Blake's 6 Common Jumping Mistakes & How To Avoid Them

[@gmbn]

What jumping mistakes do you make?

[@englishsupaman9459]

Global Mountain Bike Network definitely dead sailor

[@z33tanner]

Landing rear wheel first, bmx habits. Landed to flat over jumping a vertical landing last time out 🤙

[@th_js]

Getting my rear wheel too high

[@alexf5995]

Not lifting up my back wheel enough

[@benrichardson9526]

All of them... if I try to jump I pull up to much, or use legs and lift bike into me. On the rare occasion my technique is slightly better I dead sailor in the air. I case the majority of things I try to jump. Thanks for the tips. I need to find a decent trail with a decent jump like this to learn on

[@Gumby905]

Cant believe how much air you get from that small jump

[@edenmclaren5410]

Yeah I know

[@edineagu1884]

is because he is having a long travel fork and the shock absorber

[@patalinghugjosephmarkkent6082]

@@edineagu1884 that really wrong. Short travel or long travel forks doesnt matter, in fact, long travel fork is so hard in jumps like this, that why they prefer short travel forks for dj bikes. Back to the point, all he is doing is bunny hop. Hes maximizing the lip of the jump + bunny hop = good air

[@charless3816]

@@edineagu1884 its His Skill, Not the Bike, I Bet He Can Even Jump Like That using A 26Er HardTail

[@Oli420X]

Shows it's in the technique

[@EatThan]

Can we talk about how perfectly he's matching his bike

[@WillG_MTB]

yes

[@bilbo3474]

Um this is a hostile reply on a perfectly normal comment.

[@nicholasquintero1080]

Yeah his legs look like his front forks

[@Desperado070]

Is he driving a bike? I thought the bike was driving him... 😂

[@jasonc2785]

Seriously, I love that you explained this on a small roller/gap, not some big Whistler-style monster! Much more relatable and useful for novices like me. Thanks Blake!!

[@z33tanner]

Getting back into trails on my 26er hardtail is making me a jumping addict. I'm itching to go to a bike park now! GMBN is the best.

[@Romario_euceda]

I love your car

[@z33tanner]

@@Romario_euceda Thank you! I post a lot of me drifting it on my instagram @z33_tanner

[@maddog4390]

Did you ever get back on the bike

[@lachiedixon410]

Dead sailor is the worst!

[@notachance8887]

Dead sailor made me lol

[@oceanbannedontwitch8270]

This is late but let’s appreciate that he shows every mistake himself including the dead sailor now that takes some balls

[@Southernrefinish88]

The dead sailor I've done that as a kid way too many times.

[@_the_low_gold_gamer_2501]

luis chacon I still some times do it when I’m about to crash

[@bobbyhempel1513]

@@Southernrefinish88 I still do it but now I've learned to turn it into a whip.

[@simonboteroaristizabal687]

I appreciate you indirectly calling me ballsy @Oceanwaterr :)

[@robamick126]

just the video I needed, thanks blake, I will put this to practice tomorrow.

[@Zimblake]

Your welcome dude. Send it

[@Shrimp-ov8jz]

Rob Amick tell us how it goes

[@robamick126]

@@Shrimp-ov8jz I've had to cancel due to weather :(

[@Iheartdgd]

I pulled a “dead sailor” a couple days ago on a jump I’ve been building all winter 😂

[@BassSwirls]

It's your jump...you can dead sailor it as much as you like 🤙🏻

[@Danstheman1357]

I pulled a dead sailor a couple days ago. I crashed lol

[@davidly8059]

I pull a dead sailor sometimes

[@Ryansnowmtnsalt]

My shoulders got ice on it right now from my last dead sailor😂

[@RTHines]

sammmeee

[@marcdemichele2689]

Your boy has some mad skills. His ability to effortlessly show us the mistakes we make is pretty amazing. Thanks Blake!!

[@funkimc6139]

The Dead Sailor thats happens to me after 7 hours in the bike park.😐

[@charlesci7766]

damn,I just did that a week ago. And I probably can't ride for this week for that injury caused by crash

[@loamymtb]

@@charlesci7766 Did your injury heal up!?

[@charlesci7766]

@@loamymtb i got recovered within one week, nothing too serious, thx for asking❤️

[@ryanmakarski8353]

I pulled a “dead sailor” a couple days ago on a jump I’ve been building all winter 😂

[@huntstyle]

I know what to do. It's actually doing it that's hard! I tend to rely too much on pre-loading the suspension. I'd need to take slow motion video of myself to see if I'm getting any weight back.

[@southernaccent]

I'm with ya, I thought that was what you were supposed to do for a long time!

[@yahiride7578]

Use ur pre-load! Gotta work with it on compression and rebound stroke.

[@elscruffomcscruffy8371]

As someone gaining confidence on a Hardtail attacking small jumps this clip was very helpful. Pulling the handlebars to your waist, maintain straight body through jump and allow the front wheel to drop down and point towards the landing. Nice. Now, once my hand heals from my last stack I can put these tips to practise

[@lawrencerodeback]

Holy Crap, I'm a Dead Sailor! I may be the only person capable of bunny hopping and landing on my side.

[@robertchapman5260]

I can confirm it's not just you!

[@KitchenFSink]

I tend to stiffen up when I don't do anything or when just pull with my arms. When I pump the transition and do kind of a half-bunnyhop my flight is always controled. Just don't pull on the bars and don't just let the bike.

[@barajastony0]

I just got a used Giant Vt1 I can't believe how fun MTB I was missing out for sure!

[@nickbaldi5198]

Entered the sport last July. Best decision ever!

[@Joemama-kx1yp]

Nick Baldi I entered last Christmas, the only problem is that my £400 bike went down to £200 in a year

[@bravoswede]

Same here Started last few weeks of last season and been out every possible time this year. Almost as addicting as snowboarding I started that 3 years ago lol. Life starts at 50😂😂😂 Them bikes' a tad more expensive though...

[@HelenKellerDenier]

You explain things so eloquently. Just makes perfect sense when you imagine the physics of things. Thanks bud!

[@BikingVikingMTB]

Great vid Blake- jumped my first 12ft Gap jump yesterday so happy n x3 drop offs 🤟🤟🙌🏻

[@MeganSchrooten]

Exactly what I needed, I've been hitting the jump line at my local trails and have been landing nose heavy every time

[@BMH1965]

One of the best instructional videos I've seen related to biking skills. Many others (also from this channel) assume knowledge not in evidence.

[@Ethelred77]

It looks so easy when you do it! I need to practice more.

[@arcadegir2520]

Very nice pieces of advice keep it up

[@edenmclaren5410]

Thanks now hopefully next time I do that jump with out going over the handlebars 👍

[@PaulHolder]

I ride there all the time, it’s amazing to see how much height Blake gets. I can clear these gaps (sometimes) but don’t get far off the ground. Will try these tips at the weekend 👍

[@noelius4481]

We’ve been there. Haha One more thing is confidence all throughout. Without it, these techniques will be nothing but a blurry set of words. BTW is that an XTR hub? It’s so silent.

[@coreycanuck1315]

Wow!! What a great video. Focusing in on the most common mistakes then on correct technique with an expert jumper. Cannot get better than that!!! Thank you for this superb video!! Absolutely awesome camera work and sound...great to hear Blake's tires on the trail and then hit the jump!!

[@jesusmejia3910]

I'm new to mountain biking. I bought a Trek Fuel ex 5 29er. The last bike i had was a SPECIALIZED Rockhopper 26 hard tail. All this information is great for this brown boy who is 47 years young. Thank you.

[@smacko112]

I have been waiting for this!

[@Zimblake]

I hope it helps you out dude and no sorry to the marriage thing haha

[@thecount1001]

and he gets all that pop and loft on a big cushy free ride bike. incredible. the looks of that Torque have really grown on me. Blake that vid you did on the less ridden trail in Whistler was a masterpiece. brilliant work yet again.

[@spikespikus1468]

Currently I’m alright with small doubles and medium tables but as soon as the takeoffs get steep on slightly bigger tables I go a bit dead sailor

[@alexf5995]

Spike Spikus same

[@astudentofhistory6520]

You are tensing up out of fear.. relax and be loose

[@fintutorials56]

WE are the remnants of the Huwhite Apocalypse easier said than done, it will take time

[@fintutorials56]

Karina agree, but it's scary as hell to pump into a steep lip while just starting out, i would recommend just to start on easier jumps

[@Candesce]

@@fintutorials56 yeah, that's right, but you can practice pumping into the lip of a jump on smaller jumps too. You know you're doing it right when you start going higher and further than you have before :)

[@JohnHenryDale]

Great video, very informative, also great that it's demo'd on a little jump that most people will feel comfortable with, not some massive ramp that you could break your neck on if you biffed the landing.

[@owen.newportwainwright4552]

Let’s be honest, you know how to jump and you’ve already seen this video but you saw Blake and you clicked.

[@raymondmontecastro]

Watching more vids makes me crave for more on my MTB progressions

[@alexanderslavicek6654]

Oh damn, just now realized that the "dead sailor" is my problem😅

[@snooka2484]

Looking forward to practicing this proper technique. I found myself doing the dead sailor today at the bmx park, totally stiff and leaning sideways in air and landing crooked and sideways. Also the stretch...45 minutes later I sort of started to figure it out, but still cased everything. Thanks for the tips!

[@migatron1]

Yo Blake, that paint job is looking pretty sick!

[@almarikrynauw1362]

What bike is that

[@sipz5901]

@@almarikrynauw1362 the canyon torque

[@archiequevedo8929]

Blake is the ultime gmbn dude! Thanks bru!

[@nbultman_art]

Does this apply for hardtails?

[@oppa1x]

Nick Bultman yes

[@jenniferosborne7210]

I used to be Prone to dead sailor with some bad results. Nice breakdown.

[@mallillinrjkaylec.6413]

the purple pedals though

[@liborbombik2797]

Was just about to say the same thing hahaha

[@rogerc3484]

Excellent teacher.... Explained in super detail the jumping technique and visuals... You rock! All the best, from Roger.

[@Max-pt4tx]

Great vid. Didnt even need your cousin to show you how its done

[@205gtipunk]

I had never ridden a full suspension bike over a jump until last weekend I dead sailored bad on a medium size tabletop, took my foot off the pedal as I turned sideways in the air. This noise echoed through the bike park 2:20. Landed hard one foot on the ped and one on the ground, I am OK but could've been nasty and thats why I'm here. Great vid!

[@adambirnie8744]

As a 41 yr old getting back in to mountain biking - I make a lot of mistakes. Don't pull up, don't stand, don't explode, tense in the air, panic and doubt myself before hitting the jump. Maybe you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Do you use the same techniques the more vertical the jumps go?

[@grimreaper3526]

I believe the type & kind of bike you have plays a role in jumping too....the cheaper bikes that are so much HEAVIER will act differently than an expensive carbon bike, LET ALONE THE SIZE & ANGLE OF THE JUMP YOUR ABOUT TO TAKE.... So many factors will cause many spills.

[@SplitRing]

44 year old dog here confirming new tricks are in fact possible! Patience, confidence, and some burlier pads has worked wonders. I also feel simply following folks better (and helpful) than me through tricky sections helps me gauge speed, technique, etc. I completely understand the curse of over-thinking all the info, and am probably due for a healthy crash or 10, but I say the best thing is to keep at it. The pain lasts longer now, but so do the smiles!

[@Kai-ze2rb]

48 yo here and the key is to relax and smile more. What you did do for ages can´t be changed in days. As long as you keep your weight on the pedals and stand up slightly through the jump you will progress. At some point you are so good that you can give an over-complicated tutorial ;) Great video BTW - a little bit intimidating though, like rocket science ;) But you can get used to rocket science too, just be patient.

[@billc7211]

54 and trying to keep up with my 14 year old son. Lost cause I know, but I’m not giving up

[@Jon-rc2yy]

Bill C you sound like my dad lol

[@lecco666]

Started jumping at 51 after.a few years of trying and gradually getting there...good video thanks.

[@jmartyn86]

Get that Canyon Torque to Maydena Bike Park Bing Bong.

[@Zimblake]

YES PLEASE

[@YourFavoriteCyclist]

Thanks for the tips! I'm pretty sure I make most of those mistakes! Just have to keep practicing!

[@bobby5031]

I completely agree with Blake; jumping is not about speed, but instead technique. A good tip I used is to first know how to bunny hop, as this is an essential technique for jumping. After you can do good bunny hops, try out some small jumps. A good tip is to go too slow for the jump and have to use a bunny hop to clear it. Once you are comfortable, you can move to bigger jumps. Get a friend to drag you in, and once you know the trail speed, you can just fly over every big jump with no effort whatsoever.

[@jonahdelacruz5987]

Blake, your videos are amazing! keep up the good job! greets from el Salvador.

[@TheSupremeXNERD]

Jonah De La Cruz I’m Salvadoran too. I live in NY. How are the trails over there? Must be great with all the volcanos. Sorry Id be speaking to you in Spanish if my Spanish wasn’t so bad lol.

[@teckademic33]

can I do all of this on a hardtail or does the rear suspension come in to play when achieving these kinds of jumps?

[@jakubknioa1159]

u can do it on hardtail. For the start its even better. Hardtail is less forgiving, but its way easier to put rear wheel into the air. I was learning and still learning on hardtail with small (0-0.5 meters) to medium jumps (0.5-3/4 meters). :P

[@GhostFishSlayer]

Thanks for the superb explanation of the jumping technique. My problem is building up confidence after an OTB crash. Any tips on staying loose on the trail?

[@antsarumae4659]

I've found that a good way to get over fear is just taking a long break and forgetting how it feels to crash. I was pretty scared of crashing by the end of the year because of all the mishaps I had riding in summer, didn't ride all winter because of the deep snow, but now in spring I'm sending stuff again and riding better than ever.

[@viki9539]

I get all that, but Blake, tell me this: How do I get my pedals to stay with my feet. If I feel my pedals leave my feet for even a milisecond, I panic because I imagine landing with my bum on my frame or seat then getting rebounded off - that stiffens me and it makes for sketchy landings.

[@willd0g]

Meghan Galanif this is me exactly! That feeling of separation and grip/foot-stability is terrifying

[@jakobhp3180]

You need to apply pressure onto your pedals. The problem is that people forget to keep the pressure on the pedal while they are in the air. Only one way - practise!

[@huntergibson9359]

you use the scrape technique from a bunnyhop. angle your toes down and push against the bars. It is not nearly as exaggerated as in a bunnyhop but the force pushing against the pedals will keep your feet glued. there are a tonne of bunnyhop tutorials on the site, look at some of them and the feet should make sense.

[@RandomUser_online]

Lmaooo this id also my mistake

[@JulianoGSF]

Scoop the pedals with yourr feet.

[@cablecutter9044]

Still relevant video. Blake you are a legend, entertaining and useful content, always.

[@fearlv1rattata]

"I'm the captain now." -Dead Sailor

[@guygatineau281]

I've seen hundred of those, this one just nailed it for me!

[@dudlocks]

so basically there's a 1 in 7 chance of not completely fucking this up ???

[@greysonc3719]

Yeah essentially

[@kevinalexandervalenzuela4098]

Great Teacher, Great Instructional Video.

[@megatfaizarif690]

Now I know why the call it the Dead Sailor. Is that a heart shape with Neil's name carved into a tree..??

[@choate10]

I went out for the first time in about 20 years off a jump yesterday. I was doing the sailor one. hoping these little tips will help me get back into it!

[@lukecliffe7096]

7:13 The landing will be the best sound you'll ever hear apart from a clean roost

[@BossTrecentodue]

Best GMB's video about "how to jump" thanks!

[@jakubknioa1159]

i wonder if i'm gonna loose my teeth while practising this on my hardtail xd

[@romantom8101]

get a fullface

[@pagey3103]

Good advice Blake, my jumping is inconsistent so this will come in handy.

[@yondaimehokage2281]

that is a lot of air for a small ramp...

[@billc7211]

Great video! I’ll be watching this over and over.

[@HarryC12937]

What bike is he using in the video?

[@speedytom4]

Would also like to know this please. Also great video!

[@maverickbenson3258]

Canyon torque.

[@HarryC12937]

Maverick Benson thanks

[@techtastatischtoaster3988]

A lovely Canyon Torque :)

[@th_js]

It's a Canyon Torque CF Oops sorry it was already answered

[@mrpants6370]

Thanks Blake ! These are super helpful tips - This seems to be what I was missing as I'm trying to improve improve my air time ! Thanks to you and Neil I at least have my bunny hop dialed now !

[@nathanaeljames09]

Who else thought 5:06 was funny 😂

[@joshuabowman6240]

Your videos are the best! Thanks for all the lessons!

[@lorenzovittori3199]

I'm the king of dead sailor!

[@2403rygar]

Me too. I have had dead sailor landings when I have gone full panic mode.

[@brandoncarew161]

Thank you for your videos and helpful hints and tips. You and GMBN have transformed how I ride my mtb. Even changing from clipless to flats and working on getting my jumps bigger and better. You a legend Blake!

[@andrewdatcu870]

How long are those forks? They look like they've got more travel than a dual crown 😂

[@p199a]

its new Canyon Torque 180mm front 175 rear

[@th_js]

180mm

[@firstofficerswaney1835]

Equivalent to a dual crown with 180-200

[@sethnicholls7861]

Overkill for most trails, but why not if ya can afford it?!?!?

[@rothaarbiker]

Nice explanation, cannot wait to get out and try myself...

[@bhoumikasthana6400]

Who is waiting for a mtb giveaway

[@erikh6019]

Blake, you did such an awesome job with this breakdown! Keep up the good work, you guys kill it at keeping things entertaining while still providing valuable info.

[@rob1loxley]

The only accent I can't figure out, south African?

[@leopardgecko4024]

Robert Loxley Zimbabwe

[@georgeeee30]

I am the dead sailor all day. I always wondered why I couldn't keep on line with the trail. One broken arm because of it, but now I know how to fix it, cheers Blake

[@3DGvisuals]

Holy crap there are so many mistakes I can make I'm now even more scared to attempt a jump :-(

[@approachingfreedom8081]

Just start on something small, if you make these mistakes on a little jump it won't matter most of the time. You'll feel it if something is off but nothing bad will happen because you'll have so little time in the air.

[@3DGvisuals]

@@approachingfreedom8081 I'm gutted I waited til my 40s before getting into mountain biking, all those years I could've been developing skills and confidence wasted on a career and family 😁

[@approachingfreedom8081]

3DGvisuals haha better late than never man. You’ll be surprised how quickly you get comfortable on jumps if you can find like an hour to practice one day.

[@vincejnr7496]

Looks like ashton court estate nova trail, i cant clear the second gap for toffee, but blake makes it look effortless 👍 inspiration to work on technique 😎

[@smacko112]

Marry me Blake 😩

[@Zimblake]

Aaaaaaaah I'm married already hahaha but thanks hahaha

[@kusanagi6937]

Gay?

[@DanielHamacher]

Thank you for making this video. I learned a lot from it.

[@victorleroux6151]

Blake can you speak Afrikaans??

[@martinvermeulen7936]

Victor Le Roux Snaaks ou

[@victorleroux6151]

@@martinvermeulen7936 Hy het in een van sy vorige videos afrikaanse woorde gebruik soos boet so ek wonder maar net.

[@jerryvolpini7987]

Excellent tutorial, a great starting point for doing jumps. Thanks!

[@lukerlaforest4039]

Something about Blake's videos always makes me want to hit the trails asap! Big fan Blake, love your vids!😎👍👌🤘💀

[@Zimblake]

aaaaaah thanks dude. Kind words.

[@lukerlaforest4039]

@@Zimblake Hope all is well with the little one! Congrats! I have 6, 4, and 2 year old little monkeys! Welcome to the dad club!😀👏👏👏

[@Rusl10]

So helpful. Awesome dude. Every time I get the the bike I feel better than before.

[@Pienimusta]

Blake is so full of energy, always. Great tips!

[@rollopost]

Thanks team. Heading to the pump track today to gap the double on my bmx

[@firsurf]

thank you so much, i love all the explanaiton!! it time to practice for me now

[@Msbkforeman]

This video is so full go good info AND super hilarious I am gong to have fun with these tips!!. Thanks Blake and GMBN!!

[@lasagna3084]

This is good stuff. I might get some air yet! Thanks!

[@michelebellosi3692]

Thank you Blake!! Awesome technique!!

[@Benjamin_Stuart]

These are the vids I need

[@philipsheppard8861]

Great video, just what I needed. Now I know where I'm going wrong, so can look to practice and fix it. Cheers Blake

[@nathankaye9594]

Just starting out, really appreciate all the videos 👍

[@gmbn]

Welcome! We've got loads of videos on all avenues of riding! We hope we can be of use 🤘

[@forterierocks]

Video on the best all around tires for the average rider! I'm on Maxxis Minions right now but there wearing out and I'm in the market for new rubber, I ride 50/50 road/trails

[@mickeyentertainment7192]

Very good mate I’m still learning cheers 🙏🏽

[@knordberg]

I cased a jump so bad once that my back tire hit on the front end of the jump. lol. Hopefully these tips will make things better. Keep at it I must.

[@matad311]

Great video! I just struggle with getting my back wheel up or I misfire and time the jump wrong

[@lukeinkson]

Can you guys please do a video on remote lockout kits? I just bought a 2018 Trance 2 (love it) but I'm already sick of bending down all the time to flick the switch. Is it difficult to install a kit? Cheers!

[@pan0rama546]

Great vid, thank you! Going out to practice my jumping later today 😁

[@kulilipan4250]

As a beginner, this detailed video gave me a teary eye. Now I can't sleep and ready for tommorow.