You've got the jumps, skidders and rolls. Now it's time to master one of the most impressive tricks being done.

The front flip is impressive for many reasons. It's pretty tough, and not many people can perform it on cue. It's also a trick that is big. Even a small front flip requires plenty of rotation. I have been in the boat many times with uncle Mike showing off behind the boat. It's great fun when it is the observers' first time to be in the boat while Murphy foils. His rolls always inspire gasps and yells. But it's the front flips that always take the cake. Here's how you can do

I highly recommend some sort of dry land instruction before trying this move. Get used to the feel of the front flip on a diving board, trampoline, or any other way possible. Pay special attention to spotting your landing. It's actually more like spotting the horizon as you come around. When you see the horizon, it's time to open up and slow your rotation. Concentrate on a perfect end over end spin. A crooked rotation makes for nasty falls.

You will also need to mentally prepare for this one. Learn and visualize each part of the trick off the water before you try it on the water.

Use a release with this move. I have seen and heard of foils getting caught up in the rope, and arms going through the handle after over rotations. Also, make sure your seat has maximum traction. DO NOT use only a swimsuit. I have personally slid forward off the front of the seat while learning this one, and it hurts! Ooooch!

The Approach

Set your boat speed at 23-26 mph. Cut out about 25 feet. Wait until the line is tight before you turn into the wake with a moderate angle and pace. Start from whichever side feels comfortable. Dip your board as you would for any other jump or rolls, with your board coming off the wake as you start the trick.

The Takeoff

Here's where things can get tricky. You first need lift which requires you to to up and back. Then you have to stop that momentum and reverse it to throw it forward. You must jump first before throwing the flip. Get air as you normally do, but do not throw your shoulders back as hard. Once the foil clears the water it's time to throw the flop firmly and quickly by pulling the rope to your boat side hip, and throwing your upper body towards the tip of your ski. Throw your flip on the same line as your approach. Most riders initiate the rope pull with two hands, then throw their outside hand down to aid in rotation.

Controlling the Line Tension

If all has gone well so far you will be up in the air spinning forward with the line near your forward hip. The pull from the boat will make it hard to keep the handle in and tight with tension. But remember, it is this tension which helps pull you through the spin. The tension will also want to twist your shoulders open to the boat. Don't do it! Maintain your same line, and keep the handle in. The more you resist the boat with a good line load, the faster you spin.

The Landing

Spotting your landing is the most difficult part of this trick, and it is also what makes consistency hard to achieve. At first you probably won't see much. Hopefully you will have spent some time with dry land flips to increase your aerial awareness. If you wait to actually see the water, chances are you will over rotate. When I first learned, I looked for the horizon to time when to open up. Maintain your angle as you land the flip. Do not open up to the boat. This slows your spin and makes the landing much harder without a tight line. Get both hands on the handle and your upper body forward after you hit.

One advanced method I have used to spot the landing is to look over my inside shoulder mid way through the rotation. This gives you a much earlier spot, but be careful. When you look over your shoulder it's easy to also turn your shoulder, and you don't want that. Turn your head without turning your shoulders to employ this early spot technique.

- Tony Klarich

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