Mastering 2025 Freestyle Jumps – From Raley to Double Backflip
In 2025, wingfoiling freestyle has exploded. Driven by youth phenoms like Benjamin Castenskiold, the tricks that won world titles two years ago are now standard moves at the local beach.
You do not need to be a pro to start boosting. You just need 15–25 knots of steady wingfoil wind and a clear progression path. Here is the roadmap from your first air to the double backflip.
Level 1: The Basic & Toeside Jump
The Basic Jump (Flatwater): This is the foundation. In 15+ knots, ride heelside with speed. Load the foil by edging upwind, then abruptly unweight the board while pulling the wing overhead.
- Tip: Aim for 2–3 meters of height. Keep your knees bent on landing to absorb the impact.
The Toeside Jump: This adds style. You ride twisted (toeside). Sheet in the wing late to generate pop. The key is spotting your landing early to avoid spinning out upon reentry.
Level 2: The Raley & Donkey Kick
The Raley: This move uses the foil's drag to launch you horizontally. Load the rail hard, then throw your body backward in an arch. The foil will stall briefly, giving you hang time. You look like Superman in the air.
- Tip: Flare the wing forward to stall the forward momentum.
The Donkey Kick: Mid-air, you tuck your chin and kick your legs out backward, touching the board's tail with your foil. It requires flexibility and perfect timing with the wind gusts.
Level 3: Rotations (360s & 720s)
Frontside 360: The gold standard. As you pop, initiate a shoulder turn into the wind. Pump the wing to keep the rotation spinning. Modern booms like North's ShiftLock make this easier by giving you a solid pivot point.
Frontside 720: The new 2025 benchmark. You chain two 360s mid-air. This requires massive height (often assisted by a wave kicker) and high speed. You must "spot" your landing twice during the spin.
Level 4: Inversions (Backflips)
The Backflip: Commitment is key. Ride fast. Throw your head back and tuck your knees. Sheet out the wing to let the rotation happen. The foil inverts completely.
The Double Backflip: Only for experts in 20+ knots. This requires a high-aspect foil for maximum glide and hang time. You need to hold the tuck for an extended period. Camps run by Michi Rossmeier are focusing on this move for the 2025 season.
Summary
Start small. Use the wind forecast to find a day with steady 20 knots. Master the Basic Jump before trying the Raley. Progression takes time (expect 10–20 hours per level), but the feeling of flight is worth every crash.