Just thought I would give some motivation for other hack windsurfers like myself. that might be thinking of learning to loop.
Basically a few seasons ago I decided I would try to learn the forward loop, so to describe myself I'm a 52 year old who sails mostly Port Phillip bay in Melbourne and no way I am a wave sailor expert.
1st I started with the wymaroo as outlined in the 4 steps video which i think helped me with the sail movements required.



So after a summer of wymaroo's I start trying off small ramps but it seemed like I was close but still not able to get completely around and water start away. At this stage one of my mates who started at the same time was already nailing them so I think I'm a slow learner!

Anyway to cut along story short I decided to go on a holiday over to WA where I would hopefully get a few days in a row to build some momentum in ideal conditions.
2 sessions at Coronation beach and not much had changed, still crashing and not getting fully around so decided to ask Ben Proffit if he would mind taking a look at my form and he says no worries. So after some advice and a few more attempts I managed to nail one!!
Just to mention I was so focused on sheeting in I was forgetting to throw the rig forward. So my form is still patchy but I have made 4 in total so pretty happy. Hope to get better from here and if you think your to old to learn think again!!

I'm jealous ,
Good stuff ,
I've been thinking but too scared , throwing myself forward seems scary and I'm only 49.

Good stuff mate. I started attempting them last summer. I was making progress, but then summer ended. After a winter, I'm back to square one again - the fear has returned.

I'm impressed.

Well done. I tried them in the '80s and got hammered. In 2015 I finally found a way to solve the medical issues that arose from the injury I copped - or most of them at least. A full face helmet may be a good idea.

I still want to learn how to do them, though.

Same age. I need to try in 2018. Good motivation. Congrats!

Not sure if you have seen this, but if not, its amazing to watch this fella's determination and sheer doggedness!

Awesome stuff Jerry!

Awesome stuff, I've never been game but that first video takes the intimidation out and makes me want to have a crack.

Great progress, seems age is not a relevant factor:)

Congratulations, great work!

A few questions for you :D ....

How many tries over how long of a period did it take you and in what conditions?
What are some of the other jumps you can do?

Select to expand quote

Manuel7 said..
Congratulations, great work!

A few questions for you :D ....

How many tries over how long of a period did it take you and in what conditions?
What are some of the other jumps you can do?

The main spot I sail at dosen't get good conditions for jumping consistantly over our summer, most of the time it's cross on with only wind swell and chop to jump and try. Not to mention our last few Melbourne summers have been poor and I have been on Slalom gear a fair bit so sometimes forward loops are not even an option.
I find it so much easier when its cross shore and you can pick your wave and set up early.
I'm average at jumping plenty guys I sail with are better than me.
One thing I will say is I got into the habit of trying almost every run when conditions were good and I was getting frustrated and crashing but now I have made several I tend just to pick the nice waves. Now I have to learn on Starboard tack!
Anyway good luck.

when I started to do them I was doing them clew first the sail doesn't have that full power feel and rotates easier with out the feeling of being smashed ear first into the water . And when you got the pop and spin dialled just go for them normal way

Thanks for the details. Looking at how you move your arms, bringing your rear hand near your head with elbow flaring out, you really "got it." How many tries do you estimate it took you to get there?
Clew-first, interesting learning concept!