Disco Gybe- How to exit your gybes! Ride-Along Sessions with Cookie!

This episode breakdown the exit of your planing carve gybes, how to flick the rig and exit with speed and control. Done in a mix of light and strong winds with a collections of clips together to fully understand the movements involved.
As usual the Ride-Along session is brought through a combination of live on-board cameras and microphones, as well as some pre-recorded demos to add some clarification.
Make sure you subscribe to the channel for more coaching videos every Tuesday & Thursday!

[@jimmehnert6442]

Love your teaching steps. HHHHH, all good things begin upwind, Disco gybe, etc.

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks! I’ll be running clinics all summer in Vass if you’re keen to get involved! 🤩

[@carmelodelfinmartinezdesal4628]

best video windsurf tutorials ever seen

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks! 🤩🤩🤩

[@Cookiesports]

Hope you’ve seen some of the more recent videos too!

[@iacobp]

Thanks! I tested this technique while sailing slalom in some marginal conditions, and it worked exceptionally well. I found that it helped me understand how to engage my old front hand more effectively, especially when it comes to getting more weight into the turn. The rotation felt more controlled, and I could start the jibe earlier. Even in lighter winds, I managed to pull off some smooth planing jibes, which I’ve struggled with before. One thing I noticed is that when I tried to lift the sail with my new front hand, I often lost balance. But by focusing on using the old front hand to pull the sail back, everything felt more stable and fluid. This small adjustment made a big difference in my jibes.

[@Cookiesports]

Yes yes yes- exactly what this is all about! 🤩🤩🤩

[@kiwikwagga]

This is the most detailed vid I've seen focussing on the rig-flip, which is my biggest sticking point in the gybes. I cannot wait for the next light wind day to go and practice the disco gybe, I have a feeling I'll finally be able to nail it. Thank you very much!

[@Cookiesports]

Hi Lean! Really glad the video helped.Theres quite a few gybing videos I've done focusing on different points on the gybe- hope you've managed to check them out too?! Thanks for watching and sharing among your windsurfing friends!

[@jamesdougall2886]

Brilliant Cookie your videos are on another level. Still by far the best tutorials on the web, hands down!

[@Cookiesports]

Thank you!

[@pauljones4388]

By far the best windsurfing tutorial channel I have stumbled upon . Ride along is genius and so helpful. Amazing stuff mate ! Be great to see some short board marginal wind tips

[@Cookiesports]

Really appreciate your comments Paul. The channel has not been going along but seems to be gaining traction well. I’ve already filmed and uploaded the light wind marginal getting going tips, scheduled to be released this Tuesday! Stay tuned! The other common one people have been asking for is how not to catapult, scheduled for this Thursday!

[@pauljones4388]

Rockstar mate !

[@Velcav]

Wonderful tutorial! and your manners are so lovely! Thank's Cookie 😀

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks!

[@jeffdacosta1304]

One of the best windsurfing tutorials I have viewed with some clear camera angles. I have also had the pleasure of having had some coaching from you on the water in Vasiliki - one of the best coaches around so it's great to see you passing on your knowledge on KZbin....inspirational.

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks Jeff. Great to here from you and pleased your enjoying the channel! Stay tuned for more!

[@slickvisualpoetry]

Gave it a try today. 75 per cent of my gybes stayed dry. I tend to shift too early, but the disco move definitely helps with patience once I am no longer planing. The few gybes were my sail fell in, a gust took the 8.5 out of my hand. I can live with that. Your tutorials help me a lot. Ta.

[@Cookiesports]

Great to hear that! It sound so far fetched when I first introduce it to students but as you begin to try it and add it into your normal rig rotation it really helps!

[@slickvisualpoetry]

@@Cookiesports It's not easy at first with an 8.5 cambered sail if gusts rattle the rig. Other surfers at the beach asked me what the heck I was doing. Adding that to the fact that I am the twinser board oddball already... Now I am dancing to staying alive in my shaky gybes.

[@Cookiesports]

🤣😂🤣😂 Brilliant comment! It still works with the big rigs- in fact it’ll help the counterbalance and pull of the sail to the balance point dramatically! Anyone who asked WTF you’re up to give them the link to my videos and say “Cookie made me do it!” 😜

[@marcosgallodgp]

This was amazing!! so many good camera angles and shots. Pretty great exercises to do and tips! one of my favorites videos so far! Thanks Cookie!

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks Marcos!

[@kev-the-windsurfer.]

Some of the best Gybing instruction I have ever seen, brilliant work on camera angles which gives a much better overview of what is happening at what part of the gybe, I found this immensely helpful!!

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks Kevin, really appreciate that! Many more videos already uploaded, and can't wait to get back on the water this summer and get some more going!

[@kev-the-windsurfer.]

@@Cookiesports I have watched all the gybing videos several times, its really helping find my flow after a 25 year break from the sport, why did I ever stop!! Thanks again for these brilliant videos!!

[@Cookiesports]

Glad to see you working through them all! I can’t wait to get back on the water this summer... new cameras, new microphone, new spot! Exciting times! Let me know if there is anything particular you’d like me to film and talk through!

[@kev-the-windsurfer.]

@@Cookiesports that spot there in Greece looks like a dream, beautiful water, obviously warm!! I’d like to see something along the lines of Gybes gone wrong and how to recover. For example you’ve picked a bad spot, it’s more choppy than you thought, and you’re hit with a wind shift which is gusty.... It’s not always possible to get the perfect entry, but there may be a few techniques you have for recovering a Gybe.... I gotta say I was doing that disco gybe all day today!! It’s brilliant!!

[@Cookiesports]

@@kev-the-windsurfer. Keros is a great spot, looking forward to getting back to Vassiliki this summer though. Interesting idea you've put in there, I'll have a think about it and add it to the "to-film" list. First point though- the disco move as in this video is the recovery bit- corrects the counterbalance and allows you to stay balanced. Add that with some god vision and you'll stay dry! Have you seen this video yet- the formula to gybing, this covers a lot of these points... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXTRmGuDn5t2iq8

[@mikup1482]

Great, easy to understand videos from Cookie!

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks for watching MikuP! Theres loads more on the channel that'll really help you out!

[@barbsmith8436]

Hi Cookie, thank you very, very much for your teaching and help! After 10 years now I finally reached my aim: planing through the gybe. I'm so happy, I can't describe. And actually your videos and your live-teaching this year in Vasiliki brought the breakthrough. Now I try to get through the gybe in choppy water, because my homespots are very choppy. Do you have some tips for me, what are the main things to manage the gybe planning through even in choppy water? Bye, bye

[@Cookiesports]

That’s great news- well done! This video mid help you ride through the chop in your gybes… kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4PFY42NrbxsiKM

[@gusthunter8780]

Really enjoy the videos! Transitioning from Beginner to Intermediate skills. These have been very helpful.

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks Gust!

[@anthonystanden5073]

Great detail. This will be very useful thankyou

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks Anthony- hope it’s helps! 👍👍👍

[@i_seoul_u4034]

You are the guide of all windsurfers! Thanks. First of all I am still a bit scared to give pressuer on the leeward side as I am picking up the speed Second of all I think planing going up and down wind freely must be preceded, This would be also a good topic to film about as well :) Thanks Cookie

[@Cookiesports]

Try this video to prepare and get your gybes started well- do the H’s but the don’t actually do the gybe- just come back up wind and try it all again! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6KoqXSdpMakg9U

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks for the comment by the way, glad you’re enjoying them!

[@dairyairman]

That's a good tip! I can jibe in a way, but I have trouble planing through a jibe and sometimes I round up into the wind after the sail flip. Pointing to where I should go sounds like a good idea.

[@Cookiesports]

👍👍👍

[@LeroyYue]

Excellent! Wish I had watched this a few months ago when I started. Will go out and try this. Thanks!

[@Cookiesports]

Never too late to add this into the skills you already have! 👍👍👍 Thanks for sharing around with your friends and windsurf community!

[@robhruska7611]

Enjoying the videos! I was out today and implemented some of your gybing tips and harness tips and had much improved in both areas. Keep them coming!

[@Cookiesports]

Glad to hear it’s working!!

[@lancemepsted1145]

Really enjoying these ride along videos. Thanks. They are really helping me to improve bit by bit

[@Cookiesports]

Great, thanks!

[@timmorris2858]

Superb video!!

[@Cookiesports]

Thank you!

[@WadeVogt]

Excellent videos! Thanks for all of these! Can't wait to try these out in non-planing and planing conditions as my gybes need a lot of work. Something similar on the heli-tack would be great.

[@Cookiesports]

Hi Wade, Helitack is on the "to-do" list for sure! Quick tip on it.. the exit (rig flip) is identical to this disco move- when the rig powers up and opens, slide the front hand and give the disco point!

[@WadeVogt]

@@Cookiesports Makes sense.. thanks for the tip!

[@Dantanalicious]

Thanks Cookie - probably my favorite video of yours! Balance point, balance point, balance point - you really drilled that into my brain! I found the disco gybe is also how I handle extremely overpowered gybes in tight choppy wave conditions, or works well when needing to extend a gybe to get around someone in the water in crowded conditions. As usual, I did not know it had a name! I learned it by accident when gybing around a buddy who was in the water and wanting to point at him… I know, shameless. Next time I get out, I’m going to get way upwind and do repeat disco gybes on the way back to really lock it into my brain. All your videos have given me little tips on things I have not been doing or have been doing but did not fully understand due to my trial and error methods. Would you agree it works well for overpowered conditions or maybe you have some better technique recommendations..? Keep the great content coming!

[@Cookiesports]

In gybes the “disco”’move - bringing the sail back to the balance point through the rig flip is key in most/all conditions! Did you see the video I made “what’s the secret to mastering windsurfing”… very similar point being made!

[@ashacreft6414]

You mention releasing the rig too early, what is the proper timing for releasing the rig? Great tutorials, thanks

[@Cookiesports]

Tough to answer… in this video when I say “too early” I mean drastically early for slow speed… which in the video is beam-broad on the entrance. When at speed there is no exact point to release and flip the sail- there are a lot of factors at play- sometimes it’d be good to release earlier - other times later… I all cases the disco move can help! 👍👍👍

[@russellscott1151]

Great video and super wAy to keep your weight and focus on carving side of board rather than chasing the sail.

[@Cookiesports]

Exactly right- thank you! 🤙

[@martinhart1548]

Another great video, thanks. Just one question, when did you last get wet above the knees?! You make it look soooo easy 👏🏼

[@Cookiesports]

haha! thanks Martin! Clever editing can make anyone look good! ;-)

[@samuelsmith5027]

Martin Hart 😀

[@keendnb]

I like this I'll give that a try as the flip is what slows my gybe down..... I'll let you know how I get on.

[@Cookiesports]

It's a game-changer! 👍

[@Arthur-gq4tt]

Can you please do a vid about getting into the straps bcs it's really difficult to get in the back strap. Thank you for the great vids btw!!

[@Cookiesports]

Thanks for the comment Arthur! Follow this link to a Rode-Along video on getting in the straps. Also watch out for two videos coming this week, both feature tips on getting in the straps and gaining control as you speed up! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nl6aYohrnbyBic0

[@Aijse]

Really appreciate your ride along videos. Could you do one on pumping into planing in marginal winds? I don't find any good videos on this topic on the tube.

[@Cookiesports]

Hi Aice, Thanks for the comment. Try this video, should help you out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHPHiJZserqLY80

[@Aijse]

@@Cookiesports Thanks for the reply. I got the notification for the video you mention. It was great to watch. Although you didn't focus much on pumping, which I also think is an interesting topic. Thanks for the great content!

[@Cookiesports]

Hi! The video focuses more on being efficient and effective with the power on hand, with the slightest “mini-pump” as youve seen. The full pumping actions will be a whole new video- so many variations and things that can go wrong! It’s on the list!

[@robinshattock5618]

Really useful. As a beginner I spend way too much time with my hands close to the mast (feet too). What’s the best way too move further away from the mast with a more central position on the boom and feet with a stance more towards the back of the board?

[@Cookiesports]

We never stay set in one position, you’ll need to me making small adjustments and no mental all the time! Quick move back, little shuffle forward, hands adjusting position on the boom!

[@robinshattock5618]

Thanks

[@lefterislef5630]

Your vids are a pleasure to watch! Good job and keep it up! Are you in Limnos in 2021 too? We're thinking of coming over for lessons!

[@Cookiesports]

Thank you! I'm really excited to get back to Vassiliki, Lefkas this summer. I'll be there running clinics there from mid-June! Come and join me!

[@lefterislef5630]

@@Cookiesports Thank you for the reply! Ah I see! We were thinking about a different place for windsurf lessons this year but hey you never know! Which club are you going to be part of in Vassiliki? I think there are 4 or so

[@Cookiesports]

@@lefterislef5630 I am based at the Cosmos Hotel. If you are having troubles getting into my hotel (as it's quite a popular one!) you can actually stay anywhere and then arrange the clinics with me. The beach is not huge and only takes minuets to get from one club to another to join!

[@lefterislef5630]

@@Cookiesports Perfect! Yes I know that I was there 2 years ago! Thank you very much for the reply and hope to see you soon!

[@joakimyliruusi]

Would you recommend doing these exercises with a slightly smaller sail? I mean if I would normally go for a 6.5, trying to get as much power as possible and maybe planing. Maybe go for a 5.5 just to have a lighter more agile sail to train with?

[@Cookiesports]

Hi! Thanks for watching- hope you’re enjoying the channel! Training on a smaller sail, bigger boards and light winds is super important, however I wouldn’t waste too much of the strong wind to practice this- you never know when the throng winds will return! Choose a day when you don’t think you’ll get planning and use that time to train!

[@carstenjudick9857]

Hey Simon, first off all thank you for your videos. Really appreciate it and learned already something. One question... What happens quite often to me when exiting the gybe is that I accidentally hook back into the harness and then obviously crash. How could I prevent that? Thanks and keep going!!

[@Cookiesports]

Hi Carsten, Thanks for the comment. If the harness is anywhere near the lines then the rig is far too close to your body as you're coming through the gybe... extend both arms as you come through, rig going one way counterbalancing the power with your hips going the other way. Light winds are the best time to practice this!

[@carstenjudick9857]

@@Cookiesports Thanks a lot... Letting you know once I have some time on the water again... Missed yesterday unfortunately because of traffic jam.

[@anthonystanden5073]

Hi cookie Been enjoy your series today fantastic. Would you be able to give me a guide to sail and board sizes to use in different wind conditions (knts) mainly. I am getting back in to the sport after a long break and things have changed alot. I am 75 kg. Thanks in advance any info much appreciated

[@Cookiesports]

Hi Anthony! Thanks for the message, and really glad your enjoying the series. I'm not sure how well I can answer this I'm afraid though as there are sooooo many variable in choosing your kits. On any given day at a spot you will likely have people on a huge range of kit, all powered up and going ok. I've seen attempts at grids/ graphs on "sail selection with weight and wind variables" but this still honest take into account enough variables For example, we weight about the same, but even if we were sailing on the same board on the same spot at the exact same moment, we may decide the different size of sails are best! Skill and personal preference comes in a lot with sail chose.., I don't like having too much power so will often choose a slightly smaller sail than others on the water. You could call it being underpowered, I simply think I am efficient with the power I have and would prefer to have a smaller sail that is lighter and more manoeuvrable in my hands! Best advice I can offer is to find a regular spot, and get to know the regular riders there. You'll then learn that Big Jonny is rigging his 5.0m, Little Tim is on his 4.2, which means for you it's time for the 4.6m! (or something similar like that!

[@anthonystanden5073]

@@Cookiesports Hi Cookie Thanks for taking the time to try and answer my question. I fully understand your answer, Cheers

[@Cookiesports]

Other things just to throw into the variable mix, and why it’s so hard to give a Xxx windspeed = Xxx sail... - board Size - board type - fin size - weight - sea state - wind density - wind temperature - rider skill! - water current I could go on, but you get my drift I think! 🤣

[@anthonystanden5073]

@@Cookiesports Hi In a nut shell it's experience, practice and a little trial and error Thanks very much

[@Cookiesports]

Exactly! 👌👌👌

[@iischia]

The issue of lightwind is you better use a high volume board (which I don’t have)

[@Cookiesports]

Borrow one! Or rent one! It’ll make a huge difference to you planing gybes if you can get on a big board for a bit!

[@dominiccottrill2387]

What size board are you on there? I'm guessing a lot bigger than usual.

[@Cookiesports]

The main light wind clips are all filmed on a 160ltr. TBH I did it on that size board because it had screw holes in the noes so I could mount the camera easily! The drone shots are done in the same winds on a 130 board, then the high winds vary from 115 down to 84... point is it works on them all but use light winds and high volume to practice to start with!

[@Red-Door]

Great tip. Really helps. Especially with smaller sails. However, Due to light conditions in my home spot I sail with a 8,5m2 camber sail a lot of the time. The extreme leaning of the Disco Gibe seems too much for this heavy sail as I get pulled backward. Any tips for that?

[@Cookiesports]

Hi! Thanks for watching. The scoop of the sail with the exaggerated disco move is all about counterbalance. If the sail is heavy and pulling you back in as you do it then exaggerate the counterbalance move loads more- rig going out and back means you to go further forward to counterbalance this!

[@johnthomson1816]

Halfway through the gybe, how do you know when to iake the back hand off the rig?

[@Cookiesports]

HI John! The great thing about this "dicos gybe" (rig flip) is it doesn't matter when you do it. If you do it very early then the point and pause will bring the board around nice and gently without pulling you in. If you do it later and closer to a reach on the new side the point and pause will help you counter balance the big pull from the sail. Even on the plane there isn't a specific point when you should do it, sometime you'll have to do it earlier, sometimes later depending on lots of variable, ding the disco point and pause and you'll be dry! This other video might help a bit too... kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXTRmGuDn5t2iq8

[@htsuji2009]

あなたの動画を見たので20年ぶりにウィンドサーフィンに復帰します。ディスコジャイブのトレーニングします。ありがとう。

[@Cookiesports]

Yes yes yes! 🙌

[@CharlieCushing]

Holy crap. OMG.

[@Cookiesports]

Hope thats a good reaction!? Try it, it'll change you're gybes for ever!

[@CharlieCushing]

@@Cookiesports Yeah this is solid gold. It answers so many questions that are hard to even find the words to ask properly. Thanks as always

[@CharlieCushing]

@@Cookiesports Cookie, I played around with this on the lawn and in the water yesterday and I'm SO impressed with how much it's improving my gybes. The "half-disco" helps a lot with training for vision and the "full-disco" helps to close the loop with counterbalance. Both work wonders for patience. I stayed dry about 90% of the time :) Thanks so much for this series, it's improving my game so much! I'd love to hear/see what you have to say about waterstarts

[@phillipmorgan6822]

tomorrow's mission at Portland

[@Cookiesports]

How’d it go?