Get the Flash Player to see this player.

Whereas in the ’80s and ’90s inverts, el rollos and flips were thrown about almost recklessly, there has definitely been a shift in the tides as bodyboarding has been taken to heavier and greater plateaus. The air reverse has fast become the move of the new millennium. That’s not to say there’s anything basic or mundane about this particular move, not in the slightest. Rather, they’ve become a yardstick by which high-grade bodyboarding is measured.

Lofty air spins are pure class. Ripping through one of these out at your local rip-bowl is a sure-fire way to get your mates and the local lads talkin’. However, as a prerequisite it’s probably ideal that you can spin it up on the wave before cementing your stats as “Air Jordan”. Air forwards, probably more than any other moves, require serious speed.

The most important thing you need to know about any good DK snap, is that you need all the speed you can get, but at the same time, you want it to be controllable.

OK gromlets, backside DK is something I love to do, and especially powerful backside turns. But what you have to do first is understand the wave and where you’re at on it, and learn to adjust your speed through the use of the bottom hand turn. This is very important.

In keeping with our revitalisation and re-stoking of the Jack Stance in you youngsters, we’re going to show you the path to dropknee enlightenment. That’s right, we’re tutoring the martial art of chucking buckets from the back foot. Could there possibly be anything cooler? We’ve come to the general consensus that no, there is nothing cooler. Throw tail or die! According to Sensei Matt Lackey, throwing a good DK snap comes down to two essential elements: speed and control. And let’s face it, Lackey’s got more speed and control than Chuck Norris (Note: Riptide recognises Chuck Norris jokes are gay). We’re gonna hastily presume you guys have got the basics of actually “getting up” in your book of tricks, so let’s get down to business.

The ARS (air, roll, spin) was conceived by aerial maestro Michael “Eppo” Eppelstun back in ’93 and spawned from Ben Holland’s twisted air reverses. It’s really a genius combination of moves, but as a whole it’s pretty difficult to complete stylishly. However, Riptide’s got the perfected formula down pat, so hopefully with our help you’ll be sticking Eppo’s timeless move in no time!
Riptide Magazine is a bi-monthly publication based in Australia that has been bringing bodyboarding to the world for the past 20 years. If you’re a bodyboarder, chances are Riptide is just like you; motivated by the ocean, inspired by creative arts like photography, design and music, and living always for travel and fresh experiences. Come ride with us and subscribe HERE.
© 2009 Riptide Magazine | Competitions Terms and Conditions | Privacy | Contact | Subscribe | Rules of this Site