Back roll for dummies

Ok, I am working on my heel side back roll and having some trouble. I've been reading the posts and getting lost in the info. Some say to start the rotation pull the handle past your lead hip, some say its done by throwing your head over your lead shoulder, others say the rotation just happens and some say don't "throw" the trick at all. The only thing I am positive on is the progressive edge. After that point I get lost and my back roll ends up a botched HS BS 360 (not all bad but not what I was trying). So what exactly is going to start the rotation? Do I try to start the rotation as I am leaving the wake or once I am in the air? Any help would be appreciated.

It's sort of a combination of both, but at the same time not. You want to let the board initiate the roll for you as you ride up the wake, but you want to wait till you leave the wake to throw the trick. Did that clarify anything for you?

(Message edited by canaday on August 29, 2003)

Kind of uh not really How do I let the board initiate the roll?

as you get to the top of the wake, put your right ear on your right shoulder (if you are a left foot forward rider) and keep the handle tight to your hips. As you get a feel for being inverted, you will feel more comfortable with the board initiating the roll for you as you ride up the wake.

(((this coming from someone who still can't stick the landing)))

Look over your lead shoulder and throw your head back to initiate the roll.

Ok this is starting to make sense, thanks guys gonna go try it tonight!

Gareth,
I think your talking about something else.

gareth,

throw your head back?????????????

I've been turning my head looking over my lead shoulder and tilting down like I'm trying to put my chin in my arm pit. Is this correct?

When I throw it, I hit the wake a little more square (progressive edge obviously), stand tall and right at the end of the wake I give a slight upward motion to my left shoulder (reg. foot). Kinda like your shrugging one shoulder. This starts the rotation and I keep my knees bent slightly. The handle should be wherever it needs to be to make the rotation. Faster into your waist, slower away from the body. Land 2-3 past the wake on the opp. side other wise if you don't add weight to the back foot at landing you'll catch your tail on the back side of the wake and nose dive causing a wicked whiplash. Hope this helps.

A bit late but what I said was wrong.....I don't know where throw your head back came from!! Look over your lead shoulder and throw your head and your whole body should start to rotate.