how to get big air

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

I know there was a discussion on this a few weeks past, but I couldn't dig up the thread (yes, I used the "search" function). It all came down to the following: big air requires speed.

With that said, I've been working on board speed. The problem I have is that when I pick up a lot of speed, it becomes very difficult for me to hold an edge. Let alone when I begin the "pop". I cannot complete the pop before being yanked into the air, resulting in mediocre, not big air (20 ft or so). Ideally I'd like to be able to complete the pop with the board speed. I have the bar fully sheeted out as I cut upwind, but it usually still has too much power.

Also, how far do you send the kite? Do you send it as you are popping, or right after?

TWIN-FIN · Since 24 May 2006 805 Posts Portland, OR Hot Monkey

I was watching Adam going HUGE! last week and asked an experienced kiter on the beach.....How does he do that? He replyed......Its all in the legs, and it helps to hit a ramp at the same time.

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

The ramp definitely helps, though trying to find the right ones often limits how many jumps you get it in a session. Do you sort of squat down as you begin the pop and then explode in the legs? I don't think I've been using my legs very much, so that will definitely be the next step, who knows how much of a difference that will make Very Happy

magicmaker · Since 29 Oct 2006 895 Posts da Hood Opinionated

you start edging and loading for pop before you send the kite. so it should go, build up lots of board speed, then start to edge upwind.

now the next few things happen in about a half second or less but this is the order

start to edge really hard and load for pop
send the kite
when the kite starts to pull you off the water push down on your back foot and release your edge for maximum pop.

where your kite starts to pull you off the water is dependant on the kite. my fuels rip me off the water about 12 oclock or a little before i think. and my Rev's seem to start the pull just a fraction of a second later, just past 12 o clock. now i know wiht your bow kites, you have to pull your bar in a specific time to get the most lift. i dont know when that is. maybe someone else can chime in. i would imagine you'll want to pull your bar as you're sending the kite and have it almost totally sheeted in before you are releasing your board edge. maybe slightly after that?

you may be better off just working out the timing on your own. find some flat water so you can try different techniques working with a similiar setup to see what works best.

ramps? we dont need no stinking ramps.

pdxmonkeyboy · Sun Jul 20, 08 8:07 pm

try edging a little later. When I try to edge to soon I can loose the edge when the kite is like 10-11.