Windsurfing has always been a spectacle. The sight of colourful sails zipping across the brine is aesthetically pleasing to onlookers. Chuck in (literally) a few aerial manoeuvres and the crowds are sure to be even more pleased. From the sailor’s perspective, it’s even more fulfilling. A low-flying chop hop can serve up plenty of stoke! Here are three fun accessible aerial windsurfing moves that still get us frothing.
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Windsurfing boosts (jumps).
We mentioned chop hops in the opening paragraph above. But for riders who can go higher then a full power boost is that next level. Windsurfers have always tried to fly. There are those who, with the right conditions, can soar right up there with the birds.
For the layman, however, a solid ramp is all that’s needed. Combined with decent wind – even aboard bigger windsurfing kit – you can get some decent elevation. And it’s not too technical a move either. Commitment is more the key. Just remember to hang on!
The Holy Grail – forward loop.
Forward loops are still the go-to aerial move for pros and amateur windsurfers alike. Anyone who can loop is given instant kudos. In fact, even for those who don’t land them, but step up and go for it, the respect is high.
Windsurfing forwards are varied in style. Mostly, the type the masses throw, are more sideways spins off smaller chop and waves. The old school, fully inverted, pole vault (or death loop) isn’t favoured so much because of the likelihood of trashing kit. Newer school spin loops, in contrast, are easier to learn and safer. You just have to go for it 100%!
Back loop ‘tastic.
A logical progression from the forward is the back. Whilst the backie is harder to land it’s actually much easier to go for. In a lot of riders’ minds, the commitment required for back loop drills sits more comfortably than forwards.
A back loop’s rotation is higher and slower than a forward. But spotting that landing and hitting the brine at the right angle is tricky, requiring much practice. That said, a windsurfing back loop is very accessible. Even if you don’t make many at first., Keep going, focus on teh technique, however, and you’ll get there.
Vulcan – the original new school windsurfing move.
When modern windsurfing freestyle came about it was Maui-based Josh Stone who came up with the Vulcan. Simplified the Vulcan is a stapped aerial tack with a slide backwards to finish off. Riders need to switch the sides of the sail mid-air as well. This can be the tricky part.
Vulcans are quite technical at first. But can quickly be tapped into. And whilst they are aerial moves they’re easier to achieve on flatter water. And if you can Vulcan then going the whole 360-degree hog with the Spock is next. (We’re not sure why these moves have Star Trek related names but there you go.
Tabletop fun.
Tabletops have been a windsurfing manoeuvre since riders learned how to plane. Kicking the board out the side and tweaking it towards the sky is awesome fun. It’s also easier than you’d think.
And once you have the table top on lock it’s then a case of seeing just how far you can contort yourself. Perhaps if you’re included, and you can also forward loop, then combining the two and smashing out a tabletop forward could be next on your list.
Summing up windsurfing moves.
Windsurfers have plenty to learn whatever their level. The aforementioned, however, are still some of the most accessible and visually pleasing. You may never fancy going for any of these moves. Which is fine. Or equally, this may be the start of your aerial windsurfing journey.