The Raley is one of the first unhooked moves most riders learn. It's an unhooked jump where your legs are out behind you 'superman' style. Some say it's not a true raley unless your legs are above your head. First learn hooked in popping and jumping, then you can try hooked in raleys, then just go for it an try an unhooked raley.
The more you attempt raleys the bigger and more powerful you will be able to go, but follow the tips below and above in the videos and you'll have this one dialed in no time.
Common mistake: landing on your heel edge pointing too high upwind. Doing this will cause an edge catch quicker than you can click your fingers to a drum and bass track. To prevent this: land with your board going downwind!
Trick Steps
1
Find a comfortable pace with your kite at 45, keeping your hands central on the bar
2
Edge downwind and unhook with your hands close to the centre of the bar
3
Keeping your elbows in, edge hard back upwind- try to get the board to stop in the water
4
Release the edge once you've built up loads of pressure. You should barely be able to hold on
5
As you release, extend your elbows and let the board out from underneath you.
6
Remain in superman position through the apex (keeping your head down). Try to keep your hips parallel with the water to prevent any unwanted twisting. Keep your head down, looking at the water (maybe look up for your first few).
7
Pull elbows back in and bring legs back underneath you, start to look up to spot your landing
8
Watch your landing, absorb impact with your knees and use the bar to help you to balance. Ride downwind for a bit and then hook back in (otherwise there'll be too much tension).