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Urban Style Rail Take Off / Getting On Help

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The.Fish
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So here is the problem, when I hit urban style down rails, i get scared that I will clip my tips or not get on the rail properly so I actually pop really high on purpose so I don't get hung up on the rail. The problem is that I can only do this when the kicker is poppy and I land like a boner on the rail. Any advice to fix that. Another backround detail. My first attempt at this style rail I broke my wrist at the beginning of the season last year so I will link that video for reference. https://youtu.be/xRB813QSToE
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/853738/Down-rail-help
8 years ago
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The.Fish
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I can slide ride on rails perfectly fine for more background information.
8 years ago
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
On the second video it didn't look like you committed. Your skis were like 45-60 degrees tops you need to fully commit and be perpendicular to the rail.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
MGKOn the second video it didn't look like you committed. Your skis were like 45-60 degrees tops you need to fully commit and be perpendicular to the rail.


That is probably because I clipped my right tip the previous hit and slammed my knee into the rail. Not a fun time.
8 years ago
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fries
Posts: 2979 - Karma: 7,527
The first video wasn't bad. You sort of stepped onto the rail, but that wasn't the reason you fell. From what it looks like, you just caught your edge. Still though it that you broke your wrist. I've had a fall just like that before but I got lucky

You just gotta ease into it and try to get past the mental barrier. Logically speaking, if you are going up (off a jump) and the rail is going down (down rail) then it doesn't even make sense how you would clip your tips.

Urban is sketchy at times especially when the rail is super high but as long as you commit and use proper form you should be ok.

Make sure that when you pop, your skis are parallel to the rail
8 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
J_SThe first video wasn't bad. You sort of stepped onto the rail, but that wasn't the reason you fell. From what it looks like, you just caught your edge. Still though it that you broke your wrist. I've had a fall just like that before but I got lucky

You just gotta ease into it and try to get past the mental barrier. Logically speaking, if you are going up (off a jump) and the rail is going down (down rail) then it doesn't even make sense how you would clip your tips.

Urban is sketchy at times especially when the rail is super high but as long as you commit and use proper form you should be ok.

Make sure that when you pop, your skis are parallel to the rail


If you watch my right ski, it goes down on the take off initially. I added a lot more speed the time I filmed it and popped higher.
8 years ago
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casual
Posts: 6712 - Karma: 6,753
The.FishThat is probably because I clipped my right tip the previous hit and slammed my knee into the rail. Not a fun time.


Dude you're making excuses. The feedback dude provided was exactly right. You didn't square your body to be perpendicular with the rail you basically zeeched it. You will screw up and fall occasionally, that's just part of it.

I honestly think it looks like you're not very comfortable on your skis in general. My advice is to just do it. You barely need to pop for a rail that low. Look further down the rail, come on at slightly more of an angle and land further down the feature where it'll be lower relative to the lip. You're way over thinking this. Pretty much all of this shit amounts to balls to try, commitment, failure, and adjusting your approach based on exactly how you fell. There's no magic arrow. Hit ride on features from an angle as if it thy are urban on and slightly exaggerate your pop on from the side instead of just riding on and that'll help you mentally.

I still think though that this shit will come easier to you as you get better at skiing overall. Just keep doing it over and over.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
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casualDude you're making excuses. The feedback dude provided was exactly right. You didn't square your body to be perpendicular with the rail you basically zeeched it. You will screw up and fall occasionally, that's just part of it.

I honestly think it looks like you're not very comfortable on your skis in general. My advice is to just do it. You barely need to pop for a rail that low. Look further down the rail, come on at slightly more of an angle and land further down the feature where it'll be lower relative to the lip. You're way over thinking this. Pretty much all of this shit amounts to balls to try, commitment, failure, and adjusting your approach based on exactly how you fell. There's no magic arrow. Hit ride on features from an angle as if it thy are urban on and slightly exaggerate your pop on from the side instead of just riding on and that'll help you mentally.

I still think though that this shit will come easier to you as you get better at skiing overall. Just keep doing it over and over.


I meant that I over popped because the previous hit I slammed my knee cause one of my skis made it over but the other didn't. In my mind, more pop means more height which means the skis can make it over. I understand that it is mostly balls, but I just don't want to go into something wishing I had more advice that could have helped. Its like learning rails for the first time, you know that you need to balance evenly and stuff but for beginners there are some tips that help you not slip out by leaning forward more than you think and looking at the end of the rail. I will come back monday with more film if our park even has a rail up because we just got like 2 inches of rain.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
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I am only saying I will have footage by monday because it will force me to try it on a longer rail.
8 years ago
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BigBobo
Posts: 121 - Karma: 80
all you have to do is commit and hit it almost exactly like any normal rail. I started by taking a normal rail I was comfortable with and popping on from the side. once you get that down you can take it to an urban handrail or something. lip and urban ons are essential rail tricks so, I would just hit it and throw a quad.
8 years ago
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aiden516
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You just need to commit more. On the first vid it looked like you were leaning too far forward and just caught your edge
8 years ago
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The.Fish
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aiden516You just need to commit more. On the first vid it looked like you were leaning too far forward and just caught your edge


That was my first ever down rail so I adjusted too far down because I had some giant fear of slippig out. I also my 2nd rail i had ever hit.
8 years ago
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
The.FishThat was my first ever down rail so I adjusted too far down because I had some giant fear of slippig out. I also my 2nd rail i had ever hit.


One thing you could try that helped me was after fully committing hop off the rail early if you are scared of falling. Once you get used to getting on try and slide the whole rail.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
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MGKOne thing you could try that helped me was after fully committing hop off the rail early if you are scared of falling. Once you get used to getting on try and slide the whole rail.

Im just gonna assume I will take a couple big falls at first and that it will feel awkward. I will try it tomorrow unless my resort destroyed the park after the rain.
8 years ago
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
The.FishIm just gonna assume I will take a couple big falls at first and that it will feel awkward. I will try it tomorrow unless my resort destroyed the park after the rain.


Falling is part of the sport. If you aren't falling you aren't getting better. Also the rail is like 1ft off the ground max so even if you do fall it shouldn't hurt too bad.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
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MGKFalling is part of the sport. If you aren't falling you aren't getting better. Also the rail is like 1ft off the ground max so even if you do fall it shouldn't hurt too bad.


Well both rails are out and the one i fell on I broke my wrist so yes, it does hurt bad.
8 years ago
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TroyAntipasta
Posts: 444 - Karma: 535
The.FishWell both rails are out and the one i fell on I broke my wrist so yes, it does hurt bad.


Just trying to help man... if you don't wanna get hurt try a new sport. Also don't break falls with your arms that's why you broke your wrist. There is a thread on here about learning how to properly fall.
8 years ago
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BigBobo
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MGKJust trying to help man... if you don't wanna get hurt try a new sport. Also don't break falls with your arms that's why you broke your wrist. There is a thread on here about learning how to properly fall.


I totally agree, If you really want to get into park skiing mind set and committing to tricks are two of the main things you have to learn to do. It will be scary at first but, if you go into the rail saying "man this rail is some pussy shit, i have done this a million times before" you probably wont fall. and if you do I assure you it wont hurt as bad if you go into the rail scared. Just get up and keep trying.
8 years ago
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Mingg
Posts: 14049 - Karma: 50,976
brekkenbozziI totally agree, If you really want to get into park skiing mind set and committing to tricks are two of the main things you have to learn to do. It will be scary at first but, if you go into the rail saying "man this rail is some pussy shit, i have done this a million times before" you probably wont fall. and if you do I assure you it wont hurt as bad if you go into the rail scared. Just get up and keep trying.


Truuu and to add to this, some of the best advice I've ever gotten about skiing was "Stop thinking about what might happen and think about how sick it'll be when you stomp it" (Wise words from Tweak).

Being more relaxed helps a lot. If you look uncomfortable on a rail, you probably feel uncomfortable too. Just chillin out helps you to ski a lot smoother and you'll feel more confident trying new features and tricks!
8 years ago
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SammyDubz
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The.FishWell both rails are out and the one i fell on I broke my wrist so yes, it does hurt bad.


Do you pee sitting down
8 years ago
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JichelMusten
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Jump further down the rail so you don't have to pop so much, and stop making excuses
8 years ago
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aiden516
Posts: 146 - Karma: 859
A big thing for me getting comfortable on rails was building some in my backyard if you're able to do that. It allows you to completely customize the rail to your own comfort level
8 years ago
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BigBobo
Posts: 121 - Karma: 80
i have some pvc rails, they help alot when you are first getting down swaps and 270's on and off but after that you kinda have to hit the park. unless you have a huge hill in your yard (i dont unfortunately).
8 years ago
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Shoey-Ski
Posts: 1649 - Karma: 6,199
On the first clip it looks like you step up , that's okay but it's a really bad habit to get into try focussing on a solid pop, look at the end of the rail, and also try to get a little more sideways , the second club looks better , it's honestly all about practice eventually it will click in your head and you will get it
8 years ago
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Shoey-Ski
Posts: 1649 - Karma: 6,199
On the first clip it looks like you step up , that's okay but it's a really bad habit to get into try focussing on a solid pop, look at the end of the rail, and also try to get a little more sideways , the second club looks better , it's honestly all about practice eventually it will click in your head and you will get it
8 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
Okay im heading to the hill tonight and tomorrow since the rain blew by so hopefully they have something that isnt insane setup. Ill come back with footy hopefully.
8 years ago
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yungsteeze
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try to be more relaxed and just go with the flow when getting on the rail. sliding rails is way easier if you aren't all tense. make sure your weight is evenly distributed and that you're perpendicular and looking at the end of the rail.
8 years ago
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LAME.
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Dude, you're skiing like a boner. When you are rolling into a feature make an extra effort to exert pressure into the tongues of your boot. this will help you bend your knees which in turn will help with pop. Also forward pressure in your boot will keep you on the balls of your feet, and help with power transfer in your skis, which again will make you a stronger skier and ultimately help with rails.

Every so often get out of the park, and just do some soul turns. Once you are comfortable on your skis, you'll feel like they are almost an attachment of your body, and you will not even need to think about getting the tips over.
8 years ago
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Park.
Posts: 2480 - Karma: 4,587
LUPTONDude, you're skiing like a boner. When you are rolling into a feature make an extra effort to exert pressure into the tongues of your boot. this will help you bend your knees which in turn will help with pop. Also forward pressure in your boot will keep you on the balls of your feet, and help with power transfer in your skis, which again will make you a stronger skier and ultimately help with rails.

Every so often get out of the park, and just do some soul turns. Once you are comfortable on your skis, you'll feel like they are almost an attachment of your body, and you will not even need to think about getting the tips over.


quoting for emphasis. Just doesnt look like you are super comfortable on skis yet. A rail that high is not a feature anyone should be afraid of even if you got fucked on it. Go slay that ice mound you got for a hill for a couple runs with good form and come back to the park and replicate that form. TBH if you can hit rails and slide them, then that urban rail is not going to be hard if you have the right mentality. It may not feel helpful, but "just go do it" is advice a ton of people give because that is literally the most important aspect of learning shit.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
So i went to try and urban rail today at the local hill and the park crew TOOK OUT EVERY SINGLE FEATURE THERE. They had the pads and stuff where they used to be. If they put some in tnite then ill hit them tomorrow.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
LUPTONDude, you're skiing like a boner. When you are rolling into a feature make an extra effort to exert pressure into the tongues of your boot. this will help you bend your knees which in turn will help with pop. Also forward pressure in your boot will keep you on the balls of your feet, and help with power transfer in your skis, which again will make you a stronger skier and ultimately help with rails.

Every so often get out of the park, and just do some soul turns. Once you are comfortable on your skis, you'll feel like they are almost an attachment of your body, and you will not even need to think about getting the tips over.


I usually never do worry about it. I say screw it and hit the rail the run before and clipped my tips. I didn't even know i did it until I asked my friend what happened. I am just super paranoid after my fall last season because my parents say i have to pay my own medical bills if i have another bad accident even thought my sister was a gymnast and had like 4 surgeries.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
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Okay I found a flat bar with an urban on. I got it twuce so far out of 10 attempts. Shin pressure seems to be the key
8 years ago
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Shoey-Ski
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The.FishOkay I found a flat bar with an urban on. I got it twuce so far out of 10 attempts. Shin pressure seems to be the key

Glad to hear it man! Keep trying the more practice you get the more comfortable you will be
8 years ago
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Auschie
Posts: 297 - Karma: 392
The.FishOkay I found a flat bar with an urban on. I got it twuce so far out of 10 attempts. Shin pressure seems to be the key


This is huge. Also be super conscious of coming into the rail more parallel just off to one side. Don't come into it at an angle or you're going to have a tougher time staying on the rail throughout. Plus it'll limit your chances of catching a tip. If you can get yourself to come at features straight on and pop and turn a full 90 you will find it much easier to stay on rails and learn new tricks on them.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
https://youtu.be/RFOmT1-HK1A here are some fails (my first attempts) and what I progressed to look like after. I can confidently get on the rail now but I come off early on the right side a lot.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
https://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/854086/Urban-on-progression forgot to embed above
8 years ago
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Slush
Posts: 1916 - Karma: 12,961
The.Fishhttps://www.newschoolers.com/videos/watch/854086/Urban-on-progression forgot to embed above


Last attempt was excellent man! You got this! A bit more practice and you should be there. Just focus on the end of the rail and relax, and work on sliding it to the end
8 years ago
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Mingg
Posts: 14049 - Karma: 50,976
The.FishI can confidently get on the rail now but I come off early on the right side a lot.


You do exactly what I do.

Hit it a little bit faster, and at a little more of an angle and you'll get over top better.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
MinggYou do exactly what I do.

Hit it a little bit faster, and at a little more of an angle and you'll get over top better.


Oh for me less speed was part of the trick. I think its just cause the kicker was so small and flat that I would mis-time my pop. I hear i need less angle and i also hear i need more. I just need to play with it.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
SlushLast attempt was excellent man! You got this! A bit more practice and you should be there. Just focus on the end of the rail and relax, and work on sliding it to the end


It is such a struggle to get on the thing that i take a sigh of relief when i see I actually made it on instead of "nutting" it.
8 years ago
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Mingg
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The.FishOh for me less speed was part of the trick. I think its just cause the kicker was so small and flat that I would mis-time my pop. I hear i need less angle and i also hear i need more. I just need to play with it.


Well too much angle you're gonna jump over. It's hard to explain, you just have to get over the rail a tiiiiiny bit more cause you're a little heel heavy at the end. You'll get it though. That last shot looked really sick!
8 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
MinggWell too much angle you're gonna jump over. It's hard to explain, you just have to get over the rail a tiiiiiny bit more cause you're a little heel heavy at the end. You'll get it though. That last shot looked really sick!


That was like hit #10 lol. I smacked my hip like 3 times. Gonna be wonderful tomorrow morning.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
I am also working on not riding park like a boner because I realized how dumb I actually look. I can ski pretty well, its hard to take some good turns when ur edges don't do anything since they are too dull. That first video I posted in the original message looks disgusting now.
8 years ago
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Auschie
Posts: 297 - Karma: 392
The.FishI am also working on not riding park like a boner because I realized how dumb I actually look. I can ski pretty well, its hard to take some good turns when ur edges don't do anything since they are too dull. That first video I posted in the original message looks disgusting now.


Dude don't get too hung up on that. Just keep skiing and having fun and the style will come. It's all about just being super comfortable to the point where your arms and legs stay tight when you're on rails and skiing up to features. I would suggest just hitting every single rail available to you. Work on hitting the difficult ones because then you'll start slaying the easy stuff and looking good while doing it because of the confidence you have.

Skiing well outside of the park helps too though. Look to get out on your mountain once it opens and rip the fresh groomers for an hour instead of the park. No matter how beat your edges are you should be able to lay down some carves on fresh groomed trails. It only becomes more difficult the more chopped up and icy it gets (night skiing is not ideal for poor edges).
8 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
I can't slide the rail for my life today. I can get over but i fall off instantly and drag my tips on the rail. Kinda annoying but its fun when i occasionally get it.
8 years ago
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Auschie
Posts: 297 - Karma: 392
The.FishI can't slide the rail for my life today. I can get over but i fall off instantly and drag my tips on the rail. Kinda annoying but its fun when i occasionally get it.


Just a thought since it helped my friend out, but work on coming off of rails switch. It'll force you to commit to the rail better.

Also rewatching those videos work on leaning forward over top of your feet a bit more. You come in standing up too tall and leaning to far back.
8 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
AuschieJust a thought since it helped my friend out, but work on coming off of rails switch. It'll force you to commit to the rail better.

Also rewatching those videos work on leaning forward over top of your feet a bit more. You come in standing up too tall and leaning to far back.


Lol tried that before reading this and managed to catch and edge and smack my hip on the ground. I left after that one. I could barely get up
8 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
My hip flexors are so tight that I probably couldn't even have hit a ride on feature after that. I definitely overdid it today and need a good 3-4 day rest.
8 years ago
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D_Dress
Posts: 130 - Karma: 217
The.FishMy hip flexors are so tight that I probably couldn't even have hit a ride on feature after that. I definitely overdid it today and need a good 3-4 day rest.


it seems to me that you need to work on your pop a little bit, i know the jump was pretty small but it looks like you cant pop very high, try and make sure when you pop you wait to the middle of your skis/feet reach the end of the jump then pop, it also seems like your relying on your arms to bring up which my be a problem, idk just what i noticed, other than that just keep working on it youll get it for sure!
8 years ago
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The.Fish
Posts: 2269 - Karma: 4,997
East_the_Skiit seems to me that you need to work on your pop a little bit, i know the jump was pretty small but it looks like you cant pop very high, try and make sure when you pop you wait to the middle of your skis/feet reach the end of the jump then pop, it also seems like your relying on your arms to bring up which my be a problem, idk just what i noticed, other than that just keep working on it youll get it for sure!


I have always had a bad pop but I have gotten away with it for a while. If you check my thread history you can see i asked about it a while ago. I can pop 180 flat now and stuff, back then i could barely 90 on the ground. There is an urban on corrugated setup and I hit it from the side and clear it easily every single time because it doesnt need much pop. I am so sore right now I can barely walk.
8 years ago
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BigBobo
Posts: 121 - Karma: 80
you will get it eventually, it just takes some time.
8 years ago
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