Among the various maneuvers you can learn, the forward loop stands out as one of the most stylish and rewarding tricks. Technically it is an easy movement but usually to overcome the fear can be a challenge. There are plenty of reasons why every windsurfer should challenge themselves to learn the forward loop. Even the pros in freestyle and wave choose to perform a forward loop as it is considered as a stylish trick that can bring easy points in the competition. Here are five reasons why you should step out of your comfort zone and add this trick to your skill set.
1. It’s a Game-Changer for Your Windsurfing Skills
Mastering the forward loop opens the door to a whole new level of windsurfing. While learning basic skills like jibe, duck jibe or tacks can take you far, the forward loop is a progression that will push your skills to the next level. It’s a move that incorporates control, timing, and style. Once you nail the forward loop, it boosts your overall ability to read the wind, understand your board’s dynamics, and master the art of aerial maneuvers. You’ll feel more confident and capable on the water, and your connection to the board and sail will be stronger than ever.
2. Increases Your Confidence
There’s something incredibly satisfying about executing a forward loop. Whether you land the trick perfectly or even just complete part of it, each attempt builds your confidence. Overcoming the fear of spinning through the air and trusting your skills on the water will give you the mental resilience needed for other moves as well. The forward loop isn’t just about physical control, but mainly about mental toughness. Conquering it proves that you can overcome your fear.
3. Helps You Master Other Tricks
Once you can perform the forward loop, other carving, wave or freestyle maneuvers will seem less intimidating. Above all you will your improve sail and board handling. Which means your basic moves like jibe, tack, downwind 360 and other will become more consistent. On the other hand, many advanced tricks are variations or combinations of simpler moves like the forward loop. By mastering it, you’re essentially giving yourself a solid base to build on, making the progression toward more complex tricks much smoother and faster.
4. Any Rider Can Learn Forward Loop
The forward loop is one of the most impressive and iconic tricks in windsurfing. A full speed aerial spin that never fails to turn heads and earn respect on the water. What’s exciting is that you don’t need to be a pro to start learning it. As soon as you’re an intermediate rider with a solid water start and basic jumping ability, you can begin working on this move. While it looks advanced, the steps to learning the forward loop are surprisingly easy, and it’s a solid way to elevate your riding and stand out in any windsurfing session.
5. It’s Simply Fun
Above all, windsurfing is meant to be fun. And there’s no denying that executing a radical forward loop brings pure joy. The moment you get airborne and start spinning, you experience the freedom of flying above the water with nothing but the wind in your sail. This trick is possible to perform in any kind of conditions. As long as you get into planning you are ready to spice up the ride with some spins. Elevate your sessions and take on the forward loop challenge with your windsurfing friends!
Are you ready to start? Check out these tips from our rider Flo Jung in his video.
Which board is the best for looping?
We asked our Starboard rider Federico Morisio which board is the best to learn forward loop on:
“All three Starboard wave boards are great for looping. I would say the best board to start practicing forward loop is the Ultra. The Ultra is very fast board and great for jumping. But obviously also on the Kode and Hyper (in this order) it possible. As the Hyper is more towards pure waveriding, while the Kode is better for speed loops as it is a bump&jump board.”
Photo Credit: PWA/Starboard/Oda Johanne
