How to perform single and multiple rotations

Multiple Rotations

Before attempting to perform Double Backroll’s, 720’s, 1080’s, ETC. It is important to be able to comfortably land jumps both regular and goofy foot. Once this is mastered the next step is to master 360’s or Backroll’s.
Now that you have mastered Single Rotations lets take it to the next level by turning that 360 into a 720 and eventually a 1080.

The 720:

– With the Kite high (45 deg Plus), pop off the water
– While popping off of the water, tuck your elbows and shoulders in close to your body
– As you leave the water, turn your head quickly over your forward or back shoulder (depending on the direction you would like to spin)
– Keeping your head turned, allow your body to follow (first your shoulder, then your hips/waist, followed by your legs). You should now be rotating with your body in a tight, corkscrew position.
– When you are about 3/4 of the way through your second rotation, open up your shoulders and elbows, This will slow your rotation.
– Just prior to landing, let go with your back hand and turn your head back to the center of your body allowing your shoulder, hips and legs to follow. This will stop your rotation.
– Lightly pull on the forward hand, point the board downwind and spot your landing. Pulling on the forward hand will dive the kite building “apparent wind” and allowing you to get some more lift out of the kite while slightly accelerating so that you stay on plane when you land.

The 1080+:

Can be accomplished in two ways

Hooked in – Following the same steps as the 720, aggressively load and pop to achieve higher altitudes allowing more time for additional rotations.

Unhooked – Believe it or not, it is actually easier to rotate when “unhooked”. This, however, requires that the rider be comfortable riding unhooked. It is easier to rotate because you are able to bring your arms closer by hanging on to the bar above your head. Think of a figure skater, when they are spinning, they bring their arms above their head. This more compact body position will allow you to spin faster and achieving more rotations in less time. Due to the fact that it is difficult to widen your elbows and shoulder when unhooked, you will need to let go with your back hand, pushing your arm away from your body to stop the rotation. This should be done just before landing. Note, this is a risky but rewarding maneuver. Always let go if you are going to have a bad landing. This will allow the leash to de-power the kite.

Notes:

– When initially learning to do multiple rotations keep the kite high. As you become more proficient, practice bringing the kite lower and lower to ad style and speed to the trick.
– If you over rotate, just go with it. Try to complete an additional rotation. This is what I call a happy accident and you may land your first 1080 this way. Fighting it will almost certainly lead to a wipeout!
– If you become disoriented, try not to steer the bar. This could cause the kite to dive or loop, causing an extremely dangerous landing/wipeout.
– When first learning, put your kite on its “slowest” settings. This will make it easier to control the kite when spinning.
– Choose your conditions, 12 or 14 meter conditions are ideal because large kites move slower and are more forgiving.

– Jeremy Lund
Team Rider for Cabrinha Kiteboarding, Kurtis USA, Hyperflex wetsuits, Quivers.com
Owner and Lead instructor of NewWaveKiteboarding.com