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Original source: TomBrendtCoach
This video from TomBrendtCoach covered a lot of ground. Streamed.News selected 4 key moments and summarises them here. Everything below links directly to the timestamp in the original video.
If you struggle with overpowering during transitions, mastering front hand placement could be the key to smoother jibe exits and better freestyle control.
Front Hand Position Near Mast Is Key to Depowering Sail for Freestyle and Jibes
To depower the sail, Tom Brandt instructs that the front hand must be moved closer to the mast. This action functions as the fundamental technique for allowing the rig to swing open, which effectively spills wind, releases pressure, and neutralizes the sail's power on demand.
This method of control is not merely for managing gusts but is an essential component for executing advanced techniques. It is a critical skill for freestyle maneuvers that require minimal sail pressure and for ensuring clean jibe exits, particularly when flipping the sail from a clew-first position.
"Move your front end as close to the mast as possible so the sail can swing open; you can release all the power in the sail."
📊 Technical data
Training: Freestyle maneuvers · Jibe exit · Clew first position
Back Hand Placement Is Critical for Generating Maximum Power and Speed
For generating maximum power and speed, Tom Brandt explains that the back hand must be moved further back on the boom. This adjustment is the primary mechanism for closing the sail hard, an action that simultaneously moves the mast further forward and increases the rig's propulsive force.
This technique is essential for initiating powerful maneuvers where speed and drive are paramount, such as jibe initiations, bottom turns, and aerial moves like forward loops. Proper back hand placement makes sheeting in far easier, allowing the rider to maintain control at high speed.
"With your backhand further back on the boom, sheeting in and closing the sail will become so much easier, and at the same time the mast moves further forward, so you will generate much more or maximum power and speed."
📊 Technical data
Training: Jibe initiations · Bottom turns · Forward loops · Dark chips*
Move Front Hand Towards Harness Lines to Power Up Sail for Planing and Speed
Tom Brandt identifies the front hand as the essential pivot point for managing sail power. To power up the rig, the front hand should be moved away from the mast and positioned closer to the harness lines. This action shifts the mast forward, bringing the sail's center of effort closer to the board.
This technique of 'closing the sail' is the fundamental method for generating power efficiently. It is a crucial adjustment for getting onto a plane earlier in marginal conditions and for maintaining board speed once planing.
"The more you move your front ends towards your harness lines, the more the mast moves forward... you're closing the sail, you're powering up the sail quite a lot."
📊 Technical data
Metrics: Getting planing · Going faster
Regain Control in Backwinded Positions by Adjusting Front Hand
When sailing in a backwinded position, excessive power can cause the board to bear away sharply downwind or throw the rider forward due to too much pressure. Tom Brandt advises that the immediate solution is to move the front hand closer to the mast.
This simple adjustment allows the sail to swing open, instantly neutralizing the air pressure on the rig. It is a critical technique for regaining full control and stability during any maneuver that involves a backwinded phase.
"Move your front end close to the mast so the sail can swing open and you neutralize the air pressure, and then you gain full control."
📊 Technical data
Training: Sailing in backwinded position
Summarised from TomBrendtCoach · 5:21. All credit belongs to the original creators. Tomb Brendt Coach summarises publicly available video content.
