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 Raleys. Click the link if you’re working on perfecting your unhooked raleys. 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.
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 so raley a couple feet off the water. 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: keep the elbow of the hand you pass the bar with bent in and as you rotate pull the bar towards your front hip. When you land, break your wrist and pass the bar. If you’re riding regular, you’ll pass the bar with your left hand. If you’re riding goofy then you’ll pass the bar with your right hand.
**** Always remember to keep your kite parked at 11 or 1 when doing an unhooked trick. Kite control comes first, as soon as you feel you’ve lost kite control, let go of the bar. Letting go of the bar will help prevent injury and will keep you on track with your progression.
Start off small then get bigger. Focus on the handlepass and creating good habits. Remember to really pull that bar in towards your hip!
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