Below are the three most basic skills to learn on a wakeboard. Once you have mastered these you should be able to move on to some tricks, and jump variations.

Generating Speed:
Generating speed on a wakeboard is the key to pulling off tricks and getting big air.

Here's How:

1.Start wide outside the wake.

2.Wait for the tow rope to tighten and the boat will begin to pull you towards the wake.

3.Keep your elbows in next to your body with your arms bent at a 90 degree angle. This will keep the handle close to you.

4.Make sure your knees are bent.

5.Focus your eyes on the horizon without looking down.

6.Progressively edge harder into the wake. The fastest part of your pull should be at the top of the wake.

7.Let the boat and rope do the work.

Getting tension in the towrope:
Here's how to get power in your wakeboard, hydrofoil, or kneeboard towrope for big air to jump wakes.

Here's How:

1."Loading the line" means creating tension in the rope, giving you a good, solid cut towards the wake.

2.The cut begins outside the wake. Only a few feet are needed between you and the wake.

3.Start with a slow turn back towards the wake.

4.Stay wide until the boat begins to pull you naturally to the wake.

5.Make sure the line/rope is tight.

6.Arms extended.

7.Keep a solid grip on the handle.

8.This is when the cut (edging the board in the water away from the boat) should begin.

9.To create maximum rope tension while progressing towards the wake, lean away from the boat, while digging the back rail or edge of the board in the water.

10.As you progress in your cut, your speed towards the wake will increase.

11.Maintain the speed until you reach the bottom of the wake's arc, or at the wake.

12.Stand tall.

13.Remember to straighten your legs when you hit the wake.

14.When loading the line is done correctly, you should feel a pop off the wake, giving you enough air to complete your trick prior to landing.

Tips:
1.You do not have to be way far outside the wake before you begin your cut. Being too far outside may create too much speed. The pros only need a few feet to get maximum air.

2.Make sure you can comfortably cross the wakes in both directions before attempting jumping the wakes.

Jumping the Wake:
The key to a good wakeboarding jump or pop off the wake is not determined by how fast you cut to the wake, but rather your progressive edge towards the wake with a tight towrope.
You begin by smoothly rolling out of your turn and gently edging towards the wake. If you turn too fast rope slack will occur and you will be jerked forward and off balance.

Apply pressure to your heels and lower them into the water a little deeper the closer you get to the wake. Your body position should be leaning away from the wake with your knees slightly bent but stiff. Hold the handle palms down near your waistline, close to your body with your arms bent.

Maintain your edge through the wake. Don't flatten the board on the water as you approach the wake. Keep your weight evenly distributed on the board. About 2-3 feet before reaching the wake begin your pop by extending your body more to a standing position. While in the air keep your chest open and your head up. Don't look down. Your wakeboard should be pointing towards your landing spot.

Upon landing, bend your knees so that the shock will be absorbed.

Once you have mastered these basics you can start to look at tricks and jump variations.