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WATERSKI MagazineIf the backside roll is old news, it's time to do it without the use of the wake: the backside air roll. The air roll isn't really that different. You actually use the same technique and rotation.
Since you don't have a wake to launch off, the hard part is getting enough air to complete the trick. You need to do two things: edge hard and load the line (Instruction, December).
Set up the backside air roll outside the wake in the flats, at least 5 feet outside the wake. If you are left-foot-forward, edge to the left of the wake. If you are right-foot-forward, cut out to the right.
Once in the flats, bend your knees and lock your arms in a flexed position, close to your body. Edge the board out, away from the boat (Photo 1). As you edge, gradually extend your legs (Photo 2). Continue to edge for about two seconds or until your rope is loaded with tension.
When your rope is fully loaded with pressure, push off the water and throw the tip of your board away from the boat (Photo 3). Rotate the board around as you would in a regular backside roll (Photo 4). If there is a strong load on the line when you throw the tip of the board away from the boat, your body will quickly follow (Photo 5). Remember to keep your arms in close to your body (Photo 6).
The key to the backside air roll is having the right combination of edging and load on the line. Keep trying until these two techniques are working together. This is not as hard a trick as it looks; just be aggressive and think of it as a backside roll – without the wake, of course.
Two-time national champion Dana Preble is sponsored by Blind Side, Intensity wetsuits, Arnette, Flojos, Roxy, and MasterLine ropes and handles.
