Master the Art of Jumping: Essential Skills and Techniques for Safe Airtime
Last year, "Jumping & Getting Air" was the number one requested skill development goal for many of our participants—but it was the 18th most taught skill! Riders often needed more focus and work on their foundation and fundamentals to ensure safe airtime. Instead of getting airtime immediately, we had to go back to the drawing board to correct bad habits and rebuild a stronger foundation on the bike.
Our Level Up Workshop Series is a great way to work with an expert coach who can make sure you have the proper know-how on the bike to execute new and more challenging skills with confidence. If 'jumping and getting air' is one of your goals for 2023, we can help you achieve that goal!
So much content and media are available to inspire airtime and play on your bike. But, there needs to be more clarification about the skills, techniques, and experience involved with your tires leaving the ground.
Good jumping form comes primarily from a strong foundation on the bike, including proper body positioning, pressure control, bike body separation, timing and coordination, and strong mental focus. Top that off with an understanding of a jump's anatomy: knowing how the different speeds, shapes, and sizes of the jump can impact the ride. Experience on the bike is a significant advantage here.
Jump Anatomy:
POC Point of Commitment - Your point of no return.
A APPROACH - smooth section of trail before the jump.
B TRANSITION - the curve at the bottom of the ramp.
C RAMP/TAKEOFF - the part of the jump from the transition to the lip.
D LIP - the end of the ramp.
E TABLE - the flat top to the jump.
F KNUCKLE - the top/start of the landing.
G LANDING - where riders should aim to land both wheels.
Intro to Jumping Techniques:
Establish a POINT OF COMMITMENT.
Approach in a tall and relaxed neutral position, ready to go.
LOAD into the bike through the transition (bottom) of the ramp. Keep the pressure even on both wheels and the movements smooth.
EXPLODE by standing up, using the entire length of the takeoff.
When the rear wheel is about a foot before the lip, begin "relaxing," allowing your legs, in particular, to bend and the bike to come up into you.
Relax in the air by staying "small" and centred.
ROW the handlebars forward and down to adjust the bike to mirror the landing angle and get ready to absorb the landing.
We would love to work with you to ensure you understand what is involved with jumping, why we are doing it, and how to do it safely!
Our Level Up Workshop Series runs three cohorts over the winter and is the perfect course to improve your jumping and other bike skills!
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