The backroll transition is a beginner/ intermediate level trick that’s fun to do and can be styled with a variety of grabs. Before attempting this trick, make sure you can do backrolls.
Prerequisites
- Jump transitions
- Backrolls
Backroll Transition
Timing is key with the backroll transition, you want to be able to do a vertical jump without traveling too far downwind. For a vertical jump, practice jumping by edging real hard, sending the kite to 12 and sheeting in. You don’t need to ride fast, but the timing is critical between the 3 steps. Once you have a vertical jump down then you will be able to do jump transitions.
Two things to focus on before committing to this trick, completing the backroll rotation and keeping the kite balanced at 12 through the rotation. Go into the backroll transition like you would for a normal backroll. As you pop off the water your kite should already be at 12. Sheet in slightly as you release from the water and continue looking over your front shoulder. As you feel your body come around slowly direct the kite down from 12 in the direction you want to go. If you were going left and are transitioning to the right then you want to pull down on the right side of the bar, if you were going right then you want to pull on the left side of the bar.
Two little tricks, initiate the rotation with your head and shoulders, and keeping your hands close together will give you better kite control.
