Some grab

Oasis137 · Addict Joined: 21 Aug 2005 Posts: 687 City: J-Town

First I dont know the name of this grab but its with my left hand beind my left binding on a heelside w2w (regular).

I was out today and trying a few new grabs and I tried to do this one and I got the grab but as I was landing I got pulled forward and faceplanted. I know its because I'm not used to landing with the rope only in my right hand so I must have got off center for a usual landing. Im asking for any tips to keep myself straightened out in the air. for ex - am i supposed to pull the rope to give my self some slack so I can relax on the landing?

Thanks in advance.

Stewie · Posted: Sep 03, 2007 6:42 pm Post subject:

it's called a melon, and you should just be sure to keep the handle in the same spot you would as a regular wake jump. Personally, i learned melon 180's first, because the 180 happens naturally when you let go with that hand, and that gave me more handle control, and taught me what not to do if i wanted to keep the board straight.

Rocket · Outlaw Joined: 11 Jun 2004 Posts: 127

When approaching the wake have your knees very bent, this shoudl make it easier to get the same pop without having to straighten your legs all the way out. Then bend your knees and bring the board up to you, do not bend in the middle down to your board. This sounds like what is happening.

Taking off with your knees more bentwill make it easier to bring the board up to you.

Try and keep the handle around your hip height.

I hope this helps.

howabouttheiris · Addict Joined: 16 Jun 2005 Posts: 677 City: Austin, TX

My 2c...

- Use a less agressive cut and a slight pushoff at the wake to reduce line tension.

- Keep you head up. Do not ball up to get the grab. Bring the board up, do not bring your arms/shoulders/head down to the board.

- To start grabs , I recommend using your right hand behind your right binding. (indy) This is less likely to pull you 90 and land on your face.

- To learn melon. Practice just doing w2w jumps and letting go with your left hand. Do not bother with the grab until you can do it without getting untwisted at all.

Oasis137 · Addict Joined: 21 Aug 2005 Posts: 687 City: J-Town

Stewie, I thought about just going to the melon to late 180 but I ran out of time to board so that went down the drain. But I guess I should practice with letting go with my left hand and keeping my body control with only the right hand on the handle. Ill give it a try next time out.

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

Make sure to keep the handle low when it's in your back hand. Also it helps to keep the handle centered closer to your lead hip (left hip for you). This will help you from being pulled half-way 180 and faceplanting. It is a little tricky at first but it just takes practice.