Loops Introduction | Windsurfing Overview

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Loops

The Loop category includes the three types of loops: the Forward-Loop, the Back-Loop, and the Push-Loop.

1. Forward Loop

The Forward Loop is the most desired maneuver after the Jibe. There are risks so I have provided two prepartory exercises to minimize getting hurt. But remember you still can get hurt! First try Learning to Forward Loop Drill 1Learning Guide #1 until you have mastered the technique. Next, try Learning to Forward Loop Drill 2because it is a low level loop and most people are afraid of getting air. Wear a helmet and any combative gear you can find.

The Forward Loop is different from the Spin Loop in that the Spin Loop is usually performed in chop or flat conditions and is a more sideways rotation. 1 Handed Forward Loop

2. Back Loop

The Back Loop is one of the most difficult moves to land and very few windsurfers can honestly claim a completion rate of fifty percent or more.

3. Push Loop

Push-Loops differ from Back-Loops in that they land tail first instead of nose first, the mast hand is sheeted in instead of out, the rotate around the axis of the mast in a backward flip style, and the clew hand pushes out early rather than late.

Videos

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Video Play List

Forward Loop - light wind example
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This example illustrates how to huck a Forward Loop in light wind and chop. Notice I lift the boom over my head to get extra lift and I look back toward the clew hand during the rotation while I extend the front arm. The key is to be really aggresive in the jump and to tuck the back leg under your butt so the nose of the board rotates around. Remember to jump out of the water (the fin must clear out of the water or you will get pulled out of the footstrap) and to hang on the booms. Note: All loops have some risk of getting hurt.

Rider = Royn Bartholdi
Forward Loop - practice example by bouncing board on a broad reach
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I call this the Bouncer-Drill and I suggest you wear a helmet and as much protective gear as possible. This example demonstrates the technique without a ramp and instills a sense of what is meant by commitment. The fin must get out of the water or you will be ripped out of the footstraps, so bounce the board to get the board out of the water. Count one, two, and F*!??*!! ..... It is like a catapult but you are pulling the board with you. Remember to keep sheeting in hard and and to look back toward the clew. This hurts a little but is a good practice drill because the same technique (more or less) is used for all loops.

Rider = Royn Bartholdi

Move Definitions for Loops

Learning to Forward Loop Drill 1:	Learning to Loop (Part #1)
Learning to Forward Loop Drill 2:	Learning to Loop (Part #2)
Forward Loop :	An aerial maneuver involving a 360 degree forward rotation by forcing the rig forward while jumping in the air. The sailor flips upside down and around, landing upright.Also known as simply a Forward.
Spin Loop:	A flat-water Forward-Loop where you rotate more sideways (laterally) over your front shoulder (like a roll) so the mast stays more parallel to the water during the rotation and clears the water. Sometimes called a Speed-Loop.
1 Handed Forward Loop:	Performing a Forward-Loop with one hand. The sailor usually drops the front hand once the rotation starts.
Double Forward Loop:	Performing two rotations.
No Handed Forward Loop:	Performing a Forward-Loop with no hands.
Rail Grab Forward Loop:	Grabbing the tail or rail with a hand during a Forward-Loop.
Table Top Forward Loop:	A combination maneuver performed by throwing a table top, followed immediately by a Forward-Loop on the way down.
One Foot Forward Loop :	Pulling the front foot during a forward loop.
Clew 1st Forward Loop:	Performing the Forward-Loop clew first.
Back Loop :	An aerial maneuver performed by leaning back when jumping off a wave (or chop) and rotating 360 degrees backwards in mid air, landing upright in the same direction you started.
1 Foot Back Loop :	Pulling the front foot during a Back-Loop.
1 Hand Back Loop :	Letting go of the front-hand.
Clew 1st Back Loop :	Sailing into the loop clew-first.
Flat Water Back Loop :	Back Loop performed in chop or flat-water by pulling the front foot and dragging it in the water as a pivot while raising the booms above the head to facilitate the rotation. Pioneered by Mitch Gringrich.
Push Loop :	Backward rotation by throwing the head backwards and causing the sail to flip around.
1 Hand Push Loop :	Letting go of the backhand during a Push-Loop.