Any tips for riding blind?

Chocoholic · Soul Rider Joined: 21 Feb 2009 Posts: 363 City: Dubai

Ok, so not a trick, but any tips advice on getting the hang of riding blind?

I'm practicing outside the wake, going out toeside and doing my surface 360's starting with a blind handle pass. But I think I'm a little wimpy in the upper body strength department and very often the guys in the boat are falling about laughing as all you can see is my little fingers desperately grasping for the handle, whilst contorting my upper body in all sorts of positions to get the strtch I need. I really find it difficult to hold it in position.

Any advice on how to make this easier?

STANG KILLA SS · Posted: Oct 04, 2009 12:19 pm Post subject:

what do you mean "riding blind" do you mean switch?
usually you just land blind if im not mistaken?

what trick are you trying? a BS surface 360?

Chocoholic · Soul Rider Joined: 21 Feb 2009 Posts: 363 City: Dubai

Riding blind would basically mean edging out and holding the handle behind you instead of infront. So technically you can face away from the boat, instead of looking ahead. You edge out blind and then go into the rotation for surface 360.

Maybe I just need to stretch more.

Medina · Posted: Oct 04, 2009 11:59 pm Post subject:

holdsworth · Posted: Oct 05, 2009 5:12 am Post subject:

Reach around with your back arm as far forward as you can while holding it to your body. At your front hip is the best spot to keep the handle. Push your front hip into your arm to sort of "twist" your body to keep from getting pulled back around. With this, try to stay straight with the board (keep from edging in/out) by pushing your back foot out towards the shore and your front foot more underneath you. Sound a little confusing but that's what I do whenever I ride blind and it became natural. I've been working on keeping straight on the wakeskate by doing this (without fins) and I'm doing pretty good at it...

Chocoholic · Soul Rider Joined: 21 Feb 2009 Posts: 363 City: Dubai

Thanks Holdsworth. Stretching it is then - lol

Riddick · Outlaw Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 212 City: Knoxville

also, maybe try lookin back to the shore, and not up at the boat

GnarShredd · Posted: Oct 23, 2009 7:54 am Post subject:

Riddick · Outlaw Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 212 City: Knoxville

it should.. its hard to explain when not in person... but its how i learned ollie bs 180s w2w bs 1s, and crow mobe. pretty much any trick landing wrapped.

If your regular, think of having your chin at your left shoulder (looking in that general area) before, during, and after your backside 180.

Chocoholic · Soul Rider Joined: 21 Feb 2009 Posts: 363 City: Dubai

I'm a goofy rider - lol

Wel I've kinda put that on the backburner at the moment, getting my butt kicked learning all the 180's at the moment.

toothpick · Posted: Oct 24, 2009 4:10 am Post subject:

The key thing is twisting your upper body in relation to your lower body. Think of trying to touch your back knee with your lead shoulder. That will get your chest more level to the water while your hips are still in line with the board.

The easiest way to grab the handle is to use your body to get the handle on your hips instead of using your arm. If you bend your waist to 90 degrees and your arm is straight going down your back, see where your hand is now? On your hips! With that twist, the handle will be right there for you to grab with your other hand. And yes, keep your eyes up on the shore. That will help you stay balanced.

Riddick · Outlaw Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Posts: 212 City: Knoxville

Chocoholic, ok. then chin on/ near right shoulder all the way through the trick

AGrayEngineering · Newbie Joined: 18 Sep 2009 Posts: 17 City: Monson

Get a really good seeing eye dog.... (Sorry I had to)

joramhadden · Newbie Joined: 06 Jun 2010 Posts: 11

keep it short and simple the key to landing blind on your toes (i.e hs bs 180) is to look down and back and keep the handle close, landing blind on your heels (i.e ts bs 180) look back up at the wake or back up at the boat. landing blind is 90% where your LOOKING before you land!!!!!