Technique Time

Aspiring to move into the crazy world of aerial freestyle? Do so now with these top air funnel tips

So you’ve mastered the basics of freestyle from spocks, grubbys and flaka to punetas, e-sliders and funnels. Now you are looking to take your sailing to the next level, but are unsure of which move to attack next? How about the air funnel? You’ll be able to use all of your previous skills acquired from the funnel, but be able to impress people at the beach even more. We caught with some of the world’s top freestylers to find out their to tips to landing your first air move…

Philip Soltysiak (Starboard / Sailworks):


“To do any move in the air you need more lift from the sail, and the only way to get that extra power is to go into the move with a lot of speed and across the wind, not downwind like for most of the older moves.”

Max Rowe (Fanatic / North):

“For the air funnel the most important thing for me was staying more across the wind whilst ducking the sail!”

Andy ‘Bubble’ Chambers (JP / NeilPryde):

“I reckon for the air moves you need to head more upwind on take off as you get a faster and higher rotation.”

Yarden Meir (Goya Windsurfing / Maui Ultra Fins):

“Here is my tip for air funnel: Make sure you go upwind and don't stretch your legs, the main problem is most people stop the rotation before they land. DON’T STOP THE ROTATION KEEP GOING. Another tip for all air moves is try to time the ducking with the chop. Think of it as a slingshot you have to release at the right moment.”

Youp Schmit: (99NoveNove / Avanti):

“My top tip for those air moves would be to always look at where you want to go - this will make you rotate faster.”

Rafa de Windt (F2 / Hot Sails Maui):

"The best thing to do, is do it one-handed and push the rig as far forward as you can."