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Learn to Spin- Blind 180
Unless you have been living under a rock for the past year, spinning has become all the rage on the wakeboard scene. It is nice to see that people are getting back to the roots of the sport. Recognizing were the sport has come from such places as; snowboarding, skateboarding and surfing. Lately it seems, the first thing every newcomer to the sport of wakeboarding wants to do when they get on a board is get upside down. You would not believe some of the people that I have ridden with that can do two or maybe even three inverts, but can't do a wake to wake frontside 360. It is so important that we become well rounded riders with a broad range of tricks at our disposal. Which brings us to our rider tip below: blind rotations.	Rider-Mike Nielsen
1. The first thing to remember with blind rotations is to stay committed throughout the whole trick. You can't come into this trick half way or you will only get half way through it. Take a normal approach and cut into the wake. It is important to take this trick wake to wake at first till you get the feel of the blind rotation and landing. Also remember that backside or blind rotations are where you are rotating with your back away from the boat.
2. At the top of the wake push with enough force to take you wake to wake. This next tip is very important to the rotation. Do not start rotating till you are in the air. Remember, jump first then rotate. This will help you keep your balance while you are learning the feel of the rotation.
3. Since I ride regular, I will be letting go with my right hand and passing the handle behind me with my left hand. When passing the handle you want to tug on it to allow you the time to rotate. I like to keep the handle low, like at the back of my knees, so it doesn't get away from me. While passing the handle at the peak of your jump don't forget to turn your head. Turning your head puts your body in motion. The old saying, "Turn your head and your body will follow", is the truth!!!!
4. When you make the connection with the handle, and its in your right hand, it is now time to start thinking about the landing. Once you pass the handle start looking for the shore to get your sense of balance. This will ensure that you are upright on your landing. Don't forget to bend those knees and prepare for the landing. Like I said before, this trick is easier to land wake to wake at first. By landing it wake to wake you get an easy landing by riding down the other side of the wake.
Once you have the backside 180 under your belt you will be amazed how many tricks will come from that trick. For me the backside 180 was a little tricky to learn at first, but I found after learning it I could do backside 360's with little to no effort. In fact it is easier for me to do backside 360's than 180's. Go figure!! Anyway, have fun and ride safe. Shawn Keeler