How to Do a Whirly Bird

The Whirly Bird is a sweet wakeboarding trick with a smooth spin and a killer flip. It requires a bit of prior knowledge, but once you've learned the Tantrum and the Heelside 360, you can easily accomplish this classic wakeboarding maneuver.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Move toward the wake with a good strong edge, just like you would for a normal tantrum. Back off and stand tall on top of the wake.

2. Come off of the wake and, at the same time, turn your body so that your back slightly faces the boat. Do this turn a little more forcefully than you would for a Tantrum. Also, bring your front knee up as you leave the wake, which helps you roll toward the wake and get the extra lift needed for the flip.

3. Begin the rotation by thrusting your arm, shoulder and head forcefully away from the boat. Keep your arm bent and hold the handle close to you. Leave your arm and elbow up longer than seems necessary to help you complete the 360 rotation. When your legs approach your upper body, start to spot your landing.

4. Spot the landing just like a Tantrum and bring your arm down to your body's center to stop your rotation. Come down with your knees soft.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure your elbow is close to your body when you begin the rotation. The handle should be close your ear at this point in the trick.
• Your handle should be in front of the spin. If it's not, you could get hung up and pulled back to a Tantrum.
• Once you've learned the Whirly Bird, you can move on to other tricks like the Switch Whirly Bird, the Whirly Bird 540 and the Whirly Bird 720.
• For help learning the Tantrum and the Heelside 360, or simply for a refresher, see the related eHow articles.
• Only attempt this move after you're comfortable with the Tantrum and the Heelside 360.

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