Think heli loops are the only way to stick those big landings? Think again. Mastering big jumps doesn't have to mean throwing in a heli loop—let's explore smarter, more approachable techniques that work for everyone.
Okay, let’s talk big jumps. You know, that euphoric moment when you launch sky-high, adrenaline rushes through your veins, and you feel like you’re flying. But then comes the tricky bit: the landing. That’s when you start thinking, “Maybe I should just master heli loops already…” Nope! Hold that thought.
Hey, I’m not here to bash heli loops—they’re crazy impressive and an essential trick for advanced riders. But here’s the deal: they’re called “advanced” for a reason. If you’re constantly crashing or feeling like you’re not progressing, it’s because heli loops aren’t some one-size-fits-all solution to landing big jumps. For most of us shredding out there, there are better ways to stick those landings without overcomplicating things.
This brings me to a must-watch recommendation that just might revolutionize your jumping game. "Get High with Mike," a guru of kitesurfing techniques, recently dropped a video that breaks it all down. Mike dives deep into how you can make smooth landings without feeling pressured to dive into heli-loop territory. Trust me, this guy knows his stuff—his mix of expertise and down-to-earth advice makes kiteboarding tips super relatable.
In case you’re new to the term, a heli loop involves looping your kite on the way down during a jump, which slows your descent. Sounds awesome, right? But here’s the kicker—it requires impeccable kite control, perfect timing, and a lot of practice. Until you’ve nailed the build-up to this trick, you’re more likely to overloop, underloop, or faceplant (and we’ve all been there).
Well, Mike serves up some awesome no-nonsense strategies perfect for riders of all levels. Here’s a sneak peek of his advice:
Stick to Basic Looping Techniques: Instead of pushing for a heli loop off the bat, focus on simpler down-loops to help stabilize your landings. They’re effective and easier to master.
Positioning Is Everything: Mike stresses proper posturing and landing angles. Keep your board more downwind as you descend for a clean touch-down.
Timing Over Tricks: Jump timing is everything. Your kite placement, wind speed, and pop need to align before you can even think about adding advanced loops into the mix.
Work on Float Control: Control how much power you put into your kite as you prepare to land. Reduce speed slightly to avoid those dreaded crashes.
Here’s the thing: heli loops are cool and all, but they’re risky until you really have your basics locked down. If you try to punch above your skill set too soon, you’ll find yourself doing more swimming than shredding. Plus, frustration is the last thing you need when you’re out there trying to have fun.
Remember, kitesurfing isn’t just about looking like a pro; it’s about enjoying the ride—literally. You’ll get to heli loops eventually, but there are plenty of satisfying ways to nail big jumps without them.
Whether you're new to the sport or you’ve been flying high for a while, refining your approach step by step is the secret sauce. So, shoutout to Mike for reminding us that it’s okay to take it slow and focus on the fundamentals. Go check out his video—you’ll be landing jumps like a champ in no time.
And hey, next time you’re at the beach, remember this: You don’t need a heli loop to feel like a hero. Catch big air, smile wide on your way down, and stick it with style—your style. See you on the water!
