Video:
Heelside Back Roll - AVI File (808k)
Heelside Back Roll - Quicktime File (2,650k)

Pre-Requisites: Before attempting the heelside back roll, you must have already established a progressive edge through the wake. In other words, you must be able to start your cut off slowly and accelerate through the very top of the wake without leaving your edge. It also helps to be able to land wake jumps out in the flats. This is mainly because you won't be able to find the 2nd wake perfectly every time while learning this trick. A lot of times you'll end up landing in the trough (the area just outside the second wake), so you have to be able to land consistently no matter where you end up.

How To: Start by cutting out about 15 feet. If you require a longer cut than 15 feet to do the trick, then your progressive edging still needs some work. You can improve in this area by working on shorter approaches to your wake jumps while concentrating on a nice progressive edge.

Once you get it down, edge into the wake progressively. Start your carve towards the wake slowly and build speed as you approach the wake. You should take off for this trick at the very top of the wake. This is very important for getting the pop that you will need.

Be sure to keep both hands on the handle. The handle needs to be close to your chest, but not so close that it feels awkward. Keep in mind that the further the handle is from your body, the slower you will rotate.

When you release the board off of the top of the wake, let your board float behind you. The nose of your board should lead the rotation. Don't release the board straight behind you or it will make you flip, and don't release the board perfectly in the direction you are going or it will make you do a somersault. You should release the board right in between, so that the board floats behind you, but also in the direction that you are moving (see video).

When you're about three quarters of the way through the rotation, look over your lead shoulder and spot the landing. At this point you can let go of the handle with your back hand if you want, but I would recommend that beginners try to land the trick with both hands on the handle. Don't forget to absorb the shock of the landing just like you would a wake jump out into the flats.

Pro Tips:

• This trick is much easier if you can perfect your cut and pop to where you land the trick perfectly down the opposite side of the wake.
• I didn't land my first back roll until I realized that my hands were too far from my body, which made landings awkward.
• If you don't follow these steps you are going to pay. Learn it the correct way and save yourself the agony of re-learning it in the future.

Video Rider: Trevor Hansen
Trevor is a coach at the World Wakeboard Center in Groveland, Florida. Trevor will be riding on the Pro Tour this upcoming year after a successful 2000 season in the Juniors division where he won both Worlds and the US Open. Trevor is sponsored by Hyperlite, Legend, WWC, and Performance Ski and Surf.

Author: Mike McLin
Mike is sponsored by Neptune, Malibu, Reef, Rainbow, and Performance Ski and Surf.

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