Inverted frontroll with grab

Turn your head upside down in kitesurfing with the Inverted Frontroll with Grab!

Throw your shoulders into a dizzying 360° by performing this must-have trick in the freestyle repertoire for those seeking thrills. It's one of the most elegant moves when done with amplitude, with one hand grabbing the tail of the twintip. Here are our tips for replicating this jump.

Kitesurfer: Thomas, GONG staff, with a Steez Wood Flex twintip and Vertigo kite.

1. Preparation

Before trying this trick, you should be comfortable with basic rotations like the backroll, the easiest one to attempt, and frontrolls. This trick requires you to gain a bit more height than for a simple frontroll to emphasize the leg extension (the Inverted phase) and grab the board on the way down.

Ideal conditions: prioritize a steady wind and flat water to build speed before initiating the pop. Be careful, if you’re underpowered, you’ll lack the height and time to complete the rotation.

2. How to pop

- Position your kite at around 45°.

- Gain enough speed.

- Gradually bring your kite up.

- Initiate the pop and get ready to bend your front leg.

3. Inverted Rotation

As soon as you pop off the water, begin the rotation by turning your shoulders forward, with your eyes over your back shoulder, while engaging your legs. Just looking over your shoulder will trigger the rotation.

Next, lean your head down to add an inverted touch to your frontroll. If you're confident and have the time, extend your legs to emphasize this position. This slightly slows down the rotation.

During this phase, keep the kite above you to prevent it from unbalancing you during the rotation.

4. Incorporate the grab

Timing for the grab:

Once your rotation is initiated and you're fully inverted, reach for the board.
The most natural grab for this trick is with your back hand on the tail, but other variations are possible.

Leg flexion:

Bring the board towards your body by bending your back leg to help with the grab.

Holding the grab:

Hold the grab as long as possible so that the rotation can finish as smoothly as possible. Releasing the grab will automatically give you a less compact position and slow down the rotation.

5. End of the rotation and landing

Release the grab and bring your legs underneath you. Look toward your landing spot. Redirect the kite slightly forward for a smooth descent. Absorb the impact by bending your legs. Continue riding.

Kitesurfer: Thomas, GONG staff, with a Steez Wood Flex twintip and Vertigo kite.

Additional tips

Start with small steps: Work on inverted rotations first, without the grab.
Video feedback: Record your attempts to spot any adjustments needed.
Bar position: Keep the bar close to you for better balance and responsiveness.