Back Loop

Loops Quick Launch:

A beautiful move surely to gain you incredible respect among your peers. The back loop was the first loop ever performed and is eye-catching because it looks like a bird in flight: smooth, floating, and graceful. But don\'t be duped, this maneuver is very difficult to land (although easy to initiate), and only a few of the immortals can land this move consistently. Unfortunately, I am not one of those immortals! The key to sticking this maneuver is getting a good launch off the wave at the right time and place, timing the speed and angle of the rotation while airborne, and positioning your body/board correctly during reentry

Rider: Royn Bartholdi

Steps
Tips
Ideas

1) Look for a steep ramp upwind and charge the ramp relaxed and with lots of speed.

2) Unhook and lean the sail back as you head directly upwind and up into the critical section of the ramp. You want to hit the wave just before it breaks.

3) Ride the ramp into the air. Your experience at this point will help you determine the height of the jump and the type of rotation. The better the setup the less adjustments you will need to make while airborne.

4) The idea is to let the rig float and lift in the air while you drape on the booms.

5) Eventually you will reach the height of the maneuver, the apex of the lift.

6) Bring the board over your shoulder so it is positioned properly for the decent. In other words level off the sail. Now look back to spot your landing.

7) As the rig falls then begin to let you're body open up toward the rotation.

8) As the rig falls then begin to let you're body open up toward the rotation.

9) As the board scoops into the water then position yourself toward the rear of the board. Keep the clew into the eye of the wind.

10) Sheet slightly out once you're in the water and in control of your rig.

11) Guide the board out of the water and trim your sail to complete the move.

12) What the heck, claim the move my raising your arm. You have just stuck a very difficult move, a fricking Back-Loop, and you are ecstatic.

tips

Many sailors over-rotate this move because they try to throw the rig around - like a reverse forward loop. The move is more of a stalled 'floaty' feeling rather than a rotation feeling.
Some sailors move both hands back for a back loop. This technique seems to position the sail and body better for the landing.
If you are always way over-rotating this move then maybe try the Push-Loop instead.

ideas

Try the One footer or One Hander.
I have not seen a double back yet; but I have tried.
I have also tried the Superman-Back-Loop.