Once you have unhooked raleys down, the raley to blind is the perfect progression for that first handlepass trick. It’s a simple 180 degree rotation and passing the bar once you land.
Progression Step 1: Unhooked Raley
Before progressing towards a raley to blind, you want to make sure you generate enough pop to complete the rotation. Focus on your kite position, keep your kite at 11 or 1 throughout the trick. If your timing is right, at the top of your raley you should feel the kite “slack” or drift downwind which will make it easier for you to get the handlepass. The key point to a good raley is using the board’s momentum to generate lift.
Raley to Blind: Key Points
The key point to this trick is the handlepass. You always want to maintain control to reduce the chance of injury. To increase control, practice learning when slightly underpowered.
One of the key points is the timing of when to go for the handlepass. Once you’re at the peak of your jump and as the kite slacks, initiate the rotation with your head. Here’s the key point for the handlepass: commit by tucking your chin and looking over your back shoulder. Make sure to continue to look over your back shoulder to spot your landing. If you’re riding regular (left foot forward), you’ll pass the bar with your left hand. If you’re riding goofy (right foot forward) then you’ll pass the bar with your right hand.