Good photographer, OK rider

I just liked the pic. I have no idea how she got this shot with a digital still camera. How do yall get all the cool photos, are they pulled out of video?

its not that hard. press the click button right when they hit the top of the wake

or, when the rider's out in the flats getting ready to cut in, hold the button down halfway to focus in on the rider and hold the button there. once the rider's at the peak of their jump/trick, press the button down all the way and it'll take the pic immediately.

My 2 cents,
Most of the pics your seeing are from Digital cameras not video.

The way Joe mentioned will work but make sure your sitting in the center of the boat or the center of the pendulum (Rope) so your shot will be in focus.
When I've used that method I pre focus on the rider when they are in the center of the wake so the camera adjusts for the light where you will be shooting.
If your pre focusing out in the flats the light may or may not be different.

As for timing it's all a matter of practicing with your camera.

Or spend $4000 on a real digital SLR.

I wish I had 4 grand to spend on a NICE digi, but I am stuck with my cameras for now. One thing that helps is to use manual settings as much as possible. Especially the focus, shutter speed (or set on sports), then as said above push halfway down on the shutter until the optimal picture time.

Or do like me and shoot 28 pictures in a couple of seconds My camera may be old school but it is still the fastest digi on the market.

And then once you get your $4000 real digital SLR, drop another 5-10 grand on some killer lenses, THEN take some pictures!

I just picked up a Nikon D70 for around $900. Love it.