THE FIRST FREERIDE GYBE GIVING YOURSELF THE BEST CHANCE

In the first of a two parter, Harty proposes the kit, conditions and general knowledge that are most likely to bring early gybing success and consistency.

- Peter Hart

Sean stormed in with a level of speed and energy that quite frankly made the Duracell Bunny look something of a sedentary slob. He then leant into his 50th carve gybe attempt of the day, which sadly ended like the other 49, in a violent explosion.

Sean wasn't on a course. Generally I don't like to step in all-knowing and offer advice when it's not invited - but for his own well-being I felt I had to point out, given his weight, the conditions and his choice of kit, that what he was attempting was virtually impossible. More about Sean later.

IT'S ALL IN THE PLANNING

We often talk these days about the problem of information overload approaching a move with so many tips (thank you YouTube) swirling around in the cerebellum that we get brain freeze, try to take charge of our bodies and hence move like a sloth stuck in quick-setting cement.

What we talk about less with regards to the good old gybe, is information underload.

During the move itself, indeed you want a clear head and to be thinking less and feeling more. But in the lead up to those attempts, chances of success increase hugely if you've done a little research and understand the mechanics of how, for example, a board turns when on and off the plane.

How the design and size of the kit influence your approach and possibilities; and how much wind, power and speed are ideal for a happy outcome. With that theoretical foundation you can figure out basic problems like:

• Why sometimes does the board not turn when you apply foot pressure?

• Why does it turn a little way and then trip and stall mid arc?

• Why can't you can't control the power?

• And why, on some occasions... as with Sean above, are you truly flogging a dead horse.

GYBING MECHANICS