This is a fun trick because it combines a balanced cartwheel move—a splitwheel—with one that can give you some really big air—a phonics monkey.
The split phonics surfaced in 2009 when hole combos gained popularity because they scored higher in freestyle competitions than any individual moves. Combos also save time when you’re trying to squeeze in all your moves before your ride times out. At this year’s Worlds, a new combo bonus will make these moves even more attractive to competitors.
These steps outline a left-to-right split, into a right phonics.
1. Facing upstream, initiate a lefty cartwheel with a back sweep of your left paddle blade.
2. After the first end of your cartwheel gets vertical, reverse your rotation by twisting 90 degrees to look over your right shoulder and pulling the stern through with a forward stroke on the left blade. This completes the split.
3. As your bow comes down, plant a cross-bow draw with your left hand to begin a pirouette. Don’t wait too long to reach across for the pirouette or it won’t be considered a combo. Make sure you dig beneath the foam pile to grab the green water—this is what will pull you around 360 degrees.
4. Continue the pirouette until you are facing back upstream. Holding the pirouette all the way around is crucial. If you are falling over on this step, you are probably going too vertical on the pirouette. Your chin and chest should finish facing up and out so that you can jump when you get to the next step.
5. Once facing upstream, lift your paddle out of the water and jump to throw a loop. Make sure you jump upstream, not straight up, or you will not complete the loop. If your loop never feels straight, you may be jumping too soon.
6. Finish your loop on top of the foam pile and facing upstream. Do a fist pump and blow kisses to your fans.
This article originally appeared in Rapid, Early Summer 2011. Download our free iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch App or Android App or read it here.
