probly help the most... same with watching the videos in slow motion, never even thought of that

I think Bill hit it dead on... make sure you try it nice and slow. Common misconception is that you need speed to get good pop... not true. It's all about keeping a strong body position as you ride through and off the wake. Don't think of crouching down then jumping off the wake. Just continue to edge as you carve through the wake with knees slightly bent. Stand tall and strong just before you leave the wake. Keep that position in the air as if you never even left the water. Good luck.