Description
Video Transcript
In this video I am going to walk you through this video clip of a KGB. Starting to break it down from the very beginning, you can see that Bryan takes a medium sized approach on this trick. A shorter approach might not give you enough airtime to complete the full 360 rotation, yet a longer approach might make getting the handle harder, plus add an out-of-control whipping rotation if you are not already familiar with this invert. That is why a medium sized approach is the perfect distance and starting point when learning this trick.
You’ll want to build up a nice smooth edge heading into the wake. You don’t want to build up a strong progressive edge like you would on a textbook progressive Heelside back roll, yet you don’t want to flatten off either like you would for a tantrum. Just a nice smooth, consistent edge will do just fine for this invert.
The handle plays a key part in performing this invert. Notice how the handle is in somewhat close to his body, then right before he gets to the bottom of the wake, if you look closely, you can see Bryan slightly let the handle out away from his body. This will give him more rope leverage to pull into his body at takeoff. This will get him moving in the right direction quicker and easier.
Here you can see that he has already taken off from the water, but he is still pulling the handle in with both hands. So, Bryan let the handle out away from his body right before hitting the bottom of the wake, and then after takeoff, he cranked it into his body keeping two hands on the handle with a powerful pull, he didn’t use a quick and snappy one handed pull to get the handle pass immediately.
Eventually, when he does let go of the handle with his rear hand, he’ll switch from long a powerful pull of the rope, to a quick and snappy pull. He will try to get the handle pass transferred as quickly as possible from this point.
During the handle pass you’ll notice that he never has two hands on the handle. The handle is immediately passed from one hand to the other, without delay. Right after the pass is made, Bryan will turn his wrist and use that arm to assist in the pull of the final 180 degrees of rotation. Notice how he rips the handle away from his body adding a little more momentum the spin, getting him all the way to the 360 mark.
On landing, his free hand swings around with the rest of his body and secures the handle allowing a stronger 2 handed landing.
While the handle pass is key to this trick, one other thing I want to point out his head movement, since it also plays a pivotal role.
You’ll notice right at takeoff, Bryan already starts turning his head aggressively towards his back shoulder, which is the direction he wants his body to spin. As he goes through the invert, he’ll hold that aggressive head twist until he spots the water. From that point on, he focuses on the water, which helps him stick the landing.
So there you have it. Hopefully me breaking down this clip of a KGB has helped you understand a few of the little tricks that might not be so obvious, that help make this invert work.
