Unfortunately, tacking is often neglected. When new planing manoeuvres are on the to-do list, they are usually jibing variations, while tacking is only used as a means to an end. However, there are definitely some moves to windward that are worthy of a stylish Duck Jibe or Power neck are in no way inferior. This includes the Push Tack, which brings a breath of fresh air to any manoeuvre repertoire.
The push tack owes its name to the fact that the sail is pushed into the wind ("to push"). The best way to practise the push tack is with light, camberless sails and on a freemove or freestyle waveboard that is easy to turn. Alternatively, waveboards also work. With large freeride boards, however, the move becomes increasingly difficult or even impossible due to the wide tails.
It's best to practise the push tack in a light gliding wind."
In terms of practising conditions, the Push Tack is basically undemanding, but the move is particularly easy in conditions at the lower glide limit - i.e. when you can just barely get into the glide and lack the power for powerful glide jibes anyway. It is helpful if you already have some experience with the Heli Tack can demonstrate. We'll show you how to master the push tack in detail here.
Crux 1: Neutralise the sail draft
If you want to experience a blue wonder, turn the rig into a push tack on a half-wind course! The sail will load up so much that it will immediately push you off the board to leeward. It is therefore important to neutralise the sail pull before turning into the push tack. You can do this by making a visible tack to leeward - even if it may seem contradictory at first to drop off for a tack. Initiate the push tack like an upright power jibe to leeward (1) and drop to a low downwind course. As soon as your sail feels neutral and light, the actual manoeuvre begins. Pull the boom head towards the foot straps, the sail hits back (2-4).
Crux 2: Pressure on the tail
The most common mistake is that both feet are in the area around the base plate, similar to a heli tack. The result is that the back pressure of the sail cannot be converted into a turn, but that the windward edge digs in (see sequence) or the board simply continues straight ahead. To ensure that the board turns tightly into the wind, the (new) rear foot must remain in the area of the front loops and be clearly offset to the windward edge. This transfers the counter pressure of the sail to the inside edge of the board via the rear leg, and the board turns closely into the wind.
Key point 3: Shifting
Shifting the sail is the last crucial point of the push tack. The critical moment is when the leech has to be pushed through the wind - every sail is very unstable when pushed by the leech (1). Tip: Wait a little while before you start the shaping and turn the board nose out of the wind a little beforehand (2-3). This reduces the tension in the sail and makes it noticeably more stable. Only when the sail has stabilised do you allow it to rotate. To hoist the sail, push your front hand far forwards towards the mast. As soon as you release your back hand, pull the mast close to your body so that the sail can rotate as upright as possible (4).
Manuel Vogel
Editor surf
