In some ways back 3’s are actually easier than the 180, since the takeoff is less subtle and the landing isn’t ‘blind’. It might look hard if you’ve never tried one, but just get a few straight airs under your belt and give it a go – you’ll be entering the realm of spins in no time!

1. The Set-Up

Just like the 180, always make sure you’re comfortable with the jump before trying something new. Approach it as you would do for the 180, with your weight nice and centered and a slight bit of pressure on your toe edge.

2. The Pop

On takeoff, just like the 180, you want a bit of pressure on your toes as you leave the lip, and you want to start to turn your leading arm in the direction of the spin. Don’t lean back or you will go into a cork. Put a little more wang into it than the 180 but again, if it’s a reasonable sized jump you really don’t need to turn very hard. Pop a little off the lip.

3. Getting the Grab

Now you’ve left the lip, again you need to bring your knees up to your chest so you can grab. This time I’m grabbing tail – it’s a bit of a stretch with your rear hand, so you really need to pull that board up to help meet it. The first few times you’ll probably find yourself flapping orjust tickling the board but keep trying. If you’re only just learning 360’s, you’ll probably find it easier to learn with a mute or stalefish grab, which naturally keeps your head looking with the spin. If you’ve picked tail like me, then make sure it IS a legitimate tail; if you slip and grab ‘tindy’ you may run the risk of being shot – especially in Jackson Hole where I did this jump.

4. Spot your landing

All being well you should have made it round to 270, and you will now be able to see your landing clearly (unlike the backside 180). Now is a good time to let go of your grab.

5. The Landing

As you come into land, spot where you’re going to touchdown. You want to plant both feet down at the same time just like the 180, keep your weight centred and, once again, have a little pressure on your toe edge to stop yourself sliding out or reverting it around to 540 (this may happen the first few times you try it as it’s pretty normal to overcook it). Land as smoothly as you can, eyeball the nearest person and give it the “yeah I know I stomped that, big deal” look and ride off for another lap.