Megaloops

kenja · Since 19 Jun 2008 179 Posts Stoked

Check out this great vid of Aaron Hadlow explaining the megaloop. It is pretty sick how far they've taken that move now by integrating freestyle elements.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8_Q-vgh7sg

I'm hoping to dial in my megaloops this year. I'm proficient at big downloops, backroll, and frontroll kiteloops, but the thought of pulling the trigger when still rising on a huge jump still gives me the willies.

Aaron's advice is to do it lit up on a 7 and go super big so you've got enough altitude for the kite to slow your decent.

Is this one of those moves where you can't really work up to it and just have to grow a big enough sack and go for it and hope you don't blow it?

Does anyone who has manned (or womaned) up have some sage advice for us wannabees that may help reduce the injury potential?

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

I agree about starting on a small kite, 6m works well. I'd probably start a tad underpowered though and get a feel for looping the kite on the way up on a jump. If the kite's small enough you should have plenty of time to finish the loop anyway. Then once you have that figured out you can go out and do it powered up. It can help to move the kite a bunch over your head after the loop (doing a 2nd kiteloop over your head can actually slow your descent quite a bit). Besides that you just gotta fully commit. Good luck.

kiteboard117 · Since 02 Mar 2005 450 Posts PDX McLovin

its a lot more fun to watch people learn by just hucking....
but theres a beter way to learn them. Definitely start with a small kite especially if your not on a c and stick with that one size. With a lot of hybrid kites certain sizes just loop better than others, 7s just about always work though.
come into the move underpowered and ride really slow, the first few times you will probably get the timing wrong but its almost 0 consequence. Once you get it right the timing stays totally the same for when you are lit. Just kinda work your way up to being more and more powered but keep riding slow. even if your lit out of your mind if you ride super slow they wont tear you apart. then once your getting really comfortable with those start going faster and faster. I find my riding speed is where all of the height comes from.
Goodluck!

Matt E. · Since 22 May 2008 318 Posts West Coast Sales Rep Obsessed

I agree 100% with what Tucker and GeneK said, the only thing else I would ad is that some kites make this move a lot easier then others. I would first try this move with a C-kite or hybrid-C that allows for a quick loop with smooth power. Some flatter kites or bow kites often have a big "power surge" at the start of the loop which yanks you so hard that the kite becomes to slow to reach the top of the window and catch you. The second thing I think is important is to start trying them in semi flat water because you land so fast any small amount of chop might launch you upon landing. Hope this helps! Very Happy

consumer · Since 28 Nov 2010 406 Posts banned Obsessed

The serious issue with mega loops is that you're looking at high likelihood of permanently fucking up your ability to kite by getting injured. As someone who has had to deal with "just" a shoulder surgery- there are certain things that just aren't worth it IMO. Not to be a downer, but keep stuff in mind, ya know. The most frequent mode of injury, even for pros, are kiteloops.

Inept_Fun · Since 14 Apr 2005 1417 Posts Hood River XTreme Poster

yah i was gonna say just go hit some sliders its more fun, and more difficult.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

God help you if you pendulum under the kite and hit the water with it upwind of you.

kiteboard117 · Since 02 Mar 2005 450 Posts PDX McLovin

idk I think this is a bit of a misconception about megaloops, most pros I know hurt themselves doing powered freestyle. I guess Ruben's ankle is kinda messed no thanks to loops but Im pretty sure that was a chronic injury. Backmobes or kiteloop handle-passes are much easier ways to hurt yourself.

Nick · Mon Mar 28, 11 9:32 am

Well actually that is exactly what you want to happen. The kite needs to go all the way over your head and behind to to "put on the brakes" other wise you hit the water going mach 11. You just need to make sure to down loop or keep looping it as your landing to keep power in the kite.

Watch the films you will be able to see what i am talking about.

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Ian has a good point. If you're looking to try something new give sliders a go as well. It's more fun than you might think and there's some easy features you can learn on.

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Mar 28, 11 10:42 am

sliders are fun for sure but loops still have that ...holly shit, I might really fucking explode myself fear to them (which I find is part of the fun).

Two years ago I was really getting into throwing loops with boots on because the landings were so rock solid. Long story short...Ummm....don't throw loops with boots on.

An impact vest also goes a looooong way towards keeping your ribs intact.

pdxmonkeyboy · Mon Mar 28, 11 10:48 am

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILOYCRqvMlQ&feature=related

1:36... when mega loops go wrong. P.S. when your 38, you stay in bed the next day Smile

kenja · Since 19 Jun 2008 179 Posts Stoked

Thanks for some great advice!

This is the best megaloop gone bad video I've found so far:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhHw-fHh8H0&feature=related

Scribble · Since 18 Nov 2005 636 Posts NoPo Addicted

One hell of a way to self land.

Youkai · Since 08 Feb 2010 553 Posts Beaverton Addicted

KOF · Since 30 Mar 2011 51 Posts Seattle

Just keep your knees bent on the landing and keep the kite moving once it gets overhead. If it goes into a second loop keep it going as this will slow you down.

The legit move is the inverted frontroll with a megaloop.