No-handed Jibe

Let the wing float during the jibe

This trick is a bit of a gimmick when jibing, but it's pretty cool once you get the hang of it.

It's no secret that wings float differently, and you can test how your wing reacts in light winds on land in an open area. Simply throw it (secured to the leash) like a paper airplane slightly against the wind and see how the wing floats.

Wings with neutral and slightly positive lift are ideal — these float better in airflow than wings with negative lift (which quickly sag downward at the leading edge).

The best way to start a no-handed jibe is with the wing flagged: grab the front handle at the leading edge with your rear hand, initiate the jibe, then swing the wing upwards in a controlled manner and let go.

By riding away from the wind, only a slight airflow acts on the wing. As practiced on land beforehand, the wing hovers next to you while you foil around the curve.

At first, you can immediately grab it again so as not to lose control. With a little practice, you can prolong the hover. In light winds, you can also push the wing up slightly to make it fly longer.

Important with the no-handed jibe:
Always keep an eye on the wing's position, as the flight attitude of the 'flying wing' is not particularly stable. Sudden tilting, climbing, or sinking — anything can happen. Therefore, always be ready to grab the wing immediately, even with both hands on the tube if necessary, if the wing unexpectedly breaks away.

If everything goes according to plan, all you have to do is foil alongside, fish the wing out of the air, and continue riding. And there you have it: a hands-free foiled jibe.

If something goes wrong during the freehand section of the jibe:
If the wing flies too far downwind and even lands on the water, you should stop foiling. Simply bring the board back to the water's surface in a controlled straight line. This will prevent the wings of the foil from catching the wing. This could happen if you try to grab the wing and the board breaks out uncontrollably.

Sometimes it is also possible to retrieve a wing that has flown away downwind using the leash. In this case, continue foiling straight ahead until you have the wing back in your hand.

Basics Jibe - no-handed Level ★★☆☆ Rider: Jürgen Schall Text: Jürgen Schall Photos/Videos: Jürgen Schall DE

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