The Flatwater Loop is an advanced playboating move where the paddler does a complete front flip in flatwater. This move requires amazing balance in a bow stall and an aggressive execution. Flatwater Loops will be easiest in the shortest boats with lots of volume in the bow.

Step One: The first thing you need to do is get into a stable bow stall. (If you can’t bow stall yet go back and learn this skill first!)

1. Get into a stable bow stall

Step Two: Once in a bow stall you need to start bobbing. To bob downward move your weight backwards and pull down with both of your paddle blades. Once your bow is down reverse this motion. (Push down with both blades and move your weight forward) Don’t try and bounce too high, just focus on getting a rhythm going.

2. Begin bobing on your bow

Step Three: Now it’s time to initiate the Loop. The idea is to get one big bob that pulls your boat over vertical as you reach the top of your pop. For the biggest pop jump upwards off of your foot block and take your paddle right out of the water reaching for the sky. Once at the peak of your pop tuck forward aggressively to start the front flip. 

3. Initiate the loop

Step Four: Just before your stern hits the water you need to throw you weight back and push off both of your blades at the same time to help bring you flat. Pushing off of both blades will give you more power to finish the move. If you’ve timed your loop right and had aggressive body movements you should be done the move and sitting upright with a smile on your face.

4. Finish the move on your back deck

Tips: Don’t bob too high! Find the perfect combination between jumping out and up on you initiation, you should be somewhere in between. If you find yourself rolling up on one side your relying on your paddle too much and need more body movement.