Hey, I was thinking about trying a backflip my next time out, but do not have a tower. I have been told by some people not to even attempt it without a tower, and some say go for it. Is it worth trying it without one, even if I get good air without one?

You can do anything without a tower... don't wait until you get one to start your progression. I landed a few tantrums yesterday without a tower and my first invert (backroll) was behind an outboard without a tower.

By a backflip, I think you mean a tantrum. For sure, go ahead and try one. It's not a difficult trick, and you really don't need that much air to get the board under you. Plus, it's not a trick where you're really going to eat <font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font><font color="ff0000">•</font> you don't stick it, so just throw it. <BR> <BR>It might help to put a little extra weight in the boat, and make sure you throw it late, or else you'll get tripped in the trough (flip too fast with little or no air).

Should I slow the boat down to learn that, or keep it regular speed?

keep the speed normal -- you need the wake to be firm. going slower usually means washed out wake, no trip.