JUMPING WITH CONFIDENCE

Becoming an airtime expert is within reach of everyone; you just need the right position and timing

- Andy Barlow

Learning how to jump is usually top of every mountain bikers wish-list of skills. Not only does it look cool, but it feels amazing - when it goes well!

Over the next few months we're going to look at different ways of controlling jumps and when to deploy each technique to achieve a different outcome. By having a better understanding of what you're trying to achieve in each case, you can practise the relevant skills that will allow the bigger, scarier bits to fall into place. Sound good? Read on to discover how practising easier, more accessible techniques will unlock better jumping.

The three main skills we'll look at in each issue will be: how to jump with confidence, how to absorb the jump in order to stay low, and how to boost the jump to create more height and distance. We'll break each of these skills down into an initial foundational level that will allow you to unlock the second part - the main jumping technique then we'll look at how mastering that technique will apply to the trail.

THE COACH

ANDY BARLOW

Before joining Dirt School Andy liked to win things - races like the Scottish XC Champs and the Scottish Downhill Champs. Since 2009, though, he's coached some of the world's best riders with Dirt School and helped bring on the BASE MTB course at Borders College in the Tweed Valley. But what Andy really likes to do is communicate those pro techniques to everyday riders.

JUMPING WITH CONFIDENCE