front loops have been covered, but i'm too scared to even try a dry one on the beach!!

- where as with the backloop I can at least give it a go without the fear factor - but it usually ends in a slightly winded backslapping atempted loop.

I think i'm getting the first bit nailed . i.e nice steep wave, bit of speed, heading into the wind - but after that it's all a bit of mystery!

Any tips??

whyney waht do you think should be tried first...backloop or pushy?..you need to go bigger for a backie am i correct?

Wait til you get to double goiters, then you'll have a challenge!
I probably make about 9 out of 10 of them now.

hi ju_724,

i'm no expert but...

I think your problem is starting the rotation to early. you need to hit the apex of your jump before rotating, this is very important. don't rush it. get as much height as possible.

Also, don't try and rotate vertically, more of a 45deg angle to horizontal at first. when i was trying them i used to back slap from trying to rotate to early and therefore not getting enough height. The waves need to be about 4-6 foot to give you enough time.
once you get towards the apex of the jump tuck your feet under your bum and look over your front shoulder at the water as others have said and when you start to come down extend your legs again for the landing and sheet out. otherwise you will do a massive nose first landing.

you should be landing nose first on a broad reach... make sure you have a strong board, i have creased a few boards in the past.

hope this helps.
justin

Only bother trying a backie on a really steep wave, when you get upsidedown pull yourself up close to the boom and and keep looking over your front shoulder. Try to hit the water nose first and pretty much dead down wind. Keep your body close to the boom untill you hit the water. By keeping youself close to the boom you give yourself the ability to sheet out when you hit the water, which you will need to do, especially the windier it is. If you hit the water with your arms extended the rig will blown straight out of your hands.