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.
