Kiteworld Mag - S-bend (snow)

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MOVE: S-bend (snow)

RIDER: Remi Meum

PHOTOS: Christian Nerdrum

Bringing the wake-style party to the snow ain't exactly a bed of roses. But successfully mastering this new-school style's inherent difficulties is why Remi Meum had his breakthrough season two years ago, and now regularly turns up with VIP guests like the backmobe, frontmobe, KGB, 311 and slim chance.

The technique for performing the S-bend on water or land is similar. As you maybe are aware, the S-bend comes from a railey. The latter is in itself is a very difficult trick when done properly with legs really stretched and up high - if you can get your ass over your head, then you're doing well. Take a look over the railey and forward rolls and master those before the S-bend.

To make life easier you should try and find some good pop-snow that's hard-packed and untouched. Remi does the trick unhooked. You can do it hooked-in, but you won't get it to look anywhere near as tidy.

• As you approach your take-off spot, unhook and bear off downwind to let the kite slip back in the window to the right position to give more power and pop.

• A lot of this trick is in the release. Quickly pump the board at an upwind angle and keep the kite low at 45 degrees. Remi says he uses the tail a lot when he pops. This is the big difference to the water; you really have to shove it down.

• Prepare yourself for the lift in the kite and time it with your body movement. Hold back till you are close to getting off balance for the most pop. Stretch out the railey.

• Relax your body after popping and let the pull from kite naturally flick your legs up and pull your arms out straight. Most of the rotation is initiated in the air by throwing your head forward into the spin.

• Try to keep your legs straight throughout the trick.

• As you come round, spot your landing and pull your legs back under your body by pulling down on the bar and bending your legs before touching down to absorb the speed.