Trick Tip
As seen in the December 2009 Issue of Freeskier Magazine
Welcome to this installment of Trick Tip Tuesdays. Here, we'll revisit our vast archive of trick tips from the past, to get you in fighting shape for summer camp. Last week Peter Olenick showed you the switch backflip; this week Pete's brother Michael Olenick ups the ante with a rodeo 540, a must have trick for everyone.
Step 1:
Before trying this trick, make sure you can get a backflip around consistently, as that is the foundation of a rodeo.
Step 2:
Make sure you have the speed for the jump dialed. You definitely don't want to knuckle when trying a trick for the first time. I like doing rodeos on step-up jumps rather than step-down jumps, but do it on whatever jump you're most comfortable with.
Step 3:
Take off with your weight equally distributed on both feet when you set the trick. You want to set like a backflip but at the same time turn your shoulders like you're doing a 90-degreespin. This will set a rodeo rather than a backflip.
Step 4:
At this point you should be looking up the hill and your left shoulder should be leading the rotation (if you spin left). Your right hand should be grabbing. I like Japan grabs because they flow smoothly.
Step 5:
As you rotate a little bit more you will spot your landing over your left shoulder. You want to be patient and keep your eye on where you're going to land. If you start looking somewhere
Step 6:
When the landing gets close, make sure you let go of your grab and start to look uphill as you set your feet down. By doing this when you land you will keep your rotation at 540 and you won't revert out.
Step 7:
Ride away from the jump switch and look up at everyone on the knoll. You can even afterbang out of it, if you like.
l: Breckenridge, CO :: p: Shay Williams
One thought on “Trick Tip Tuesday: Michael Olenick, Rodeo 540”