I was wondering if anyone could offer some advice on learning back rolls. I've given a couple a go, trying to use a bit of chop to get going, and ended up sending the kite (6m - I am not that large) into multiple loops and getting slammed
I realise I need to stop pulling on the bar somehow - I've tried putting my hands close to the middle of the bar and trying not to pull any direction, but it didn't seem to help. I've heard that letting go of my back hand might help, but I'm afraid this might make me send the kite into loops the other way... Is there some way to make this easier and less painful?
Thanks

get onto a comfortable plane not overpowered
bring your kite upto about 10:30-11:00 o'clock
move both hands to the middle of the bar even to the point that they are touching
spot your take-off point
throw your head and shoulders back pushing off with your back foot throwing your board up into the wind
make a conscience effort to keep your bar horizontal
momentum should take care of the rest
once your confident you can start to send the kite back for extra lift

Second Thomo, the Fat Sands Progressions DVD is excellent. I learnt my back rolls and front rolls using that.

My biggest mistake was trying too hard to launch myself and doing everything at once.

A good push off the legs (keeping the kite at 12) and the turning of the head and shoulders will make you roll nice and easy.

Good luck!

quote:

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Originally posted by owieb
and front rolls

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OO Weee .. Mr Owieb front rolls as well now I am impressed
Must be that 'torch' lighting things up 4 you
Hows the Denham plans coming along Looks like I better get some serious practice in if Im to have any chance of even chasing along behind

To everyone else .. nice post .. keep the tips coming please - I too need all the help I can get with this one.

Thanks heaps to everyone who replied - really helpful stuff and much appreciated. I look forward to giving it another go on a nice open and deserted piece of water...
R

Mate are you doing backspins? I learnt backspins first and I reckon it helped immensely with backrolls. Use the kite for a pretty small boost and as you leave the water just give a little twist that will send you around 360 degrees. If you are already doing this just ignore me, or if you don't like the idea ignore me. Just my 2 bob.

Backrolls you should barely use the bar at all, there is no time. Pop, look back over your shoulder and try and kick yourself in the ear with your leading foot all at once. This should all be so quick you won't even be able to think about it.

Most important though, get out there and try it more. If you're consistantly doing something wrong like reefing your kite one way or the other then just focus on fixing that one problem without worrying about the rest of the trick. Then when you do sort it get back to the rest of it.