Boosting jumps

3. TIMING

Pause, push then pop! Wait until you feel the transition between flat ground and the start of the lip, then push into the upslope – to store up that valuable energy in your bike and body – and finally, pop for take-off. The timing of this process is the difference between smooth jumping with good height and the dreaded ‘dead sailor’. The only way to solidify it is practice. The number one tip? Both wheels should use the take-off for lift. Imagine your front wheel knocking a can over as you pop, then your back wheel finishing the job and crushing it.

BOOST JUMPS

4.PROGRESSION

Start with bunnyhopping – this dynamic weight shift is the core of jump timing. From there, find progressively different take-offs to practise on, from long and flat to short and steep. The more vertical distance you have, the better. Starting with small lips to natural long-landing hills and then progressing to table-tops, step-downs and doubles is best for your confidence and learning. Variety is king!

Top tIPS from kaos

RELAX

As you approach the jump, you want to be confident and comfortable on your bike. Stand in a natural position – centred on your bike, with weight distributed evenly between hands and legs. This is the first step to a confident take-off, so you don’t loop out or go over the bars.

SPEED

You always need the right speed for the jump, so if you’re taking it on for the first time, a couple of test runs are a good idea. When you’re finally confident enough with your speed, you can go for it.

WHIP IT!

It’s the best feeling in the world! Practising and learning to whip takes time – a lot of time. But even a little bit of shape in the air makes it a lot more fun, and in certain situations it’s a lot safer than going stiff and dead mid-flight. Always start by coming into the take-off at a slight angle, using that space to push off the lip to start moving the rear of the bike to that side as you pop!