How to Do a Back Flip on a Snowmobile

A back flip is one of the most basic tricks you can perform on a snowmobile. That said, it isn't easy to master. To do a back flip, you will launch off a ramp and complete a 360-degree flip upside-down in the air before landing. At least, that's how it works in a perfect world. It'll take practice. Read on to learn more.

Things You'll Need

• Extreme snowmobile
• Launch ramp

Instructions

Learn to Do a Back Flip on a Snowmobile

1. Get a snowmobile that's designed for performing tricks. Known as "extreme snowmobiles," these machines are lighter and sleeker than conventional snowmobiles. Attempting a back flip on a snowmobile that wasn't designed for tricks is strongly discouraged.

2. Find other extreme snowmobilers who can help you learn how to do a back flip. Talk to people at your local snowmobile retailer, particularly in stores that sell extreme snowmobiles. They might even know of someone who offers lessons.

3. Get comfortable with landing a straight jump before you attempt to mix in any trick maneuvers. Using a snowmobile ramp, get up sufficient speed, head off the ramp and just concentrate on keeping the snowmobile on a trajectory that will allow you to land smoothly. You'll need to get used to controlling your snowmobile in the air before trying anything fancier.

4. Attempt a back flip by hitting the launch ramp at a decent but not extreme speed. Lift your feet off the machine to reduce the weight it's carrying, then guide it backwards so you go upside-down. Use your body weight to force a complete 360-degree rotation while upside-down. Land the jump by ensuring that your snowmobile is oriented parallel to the landing surface while you're still in the air.

5. Jump off your snowmobile in mid-air if you performed the maneuver incorrectly. You'll know early on in the jump if you're going to have a chance to land it or not. It'll hurt a lot less to land in the snow than it will to land in the snow with your snowmobile on top of you.

6. Anticipate that it will take considerable practice to master these steps. Mastering snowmobile tricks can take years.

Tips & Warnings

• Benefit from the mistakes (and successes) of others. Watch videos of snowmobile back flips online to witness the technique first-hand before attempting it on your own.

• Don't be in a hurry to attempt a back flip. You can seriously injure yourself by attempting tricks beyond your skill level.

• Always attempt tricks with another person present. If you hurt yourself, you may be unable to get help on your own.