Boxing the Wake
Boxing the wake is a required FAA practical test standard maneuver. To perform one, follow these steps:
1. Start from the high tow position.
2. Ensure you are at least 1,000 feet above the ground.
3. Inform your tow pilot via radio you are going to begin the boxing maneuver. If you don't have radios, then discuss this with him or her on the ground before launch. Do NOT surprise your tow pilot with this maneuver or you may find yourself on a surprise release!
4. Slowly begin to drift down through the center of the wake from the high tow position to the low tow position.
5. Once at the bottom, pause for 2-3 seconds, and then drift in a level fashion just beyond the lower left corner of the wake.
6. Pause 2-3 seconds, then from the bottom left, go straight up to the top left corner. This will require a bit of left aileron to keep yourself from hitting the left edge of the wake.
7. Pause 2-3 seconds, then from the top left, go straight across in the high tow position to the upper right corner.
8. Pause 2-3 seconds, then from the top right, go straight down to the lower right corner. As with the left side, you will need some right aileron to keep from drifting into the right side of the wake.
9. Pause 2-3 seconds, then from the bottom right, slide left back to the middle of the low tow position.
10. Pause 2-3 seconds, then from the middle of the low tow position, drift back up through the center of the wake to the high tow position.
SSA Video
Watch this great video from the SSA on boxing the wake.