Exercise – Touchdown Raiz
The Touchdown Raiz is a staple for intermediate level transitions or set-ups. Also known as a TD Raiz, the skill is classically paired with gainers and cork swings. As a testament to the staple of raizs, it has paved the way for many advanced trickers in joining the triple cork club.
If you twist to the left, start in a ready stance and then lean to your left and put most of your weight on your right foot. Then ‘step over’ to your left with your right foot so you are stepping directly to your left from where you started. Then, kick your left leg backward and “punch towards the ground and miss” with your right arm. As if you were reaching for a Sailor Moon, but pick up the hand before it touches. This will get your chest low and where it needs to be. Once you are airborne turn your left leg to the left, aim it towards the ground and arch your back as you spot over your left shoulder and reach backward with your left hand to land on your left hand first followed by your left leg and keep your right leg behind you to be used for power. You may choose to land in an “eagle” position and swing, land in a “pop” stance and flip, alternate legs on takeoff and do a vanish, and much more. If you prefer twisting to the right, mirror these directions.
Mastering the Touchdown Raiz is key to unlocking many new tricking skills. Once you have this down, progress towards:
- Start or connect a combo with the Touchdown Raiz
- Continue through with a swing, pop, or vanish out of the Touchdown Raiz
- Work towards the Touchdown Swipe, Broken Touchdown Raiz or Viking Twist