Hello, <BR> <BR>When doing a Tantrum, do you watch where you are going all the way up the wake, and then throw your head back when in the air? <BR> <BR>I have been trying to do a Tantrum all summer, and have been inconsistent with my launch off the wake. For each run (approx 6-8 Tantrum attempts), I jump too early about 50% of the time. I cut out wide, make an aggressive cut, flatten out before the wake, square my shoulders with the wake, and then let go with my back hand. At this point I am at the base of the wake. This is where things get “fuzzy”. <BR> <BR>Am I supposed to keep looking over my lead shoulder so that I know when to stand tall? I have a feeling that my problem is I turn my head before I launch off the wake, therefore I have to guess when to stand tall, and guess wrong half the time. <BR> <BR>Opinions are greatly appreciated… <BR> <BR>Thanks.

I use to have the same problem. I was cutting back way too early at the wake and not getting any pop. You want to wait until the very top of the wake to cut back. I know it feels like you will be waiting too long but trust me. Once you cut back at the top of the wake and not too early you will feel the difference. The pop is much more explosive. I cut in and look back once I am in the air. This trick is all about the edge and not about throwing a back flip. Just keep your eyes on the tip top of the wake and wait until the last second. Square up and hold on. Also keep the handle in a little closer to your body.

When you say "cut back" you mean the whole process of flattening out, squaring my shoulders, and letting go with the back hand? <BR> <BR>Also is it possible to practice this process without doing the backflip? Cutting back and jump the wake?

Mark, <BR> <BR>There is no real great way to try this out without committing to the trick. Heres the deal. If you can take a hard cut at the wake and still get good pop, that is all you need. The tantrum should feel the exact same. You need to cut hard and where you usually stand tall to jump, you will stand tall and square up. That is the only difference really. Stand tall and change your edge, it will be the exact same spot. Then hold the rope in at your lead hip and look up not back. I have seen people get hurt by throwing their head too far back.

Thanks for the advice so far. Both responses have been really helpful. <BR> <BR>Here is a video of my "average" attempt. <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNIOA4J9OJs" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNIOA4J9OJs</a> <BR> <BR>I'm not clearing the wake, but know it is because I am flattening out too early. My goal was to land one, then try and go bigger. I also watched "The Book" video, and they talk about a tuck type tantrum (which is what I think I am doing), and spotting your landing early. Honestly everything from the bottom of the wake is just a blur. <BR> <BR>But after looking at my video, and hearing what you guys are saying, I need to square up later than what I'm doing now.

well first off you need to build a stronger edge toward the wake, bend your knees a bit more, like youre sitting in a chair almost. second dont let go of the handle til like the bottom of the wake, if not a little later. and like im sure you have heard numerous times, wait for the pop, its easier said than done, but once you learn to do that, it becomes a cakewalk. and keep your eyes open too

Mike's on it. if you time it right you wont have to even look up or back. the trip at the top of the wake will put you into the flip.