Tantrum vs. Back Roll

When it comes to wakeboarding tricks, there are milestones that gauge how skilled you are. The first big milestone is the wake to wake jump. This means that you can jump off the one side of the wake and land either down or past the opposite wake. This first step says that you're an ok wakeboarder, but definitely still learning. The second milestone, and probably one of the largest, is the flip. The first flip learned by wakeboarders across the country is either the back roll or the tantrum. The general consensus between the two different kinds of flips is that the back roll is easier. But for some, like me, the tantrum comes easier. The back roll consists of a cartwheel type flip over the wake and the tantrum is more of a back flip. I learned how to do back flips on trampolines at a young age, so the tantrum naturally came easier. But I think that the back roll is known for being a simpler flip because you keep both hands on the handle throughout the flip and you're facing the boat at all times throughout the flip as well. The tantrum is hard for some people because you have to cut a lot harder into the wake and release with one hand off of the wake. When you flip you take your eyes off of the boat and throw your head back and spot the landing, which is if you get all the way around. I learned this flip before the back roll, but I picked up the back roll this summer. The trick for me in landing the back roll was keeping my eye on the pylon. This kept me facing forward and straight for the landing. I would have to say the tantrum is a more prestigious flip than the back roll, but both are difficult tricks and milestones in the wakeboarding realm.

-Peace