HOW TO... BUILD A JUMP
Step 2. Map out your areas of work. Make a
plan of what needs to be worked on from the most
important area (usually the take-off), to the least
important area (usually the landing and run-outs).
The amount of work needed on each section will
change a lot from jump to jump. You want to
make sure the take-off lip gets the most attention
as it’s going to be the life point of the jump. Next
is usually the run-in; a vital piece of the jump,
since it’s where you get your momentum and set
up for the take-off. The landing and run-outs will
usually get the least amount of attention.
Step 3. The take-off. This is the heart of the jump.
The better the take-off lip, the better you’ll be able
to throw your tricks. When building a take-off from
scratch, it’s very important to compact the jump as you
go. This will prevent the lip from collapsing as you make
your first few test jumps. If the dirt is dry and you’re
able to get water to your jump that will often help a lot,
when it comes to compacting the dirt. Next you want
to work on the pitch or the steepness/kick the lip has in
it. This affects how the jump will throw you through the
air, and is usually determined through experience and
advice from your mates. The other method, which I like
to use, is to simply stare at the lip from multiple angles
and imagine myself hitting the jump; visualizing how it
will throw/kick me up into the air and onto the landing.
Finally, keeping traction in mind as you approach the
jump, it’s important to ensure you’ve made a nice
smooth transition from where the run-in finishes and
the base of the jump starts. This will help you keep
the power to the ground and the rear wheel building
momentum.