How to Do a Misty Flip

Introduction

Broken down, the misty flip is essentially a front flip with a spin, and the spin can be anywhere from a 540 to a 900. It is predominantly thrown on a snowboard, but for everyone living in warmer climates it can be done on a trampoline instead. The misty flip is a staple for the acrobatic world as well, but then it is known by its considerably less cool name, a front summy with a twist.

By: Soren

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Instructions

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Difficulty: Challenging

Tips & Warnings:

The first few times you try a misty flip, you will likely continue to rotate even after you land. This is normal, it takes a little practice to know how much spin to put in the trick.
If you are having trouble spinning over your dominant shoulder, try it to the other side instead.
When first trying a misty flip, only try a half-spin (180) until it feels comfortable, then move on to bigger spins.
The harder you throw your arms at the beginning, the faster you will spin, and the more rotations you can get out of the trick.
If you drift across the trampoline when you try this trick, it is likely because you are starting the flip to early in the bounce. Wait to begin the trick until you are near the peak of your jump, then it is easier to land near where you started.
Whether on the snow or on a trampoline, inverted tricks can lead to serious injury. Only try the misty flip in a safe environment and only once you have a good understanding of straight air flips.
Always use a spotter when learning a new trick.
Never try a misty flip while someone else is on the trampoline.
If on a snowboard, always have someone spot your landing before attempting any trick, especially inverted ones.

Step1

Get as high in the air as possible. While jumping it's important to have plenty of hang time in which to try a misty flip. This will feel dangerous to start because you are further from the ground, but it is actually safer to jump higher when trying any trick.

Step2

Near the height of your jump, throw your dominant arm across your body as though you were throwing a ball. This will be easier with your dominant arm because it's accustomed to the motion.

Step3

Simultaneously throw your non-dominant arm back behind you as though you wanted to touch your elbow to the back of your head. The two arms moving in the same direction are what initiate the spin.

Step4

Allow your shoulder and your head to follow the dominant arm as you throw it. You will start to flip and spin at the same time.

Step5

Keep your legs together; the spinning motion will be easier if your legs are tucked close to one another, unless you are on a snowboard in which case you have no choice where they are.

Step6

Turn your head until it's facing over your non-dominant shoulder, and continue turning it past the shoulder. Even though the spin was started with your arms, it is continued with your head. Looking over the shoulder will cause your torso to follow.

Step7

As you feel yourself flipping completely around, widen your feet to provide a base to land on. Coming out of the flip is the hardest part because you can't spot your landing. Get comfortable with a straight front flip first, then you'll have a good sense of when you need to place your feet down, and the distance you have from the trampoline or the snow.