Front loop

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Windsurfer performing a forward loop (January 2006)
Windsurfer performing a forward loop (January 2006)

Front loop is the name given to a trick performed by a windsurfer (also known as a forward loop) whereby the rider performs a jump off of a wave face and forces the sail, board and rider to perform a forward somersault in one motion. The "loop" motion is initiated by forcing the center of effort in the sail forwards by moving the sail towards the nose of the board while increasing power in the sail by "sheeting in" (pulling the back hand in closer to the body). The forward loop is considered to be one of the hardest moves to learn as it goes against most learned reactions whilst sailing.

Accomplished "loopers" can even perform this trick by jumping the board off of flat water.

A double forward is an innovation of this move, it involves two full rotations of board and sail in the air. Made famous by Robert Teriitehau and perfected by Ricardo Campello it is now a commonly performed move in competition.