I first performed
the Frontside Roll in 1992, as a crossover move from kneeboarding. The
rotation of this roll in it’s truest form is side over side. It is different
from the Backside Roll in that the sideways rotation is initiated into
the wake (shoulders forward) instead of away (shoulders away). Set up
for this roll about 25’ outside the wake. Approach with medium intensity,
board low and bounce it in preparation for take-off. As the board rebounds,
lean back for lift. The strength of your jump should feel about the
same as for a solid 3-4’ wake jump. As the foil is leaving the water,
initiate your rotation by briskly throwing you leading shoulder down
toward the wake at a 45 degree angle. Your trailing shoulder should
move back and your head should turn away from the wake in anticipation
of spotting the landing. A key to quick rotation is to pull the handle
into your upper stomach as you become airborne, and throughout the move.
Letting the handle out will slow rotation, keeping it in will speed
it. Let you board and foil swing behind as you roll. Spot your landing
and twist your lower body so that the nose of the board lands in the
same direction as your initial approach. Regain control on the water
by pushing on your feet and leaning forward to ground the board after
you land.
Frontside Roll Troubleshooting
Problem:
No height on the jump.
Solution:
Most commonly caused by throwing the move too soon. You don’t need a
lot of speed to the wake, but you must wait until the foil gets lift
off the wake before throwing the roll. Throw up then down and across.
The timing is critical.
Problem:
Twisted Rotation.
Solution:
Control the line tension as you keep the handle in. To land, pull to
your leading hip and twist your lower body out to keep the board pointed
across the wake.
Problem:
Landing pointed to the boat.
Solution:
This is probably the most common problem I see. If you pull the rope
in and across your body, you will incorrectly turn to the boat. Keep
the handle in, but don’t pull across. Try this dry-land to see how handle
position affects the angle.
Problem:
Under rotation.
Solution:
First you must have enough height to complete the move. If that’s not
the problem it may be that you are not being aggressive enough with
your approach. In addition, get a quick, firm pull the rope to initiate
the spin while snapping your head & shoulders forward.
Problem:
Inconsistent landings.
Solution:
Open your eyes! You must see where you are to adjust in the air. Hit
and miss landings are also the result of inconsistencies in other parts
of the trick. Try to get a consistent approach, takeoff, and line control
to keep the things the same.
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