Overview and Composition
The Heart Attack is a freestyle trick that combines an S-Bend with a Backside 360.
Originating from wakeboarding terminology, it is commonly referred to as an “S-Bend 3” or “S3” in kiteboarding. Historically, during the old-school era, “Heart Attack” referred to a completely different board-off trick where the rider placed the board under their inverted body and extended their legs upward. However, in modern freestyle competition, it almost exclusively denotes the S-Bend with a backside pass.
Mechanics and Tips
From the approach, the rider enters a Raley position and throws their body forward to initiate the S-Bend rotation. During the latter half of the S-Bend, as the body begins to descend towards the water, the rider passes the bar behind their back to add the Backside 360 rotation. The rider must spot the landing by looking in the direction of travel to ensure a clean touchdown.
Derived Tricks
Heart Attack 5 (S-Bend to Backside 540), Heart Attack 7 (S-Bend to Backside 720), and Double Heart Attack (Double S-Bend to Backside 360).
Notable Riders and Scenes
It is a staple high-scoring trick in competitive freestyle, frequently executed by top-tier athletes like Bruna Kajiya and Carlos Mario.