Hey Guys
There is a new craze out there (the handle pass craze!!!) I am going to take you guys through a comprehensive description of your first handle pass based from my experiences!
The first thing you guys need to get is a handle pass leash. For those who don’t know what that looks like its pretty simple.
You can head down to your local shop and grab a windsurfing downhall or any basic kite leash (bungee) that is strong. I find the ultimate leash is the slingshot leash with the double clip on either ends.
Attach this leash to the back of your harness either at the handle or any other strong point on the harness.
It is important from a safety point of view to have a good quick release or snap shackle at the point of attachment to your harness.
Now you have got the leash you ready to ride, attach the other end of the leash to your chicken loop.
Just to answer some of your questions already you can use the 5th line/element/recon etc as a leash as well but at this stage connect the leash straight to your system.
Remember this will depower you kite immediately so don’t jump to high or in shallow waters you will come down hard!
Guys the handle pass is really not that hard core if you doing kiteloops already you have had the hardest landings already!
What level must you be at to start the handle pass?
Well if you can kiteloop I would say you are ready!
If you listen to me know you wont have injuries.
1) choose a flat day or ultimately a lagoon ( Langebaan shark bay, perfecto) you will drop your kite so waves arnt perfect for the kite!
2) you want to be a little bit underpowered on a 10 or bigger 14 is Ace!
3) Do not try it if anyone is in your downwind/drop zone it can get messy
4) Don’t do them in shallow water, barely standing is ok
5) Make sure people are around to help if need be!
You are now ready!
Refer to the sequence of me as you read!
1) ride and scope the area for downwind hazards
2) unhook with you leash wrapped from your back to your chicken loop ( if your tack is port, left the leash will go round the right of you to your chicken loop. If your tack is starboard, right, your leash will go around the left of your body and to your chicken loop.)
3) start a gentle boost from 10 o clock to 1 o clock
4) release your edge
5) as you release go into a raley effort and drag your legs behind you
6) start to bring your legs in front of you and swing, as you push your legs up infront of you, you are bringing the bar to your leading hip at the same time (swing, swing, swing, exaggerate this guys, force the bar to your hips)
7) now twist your legs, body and board dramatically ( if on starboard, board must twist from left to right if on port board must go from right to left)
8) from point 6 to now is done in one fluid motion
9) let go your front hand which is the hand you will pass to (starboard right hand ) (port left hand)
10) as you twist your body throw your front hand behind your back and feel for the bar
11) to ensure you grab the right side of the bar, twist the bar half upside down with your back hand and you will automatically grab the bar upside down with your front hand, which will twist another half rotation ( I know this is a mouth full but it will happen naturally)
12) grab the bar with your front hand and let go your back hand ( hold on like crazy and the kite may loop but its not a hectic one!)
13) Spot your landing and claim it ( your in the pro league)
Please guys do not hesitate just throw it and if you are fumbling with the pass or kiteloop afterwards just let the bar go the kite will float you down and you will not loose your kite or land hard honestly. This is were it could go wrong if you try hold on in awkward arm positions!
If you let go climb back to the kite and relauch it and try again!
Good luck and feel free to ask questions!!!
Greg Heydenrych - http://greg.ikiteboarding.com / greg@ikiteboarding.com