Video:
Whirlybird - Quicktime Video (342 kb)
Whirlybird - Windows Video (119 kb)

Pre-Requisites: Before you attempt a whirlybird, you need to have a solid wake-to-wake tantrum. It needs to be pretty lofty, but still wake-to-wake. Don't try to learn this trick into the flats at first because you could wrench your ankles. Save that for after you learn it wake-to-wake. Also, having a wake-to-wake heelside backside 360 wouldn't hurt. This will give you a better idea for spotting your landing when comming out of the spin.

How To: You want to treat a whirlybird like a tantrum, so cut out about 20 feet or so outside the wake. Start your controlled, but hard cut into the wake. Think of it as a tantrum and take your back hand off the handle. Flatten off, then, when you get to the wake, start to square your shoulders up, making them almost parallel with the wake. Make sure all this is done at the top of the wake. If you take off too early, you get no loft and usually end up landing on your toes and twisting your ankles.

After take off, do as you normlly would with a tantrum. Clinch the rope tight in your lead hand, throw your body up and back starting your back flip. Once the back flip (tantrum) rotation starts, you want to turn your head and shoulders in the backside or blind direction (away from the boat), which will start the spin. Throw your lead arm over your head. You'll open up just like coming out of a tantrum. It might take a little bit longer to see the water. When you do spot your landing, pull the rope towards your lead hip and bend your knees.

Pro Tips: Just like on a tantrum, you should learn this trick on the trampoline first. I won't teach people this trick unless they can already do it on the trampoline. It makes it so much easier when you take it to the water

If you're getting close, but sometimes you feel like you're spinning too slow or you're not quite getting it all the way around, try looking down the rope line after starting your flip and throwing your head and shoulders backside. It's scary at first and it seems dumb, but it reallly works. It will make you spin around a little quicker.

Don't forget to spot the landing. Don't get stuck concentrating on looking down the line. Remember to land so nobody gets hurt trying this behind the boat. Be careful and always have fun with it.

Joey Arcisz is sponsored by CWB, Loud Liquid, Buxton Marine, Fox Racing, Rainbow Fins and Newt Juice.

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