Heineken jibe
Learn how to jibe in light wind without being hindered by your wing using the Heineken technique!
The aesthetically pleasing Heineken Jibe, named after American Johnny Heineken who popularized it, is a particularly smooth version of the jibe, characterized by positioning the wing above your head as you initiate your turn. Unlike a classic jibe where the wing is moved from one side to the other while generating traction, in the Heineken Jibe, you temporarily release the back hand, allowing the wing to float freely above you. This creates a feeling of lightness and freedom during the turn, resulting in a more stylish and fluid movement.
This jibe variant is often used in racing due to its smoothness, its ability to maintain speed, and its quick relaunch capabilities for the wing foiler. The secret to this jibe lies in a harmonious execution between attacking with speed and the moment of floating, when the wing gently descends before regaining power.
Here are the steps to master it:
- The most elegant and fluid version of the Heineken jibe is a heelside execution. Switch your feet before initiating the turn, engage in the turn while sheeting in one last time with your back hand to gain sufficient speed, and then lift the wing above your head by releasing your back hand.
- Let the board glide as you engage your gaze and body weight into the inside of the turn, positioning the wing behind you without forcing it. Mid-turn, it should naturally drop to the outside of the turn.
- Reposition the wing: Grab the wing with your new front hand, then reposition your other hand to finish the jibe.
- Relaunch: Continue turning on your momentum while gradually applying pressure back on the wing. Always without forcing. Wait for the wind to fill the wing as you reorient towards it.
