“…a contra loop is when the kite is a bit higher and when the kite on a contra loop goes super low then it’s a dirty loop.”
Overview
A Contra Loop is a trick where the rider pulls the front hand instead of the back hand near the apex of the jump, looping the kite forward into the direction of travel (momentum). While a standard Kiteloop generates a massive horizontal yank, a contra loop travels closer to the edge of the wind window, resulting in more downward pull and a unique trajectory.
As defined by riders like Ruben Lenten, when a contra loop is steered extremely low, skimming just above the water, it is specifically distinguished as a “Dirty Loop.” This name is a tribute to the late Graham Howes, a pioneer of the big air scene and founder of the South African extreme sports collective “Dirty Habits.”
Mechanics and Difficulty
Because the kite is steered with the front hand, line tension and risk factors differ significantly from a standard Kiteloop.
- Maintaining Line Tension: Since the kite is steered toward the direction of momentum, it catches less wind, making it easy to lose power and line tension. This requires precise timing, massive entry speed, and aggressive edging.
- Aggressive Freefall: The freefall after a contra loop is often much more abrupt than a regular loop. If the rider delays redirecting (lifting) the kite back to 12 o’clock, they risk a high-impact crash into the water.
- Combo Potential: Despite the strict timing, the kite’s rotation naturally aligns with the body’s forward rotation. This makes it highly compatible with tricks like front roll and board-offs.
Variations
The contra loop has become a crucial combo component for securing high scores in modern Big Air competitions.
- Contra Loop Front Roll: A highly compatible and standard combo, as the forward rotation (front roll) aligns perfectly with the forward pull of the front hand.
- Double Contra Loop: A massive move where the rider keeps the front hand pulled, looping the kite twice in the air. This requires extreme skill to maintain line tension while enduring intense centrifugal force.
- Contra S-Loop: An insane technical maneuver where the kite is looped forward, and then the bar is inverted to loop it backward, drawing an “S” shape in the sky.
Iconic Riders and Moments
Janek Grzegorzewski played an undeniable role in evolving the contra loop into a mandatory trick in today’s competitive scene. Inspired by his innovative approach, many top riders have adopted the trick into their arsenals.
In recent big air events like Red Bull King of the Air, Andrea Principi has landed otherworldly combos such as the “Contra Loop Back Tornado Board-off,” securing massive scores.
Additionally, Jeremy Burlando’s execution of a true Dirty Loop—slamming the kite down just above the water during competition—delivered a massive impact to the crowd and judges, proving the extreme potential of this variation.
Search Aliases: Dirty Loop, DirtyLoop