Here’s another step-by-step breakdown from the Best Kiteboarding video gallery. Andy Hurdman shows you how to do a Front Roll with four simple rules (click here to watch the video).
Four Rules to the Front Roll
1. Kite Position
Keep your kite at 45-60 degrees with good edge control. This will help initiate your pop and get you off the water to finish your rotation.
2. Take Off
To get good pop off the water, slightly bear downwind to get more board speed, then edge hard against the kite, pointing your board up wind. Pop out by throwing your head and shoulders forward, looking over the nose of your board. This will start a forward rotation. The key is to get a good pop and edge.
3. Body Position
Once you get good pop, turn your head and look toward your back shoulders as you leave the water, then bring in your legs to help your rotation. To help start the front roll, lead with your head and lean forward as you leave the water. As you leave the water, crunch your legs in. Tuck your legs, turn your head, and your body will follow.
4. Landing
Since you started your rotation by watching your back shoulder, you are able to spot your landing as you get half way through rotation. Spot your landing as you come around. Bring out your legs to slow your rotation and land smoothly. Keep your head turned until you finish your rotation, which will allow you spot your landing. If your rotating too fast, open your legs to slow your rotation and land smoothly.
Special Tip: Having trouble rotating? Taking off your lead hand will sometimes help finish your rotation.
When it comes to a trick like the front roll, any Best kiteboarding kite will work just fine. For ultimate pop, check out the Cabrinha Custom Kiteboard.
