Overview and Structure
The main difference between a Tantrum and a standard backroll (inverted backroll) lies in the rotational axis relative to the direction of travel. While a backroll rotates on an axis parallel to the direction of travel (like a barrel roll), a Tantrum rotates on an axis perpendicular to the direction of travel, making it a pure vertical backflip. Originally a wakeboarding trick, it is widely popular in kitesurfing as a foundational invert (head-down) trick for everyone from beginners to pros.
Mechanics and Tips
The key to a successful Tantrum is edge control at the moment of the pop and fully committing your upper body to the flip.
- Approach: Edge hard on your heelside and keep the kite in a stable position (around 11 or 1 o’clock).
- Tripping (Preparing for Release): Unlike a backroll where you hold the edge through the takeoff, flatten the board slightly right before you pop. This creates a “tripping” effect on the water, setting up the centrifugal force needed for the vertical rotation.
- Pop and Rotation: As you kick off the water, aggressively throw your head and shoulders straight back. Utilize the kite’s lift and extend your body to perform a pure vertical backflip, letting the board pass directly over your head.
- Landing: An advantage of the Tantrum is that once you pass the apex of the flip and look down, you can spot the water (your landing area) very early. Keep your eyes on the water, bend your knees, and land heelside to absorb the impact.
Variations
- Tantrum to Blind (T2B): A stylish trick where the rider adds a backside 180-degree spin near the end of the Tantrum rotation, landing completely blind (facing away from the kite).
- Mobius (Mobe): A trick combining a Tantrum with a frontside 360-degree spin and a handle pass. This is the origin of the word “Mobe” found in trick names like the Crow Mobe.
- Grabbed Tantrum: A style-focused variation incorporating grabs like an Indy or Melon during the flip.
Notable Riders and Iconic Moments
As an essential foundational skill in both freestyle and Big Air, the Tantrum is a maneuver mastered by all top riders.
In recent years, dynamic combination tricks blending massive kite loops with Tantrums have frequently been showcased in Big Air competitions in strong winds. These moves serve as a crucial way for riders to demonstrate their fearlessness and body control during extreme hangtime.
Search Aliases: Tantrum