Overview and Structure
The 313 is a signature kitesurfing freestyle trick where the rider performs a frontside 360-degree rotation while executing an aerial handle pass from a Railey position.
It is one of the most foundational and reliable maneuvers in wakestyle, belonging to the basic trick family commonly thrown in flat water conditions alongside tricks like the Blind Judge.
Mechanics and Tips
The key to landing a 313 lies in maintaining a compact posture and pulling the bar aggressively.
- Keep the kite near 1 o’clock (or 11 o’clock) and initiate an aggressive pop.
- Keep your arms and legs slightly bent during the initial stage of the pop, then bend your back knee and kick it forward to initiate the frontside rotation.
- Maintain a compact position, bend your front knee, and pull the bar strongly toward your back hip.
- Throw the board forward and switch the position of your knees to generate spin, passing the bar in the air.
- Land pointing entirely downwind to absorb the impact.
Variations
The mechanics of the 313 serve as the foundation for many advanced tricks in freestyle.
- Backside 313 (Blind Judge 3): A trick that rotates backside rather than frontside. While a frontside rotation can sometimes be salvaged upon landing, a backside rotation requires the pass to be fully completed in the air, making it significantly more difficult on the rotational axis.
- 315 / 317 / 319: Highly difficult variations based on the 313 that add extra 180 or 360 degrees of rotation (multiple passes).
- One-Handed 313: A stylish variation where the rider releases one hand from the bar in the air, often incorporating grabs like a shifty tail grab while completing the pass.
- 313 to Reverse: A unique combination where the rider immediately adds a counter-rotation (reverse spin) for another 180 degrees right after completing the 313.
Notable Riders and Iconic Moments
Gianmaria Coccoluto is often referred to by commentators as the “Blind Master” for his flawlessly clean landing technique, effortlessly scoring high points with highly technical tricks like the Backside 317 during heats.
Valentin Rodríguez is a master of creating complete slack in the kite lines by twisting his hips against the lines during the first pass, allowing him to stylishly execute incredibly difficult high-rotation passes like the Frontside 319 and Backside 317.
Although it is a wakestyle trick typically performed on a twin-tip board, top riders like Airton Cozzolino and James Carew execute unhooked 313s while riding strapless surfboards, showcasing overwhelming body control and technical mastery that are highly praised in world competitions.
Search Aliases: Railey to Frontside 360, RaileytoFrontside360, 3-1-3, 315, 317, 319, 313