Another Jumping question...

[hamblett]

Ive tried jumping a couple of times myself and both times have resulted in dramatic crashes (one ripped sail, the other with me seeing stars).

Both times I got air I bore off (while airborne), ended up landing flat and got catapulted over the front at top speed.

What am I doing wrong?

[spyder]

sounds like you bore off a bit too much. the main idea is to get your weight over the fin as you come down. the idea to bear off slightly is to get a bit more speed and better angle as the fin enters the water. if you are hiked out, with your rear foot extended to the side, then it will spin out.

as for your crashes, make sure your sail is balanced in the harness, and the sail is properly downhauled. also check that the mast base position is set right.
if it is top heavy & twitchy it is easy to dump the rig forward when you catch air.

next time, just jump without trying to bear off, just jump on a reach and draw your legs up, concentrate on getting the board under your butt, and let it straight down upon landing.

stay sheeted in and commit. bend your knees when you land to absorb the shock.

hope this helps.