Straight Airs (S-Kicker)

Your first real air! Approach the small kicker (S-kicker) on your heelside edge with moderate speed. As you go up the ramp, stand tall and extend your legs. Keep the handle close to your body and spot your landing. Land with knees bent to absorb the impact.

The most common beginner mistake is cutting hard toward the kicker and then flattening off right before it. The cable yanks you sideways and you drift over the ramp instead of popping off it. Instead, keep a light, steady edge all the way to the base, and let the shape of the kicker launch you.

Here is some more information:

Video by Aarhus Watersports Complex (AWC)

Key tips

• Progressive edge into the kicker. Don't flatten out at the base
• Stand tall at the lip, don't crouch
• Land on a slight edge, not flat. Flat landings are unstable
• Look at the far side of the landing, not at the lip
• Keep both hands on the handle for your first airs. Grabs come later