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Tail Block — Development Drill and Terrain Application

An elevated tail-supported position developed from a tail check, with a nose grab added in the block progression described by PSIA-AASI Northwest.

HOW TO DO IT

Tail Block — Development Drill and Terrain Application

A strongly elevated tail-supported position, developed from a tail check and adding a front-hand nose grab. Pressure and independent leg action create the position; a grab alone does not establish the block.

Preparation and setting

Controlled tail loading and recovery. Begin with static work; transition application requires a suitable gentle shape where speed remains low.

How to develop the position

  1. Begin low with support slightly toward the nose.
  2. Shift through the centre toward the tail and extend into tail support.
  3. Keep the rear leg extended while bringing the front leg into greater flexion.
  4. Learn the tail check and its rebound before increasing the range.
  5. In the stronger block, bring the nose within reach and add the front-hand grab.
  6. Release and return to a balanced board position.

How to apply it to terrain

Start close to the bottom of a gentle transition. Time the loading as ascent slows; build from check to grabbed block, then release back into the transition. Establish the return line before changing terrain.

How to learn it

Static check → controlled stronger support → grabbed block → gentle transition. The sequence is adapted from Chris Hargrave's PSIA-AASI Northwest article, not a requirement to force every board through maximum flex.

Errors and corrections

Chasing the grab before support: revisit the check. Unable to recover: reduce amplitude. Transition speed too high to stop the ascent: adjust the approach with the instructor before repeating.

Checks and cues

Tail support, identifiable block and deliberate return. Cue: load, support, reach, recover.

Existing entry

Batch 02 / 16.

Related: Tail Press; board flex; transition timing. Sources: PSIA-AASI Northwest / Chris Hargrave — Bend It to Control It

01

teaching summary — coaching review required

The source distinguishes a tail check from a stronger grabbed block, develops static board-flex and balance control, and then applies the movement on a gentle transition.

02

editorial review notes

Nose Block remains a separate research target; this entry does not claim the source's complete system.