Heli Tack (Video may take a few seconds to appear)
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Foundation

This is an excellent move to learn. Primarily, it is a very useful move, but it also has excellent skills transference to many other moves. So why do we do it? Its great in light winds and is often said to be easier than a regular tack when the board is going slow, e.g. on the inside in waves. The move also retains power in the sail and, therefore, keeps the nose afloat, which is very handy on sinkier boards.

Fundamentals

Front to sail sailing. Straighten your front arm and control the power of the sail with your back arm.

Look where you want to go. We need to assess our point of sailing and use our head to take the board to where we want it to go. By looking forwards whilst front to sail you can stay on track. Remain looking forwards through the sail flip.

Rig away. Keeping the rig away will enable you to control the sails power and take the weight out of the flip.

Key Stages

  • Taking the board through the wind
  • Front to sail stability
  • Rig transition.
Key Moves
  • Take board through head to wind
  • Bring rig across with extended front arm
  • Gain stability whilst front to sail
  • The rig is back and away and your weight is on your toeside
  • LOOK FORWARD
  • Slide your back hand down the boom
  • Swing the round the nose
  • Switch your feet
  • Pause at clew first OR
  • Continue the rigs rotation
  • KEEP LOOKING FORWARDS.

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