[Dirtjumper999]

So I have come to realize that learning tricks in steps is my thing. I.e. learning one handers, then no handers, then tuck no handers.

Tailwhips are next on the agenda, but I can't seem to figure out a good way to get on them. I am the only person riding a 26 at my skatepark, so its hard for the 20 riders to give me any good tips on it. I can do foot jam tailwhips on flat ground, but when I get in the air it just seems like I can't get it right. Been working on it for a few months now and I have gotten no better than when I began.

One weird thing is, I am right foot forward and when I foot jam tailwhip, I go the way I am supposed to, counter clockwise. But in the air I cannot get it to spin that way, only clockwise. Any help from fellow park 26 riders would be greatly appreciated.

 

[trib]

Maybe try nac nacs? might help you get used to pushing the bike away from you, hope you can see what I mean and that it helps a bit

 

[kidwoo]

Don't be afraid of the opposite whip if that's what feels more natural. That's the way darren barrecloth does them. It looks weird as shlt once you realize what he's doing but it gets you there.

Every time I've tried a tailwhip just jumping to flat on something small, my bike stops at a 180.

 

[Dirtjumper999]

Yea thats what everyone has been saying is go with that feels natural. I get into the air and kick the bike around with my right foot, and it seems like it will only go so far. I can't tell if I am trying to kick the bike too soon or what.

 

[cmc]

it's not just a kick-around... there's a lot going on with moving your bars in a circular motion as well. look at some vids of dudes doing double and triple whips--they're doing really quick circles with the bars.

 

[ServeEm]

Keep the bike under you while moving the bike with your bars like cmc said. The intial kick starts it but it's about your bars.

 

[Dirtjumper999]

Hmm, now that you mention it, I haven't been really focusing on moving the bars as much as I really should. Gonna have to try that tomorrow.

 

[Savage_Animal]

Tailwhips are way more of a technical trick then they appear. Theres a lot more going on then just kicking the bike. I still haven't landed one but I've come pretty close so i can give you a little advice: I think the main proplem with doing them on a mtb is the front wheel is bigger and its easyer to hit it on your feet and stuff. So just practice jumping out of a fly out and kicking the bike and when you do the circular motion bring the bars out-the left-back-and then strait forward. After you can whip it around consitantly thats the easyer part. Catching the pedals has proved to be the hardest for me. Idk heres a vid from a while ago... http://vimeo.com/8133236

 

[igz-]

It's allll in the arms

 

[Salty4X]

keep the bike UNDERNEATH you, and make a D with the arms

 

[Dirtjumper999]

Got a bit closer today... ended up starting barspins out of nowhere though

 

[dexter]

like everyone has said its all in the arms! keep the bike underneath you as best you can! depending on the jump i can flick the bike up so the back end goes up above where my bars are and then a little wrist flick brings it right underneath me and land back wheel first

 

[johnbryanpeters]

It's allll in the arms

Is the secret santa gift you were supposed to send also all in the arms?

 

[igz-]

It's a New Year's gift, calm down

 

[joelalamo45]

To me, it's all about putting your weight forward going into the jump (thus keeping your body over the bike). That, and a good kick.

 

[johnbryanpeters]

it's a new year's gift, calm down

54...

 

[Savage_Animal]

Thats funny, iggy didn't send me a secret santa either. but he worked on my fork i think so its all good.



Going to revive this thread. Here is my closest attempt yet:
http://www.pinkbike.com/video/118018/

It looks awkward to me for some reason

 

[Cru Jones]

^ That was the raddest fail video ever! Haha.

Looks like you're getting really close, though.

 

[demo 9]

dont feel so bad, i tried 2 into a foam pit, if the bike moved 30 degrees id be proud, for me getting it to spin at all is a chore.i kick it it moves 25 degrees than i land with my foot through the frame

 

[Savage_Animal]

Thanks cru, it hurt but I was stoked on it haha.

Have a bunch of other completely rad crash clips. Tailwhip bails make for the best crashes. period. for example greg watts flip double whip crash or cams bar to whip easily wins the most gnarly I've seen.

Btw I found this artical: http://bmx.transworld.net/2005/02/11/tailwhip-nightmares/ you guys should take a look at. Considering BMX bikes have a 4" less wheel diameter and are generaly 2-5 lbs lighter then your average MTB were already at a dissadvantage on top of evertyhing else mentioned in there. But non the less theres tons of guys our there completely owning them.

Yeah, it sucked. That trick is the devil. It lets you get just close enough so you’re like, “All right, it’s so close. I’ll try it again.” And then you’re on your neck {laughs}.

 

[Dirtjumper999]

dont feel so bad, i tried 2 into a foam pit, if the bike moved 30 degrees id be proud, for me getting it to spin at all is a chore.i kick it it moves 25 degrees than i land with my foot through the frame

After a couple weeks of practicing, I can get the bike completely around and back under me in time, I just can't seem to get my feet back on... I am really starting to think I need to be doing it in the right direction.