The
AIR WRAPPER HELICOPTER
The first trick is wrapping up.
Get into your inside wrap by cutting out
from the wake about 10', then turn in quickly and lean forward. You
should advance on the handle mostly with your slack, and not so much
from the pull. But be careful; it's easy to ski over your line.
Once you get wrapped up start your cut
from next to the wake. Cruise out moderately hard while staying forward
to reduce lift.
Keep edging out continuously until you
are fairly wide; at least 45 degrees from the boat. Do not throw the
move unless you get a good approach.
Let up on your cut, but still maintain
slight edge out pressure. Do not hesitate to throw the jump. Waiting
will cause the foil to rise. Jump straight up and release the wrap only
after the foil has cleared the water. Keep your shoulders forward and
knees up by crunching your stomach. Keep your eyes open, spot the
horizon, and keep the handle in to maintain control of the line tension.
Falls on this trick can be hard. I advise
using a lightweight helmet and properly fitting neck brace to reduce the
punishment of the inevitable impacts. The helicopter is a tough trick,
but skiers with the right background in jumping, tricking, and turning
will be able to wind one up.
Common
Mistakes - Results
- Not cutting out wide enough. - Excess
line tension and rotation.
- Unwinding before the foil leaves the
water. - Total explosion!
- Pushing on your feet. - "Mud
Hen" out the front.
- Letting the rope out. - Loose
axis, side fall.
Wrapping
Up
How to get the rope quickly and
comfortably behind your back. Start just outside the wake, preparing for
an inside (rope on the wake side) wrap. Cut out 8-12 feet then turn
quickly in to advance on the rope. Practice this a few times to get the
feel. For the real thing, wrap up quickly while the line is slack.
Quickly transfer weight to your front arm to control the tension.
