finally, JUMPING!

[windsurferdagg]

Ok... Roger, great news. This week, or since I have gotten my G2 and can now drive myself to places (in Canada it allows me to drive without an adult etc some graduated licence crap) I have improved a lot. I have nailed waterstarts, been out in overpowering conditions and liked it/had fun, can get into the straps everytime now and comfertably while in the harness (never really realized how far forward my lines were! WOW) and go upwind/downwind carving and not carving while in the straps. Its way easier! I also got some jibes where I carve at first, but don't end up carving at the end, and my tacks are carving upwind and doin that little "shuffle" etc.

But now, I would like to try and jump my go. So any advice is greatly appreciated. I have heard some people say sink the tail, than pul p on boom and front foot than after that up on back foot (kind of like olieing a skateboard) while others just say sheet in and lift.

My local spot usually has i would say ankle high to knee high chop. I can just go straight at the higher chop and than hang of the boom and kind of "bounce" off of it and cartch a bit of air, but it feels and looks stupid, and it was when I couldn't get into the straps. Now that I am in the straps all the time, I wanted to start trying some small jumps etc.

I will probably use my 6.6 and 5.0 for jumping. My 7.6 might be harder.

I also heard there is a way to chop hop of flat water, the way freestyle people do it, but I think my board is a bit big for that.

If you can use any analogies from freestlye skiing (I was trained for moguls and no my way in the air etc) and skateboarding (I used to be pretty good...) that would or might help me grasp it further.

Can't wait for the next windy day to try out your advice (cause I know it will be golden as usual),

Thomas

[crazychemical]

YOu're gonne find it difficult to get the go airborne mate, i've been tyring to get it fully lifted (board + fin) for about 1.5 years now and i still only get the fin out for about 20 cm or so when i hit good chop and try ... hope you can pull it off

[Duracell]

try picking up max speed, then looking for a ramp, then aiming (but not loosing speed turning upwind) and actively jumping off the small ramp (steepest spot). Lift your windward rail a bit when off, open your sail a bit too. Should be no problem.

[windsurferdagg]

what about in air control? and landing? any tips for smoother landing? especially with such a big board, i don't wanna hurt anything by landing flat...

[Phill104]

At first your jumps will be little chop hops gradually getting bigger. As you get higher you will quickly learn what to do so don't worry too much.

I was told to feather out the sail just before landing to drop the tail slightly. Nose first landings on big boards do no favours to your ankles.

Keep the weight off your back foot on landing too or you will surely spin out.

Sounds like you are having a great time with your windsurfing. I wish I had got into the sport when I was younger instead of starting when I was 29.

Try Peter Harts Serious About Waves 2 DVD as it has some great tips on jumping.

Have fun.