Tutorial: Spin Like the Pros

Introduction

The art of spinning in the air is all about physics and once you have a feel of it, you will be spinning in no time. Remember when you were a kid spinning on the tire swing and when you tucked in your legs or arms you spun faster? The same concept applys here.

Requirements

Make sure you have already feel comfortable when getting massive air. If you are still getting nervous while in mid air (flailing your arms), then keep practicing regular preload (explained later) jumping until you get used to it before attempting to spin. This is for your safety. I remember how weird and nervous I felt when I went off my first big jump, but it was quickly very exciting once I got my mind and body used to it and my mind trusts me that I will not hurt myself! Also, make sure you are able to clear the tabletop, that is land in the landing, the downslope after the tabletop. The down slope is what keeps you from hurting yourself, landing on top of the table top might get you in the emgency room because your downward fall is stopped too abrubtly

Testing

Before you try a spin off a particular jump, it is a good idea to go off the jump at the speed you are going to hit it at without spinning to check timing and height. This is to see if you can squeeze a 180, 360, 540, 720, etc. Landing sideways is not pretty unless you go straight into a hockey stop (that’s fun and possible you just have to really lean into it).

Practice

This idea might seem stupid and you might look stupid trying it but it helps; jump up and spin in place (at home or wherever without skiboards on) to practice spinning in the air. Remember that when you skiboard you have to lean forward slightly and that you carry extra weight ion you skiboards, boot, bindings and clothes. The direction that you spin is entirely up to you, clockwise or counter-clockwise. Whatever feels more comfortable to you, but being able to spin both ways is always a plus.

Approaching the Jump

• Preload by bending down (not too much, maybe a foot down) and winding the opposite way you are going to spin with your abs and arms out. You can preload and unload right before the tip really quickly, once you get good to get even more air.
  
• Right before you reach the tip (timing is key), move your upper body first by bringing your arms towards your body, unwinding in the way you want to spin and move your body up as you unload from your preload position. Look over your shoulder when you spin, this will keep you aligned and will keep you from going off axis. Finally, make sure you lean forward slightly since most jumps have an incline that tilts you backwards. Four movements at the same time. If you don’t lean forward this may happen. Seek to 1:38 of the video to see. Right Click and “Save Target As” if using IE or “Save Link As” if using Firefox. View Video. Also a nice 360 at 1:25.
• Once you leave the tip of the jump, move your lower body (hips) with your abs to continue to spin and slightly tuck in your legs (depending on your style or any grab you want to do). Tucking in your legs will keep you centered on you spin, preventing you from going off axis, you will also spin faster like this.
  
• At this point, be sure that you are not spnning out of control and that you are level to the ground to prepare for the landing. If you forget to lean forward, you may be falling back and might not make a pretty landing as you land on your back. Ouch!
  
• To prepare for the landing, spot your landing, untuck your arms and legs to slow down your rotation and orient yourself. Again, timing is key to make sure you end up facing the direction you want to land; forwards or fakie (backwards).
  
• Have your knees, slightly bent to absorb the shock. Landing with your knees straight and locked might very well cause injury and will send a jolt through your spine as your entire skeletal and muscular system is taking the shock. And don’t forget to clear the tabletop! If you don’t you might as well jump off a building with sneakers.
  
• Be glad that you are still in one piece.