Stalled air 180 to...

[Surfdad]

So we got a new camera that takes like 9 frames per second unlimited number, which finally allowed me to snap this picture of James doing a stalled air 180 to backside switch revert 540. He's also taken that 540 out to a 900.

[Surfdad]

and the rest

[Gwyn]

VERY IMPRESSED !! I am still struggling with my 360 !! Its more like a stalled 270 with a faceplant !!
Got a nikon superzoom that takes 25 frames per second in sports mode, it uses HD video and converts to pictues, we are out this weekend so will try and get some pics of our epic failures !!

[Surfdad]

Thanks Gwyn! I know that 270 to faceplant, I perfected it from 90 to FP on!

25 frames per second?! That's amazing. This new camera is just a Canon Powershot. We've had trouble finding a simple camera that could keep up with the action shots. This one seemed to work great for us.

[jbort]

Amazing sequence and great Job for James. Cool camera too.

[Surfdad]

Thanks jbort! The trick is really difficult with the stall, because James is surfing that little board revert, so there is a weight transfer that keeps the fins mostly out, but still enough on the tail of the board to keep it going forward. James as 4.5" deep fins, and the inside one is mostly dragging in the water the whole time. You can see the initiation of the 5 after the stall is rather explosive because the tail has to be jammed into the water to stop the stall and start the rotation.

[Gwyn]

we had a few of us out this weekend, but have only got stock 900 ballast on my RZ4 so wake is not great for surfing, we need lots of bodies til i get extra ballast sorted, but actually managed a 360 on the rope !! Took the centre fin out of the board, was really twitchy but it worked !

[Surfdad]

Gwyn, may I give you my 2 cents on the ballast deal? When you are first learning the 3 you don't want a massive, steep wake (although enough to drop the rope ). Lots of folks think big and steep is better and the ONLY way to wakesurf...it's really sad the misinformation that is pumped out there. LONGER and less steep will be an aid when learning the 360. You just need enough ballast to keep the face clean, typically, but not always a washy face can grab your board and prevent the spin. While learning, set your wake up for length, clean face if needed and a mellow easy transition or as mellow as you can get.

Less steep helps prevent digging the nose as you come around. More length will help you if you are making the rotation but fading out the back. When the wake is tall and steep it makes the weight transfer from tail to nose imperative and for most of us, that's super hard to achieve while trying to learn how fast to start the 3, where to start the 3, what body position, etc.

Removing the trailer is weird isn't it? It really changes how the board reacts.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

[D&P Powell]

Surfdad,
I feel like you have given me GREAT news and TERRIBLE news in one quick post! The GREAT? My wife and I just bought a Canon Powershot two days ago to replace the 5 year old digital camera that took a crap. With those shots you have posted, Im excited to use ours. I feel confident in our purchase! TERRIBLE news? Dude, that just means every wipe I out I have - my wife will be posting it EVERYWHERE! LOL! DAMN IT! Knew I should have waited for the purchase!
D&P

[Gwyn]

surfdad, good advice thanks, last time I was trying the wake was very steep, so that probably helped this weekend, but it was a massive difference when the fin came off. I had to put it back on for the other guys with us who have only had 1 or 2 goes before and I wiped out a couple of times cutting back in to the wake and the board just sliding out from under me !!

Havent decided what to do with the ballast yet, want to be able to surf when there is only 2 or 3 of us out so will have to decide how best sort it.

Will get some pics on in a while, I am away for a few weeks back to the UK and the cold weather !!

[majestic]

Gwyn, may I give you my 2 cents on the ballast deal? When you are first learning the 3 you don't want a massive, steep wake (although enough to drop the rope ). Lots of folks think big and steep is better and the ONLY way to wakesurf...it's really sad the misinformation that is pumped out there. LONGER and less steep will be an aid when learning the 360. You just need enough ballast to keep the face clean, typically, but not always a washy face can grab your board and prevent the spin. While learning, set your wake up for length, clean face if needed and a mellow easy transition or as mellow as you can get.

Less steep helps prevent digging the nose as you come around. More length will help you if you are making the rotation but fading out the back. When the wake is tall and steep it makes the weight transfer from tail to nose imperative and for most of us, that's super hard to achieve while trying to learn how fast to start the 3, where to start the 3, what body position, etc.

Removing the trailer is weird isn't it? It really changes how the board reacts.

Good luck and keep us posted on your progress!

That's really good advice Surfdad! You see all the folks on the forums trying to build these massive steep wakes and wonder why they can't get the 360. I'm up to a 300 followed by face plant.

[Surfdad]

@ D&P - that's funny. I think you'll like the camera, it's good for the stuff we do on the boat. It's especially good for me because I just have no interest in learning more about camera's. Some folks love 'em, but I'm not one of those folks.

@ Gwyn, I hope you get that 3 nailed before you head back across the pond!

@ Majestic, thanks! I spent most of last year at that 300 to FP, I still revisit it these days too Are you going to be at the NWWSA contest with your boat? We are supposed to be out with the Inland folks, but they've not followed through before with us, so I am looking for a plan B on Thursday.

[majestic]

@ D&P - that's funny. I think you'll like the camera, it's good for the stuff we do on the boat. It's especially good for me because I just have no interest in learning more about camera's. Some folks love 'em, but I'm not one of those folks.

@ Gwyn, I hope you get that 3 nailed before you head back across the pond!

@ Majestic, thanks! I spent most of last year at that 300 to FP, I still revisit it these days too Are you going to be at the NWWSA contest with your boat? We are supposed to be out with the Inland folks, but they've not followed through before with us, so I am looking for a plan B on Thursday.

I will be at the contest all 3 days and my boat will he there for whoever wants to ride. Let me know if you don't get anything out of the Inland guys I could do a afternoon ride and would love to have you and the family.

[Surfdad]

Thanks Majestic! I'll PM you contact details.