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Tech Talk: Hang Time with Dale Cook

When I  go for a jumping session I make sure I choose the right gear. My ideal jumping setup is my 4.2 Hucker with my Roberts custom slalom jumping board. Being overpowered makes jumping easier, so I rig big.

The first rule of jumping high is you have to go fast. To go fast you have to be comfortable and in control.

Once I'm in the water I spot a ramp as far out as I can. I look for a big white water breaking towards me, knowing that the wave behind it will be a good steep ramp. The ramp shouldn't be too far upwind of me, because going upwind kills speed. A steep ramp is better than a big round ramp.

As I enter the trough before the ramp I press the board into the water, building up energy to release at the apex of the ramp. This gives me extra boost. Ideally I'm taking-off of the ramp a millisecond before it breaks to white water.
Once in the air I tuck the board up under me and point my toes to expose the windward rail and bottom of the board to the wind. This helps me increase distance.

I constantly trim the sail during my jump to make the most of the wind.  I bear off a bit in the air, and look way out ahead for my landing.

If I'm sheeting in the sail properly my jump will feel foaty, and my landing will be soft. I open up my stance a bit for the landing and extend my back leg to come down tail first.

To summarize keep these tips in mind:
  • Maximum speed
  • Dig into the trough
  • Sheet in hard on the sail and bear off in the air