Slim Chance 5 vs. KGB vs. Heart Attack: Which Advanced Kiteboarding Trick Should You Learn First?
January 24, 2025

Slim Chance 5 vs. KGB vs. Heart Attack: Which Advanced Kiteboarding Trick Should You Learn First?

When you hit the advanced level of kiteboarding, it's all about style, precision, and pushing your limits. Kiteboarding tricks like the Slim Chance 5, KGB, and Heart Attack aren't just moves - they're milestones. Each one takes your riding to new heights and adds serious energy to your sessions.

But with so many epic tricks out there, where do you even start? We're breaking down these three rider favourites so you can figure out which one's your next goal. 

 

kiteboarder doing freestyle trick, pointing down at the camera

The Kiteboarding Tricks, Broken Down

Slim Chance 5

This trick is pure freestyle gold. It's a powered front roll with a backside handle pass, finished off with a 540-degree spin. It's got the technical flair and high-risk energy that riders love to show off in competitions.

To get there, you'll need your powered front rolls on lock, be solid with handle passes, and have some sharp kite control. It's definitely one of the more technical tricks out there, but the payoff? Absolute bragging rights.

Skills you'll want to have:
•    Powered front rolls are locked in.
•    Consistent in handle passes, like the Blind Judge or S-Mobe.
•    Solid kite control during rotations and when the wind's cranking.

The toughest part:
The Slim Chance 5 is all about nailing those rotations and timing the handle pass just right. You've got to stay aware of your space and stick those landings with control.

KGB

The KGB is all about flow. Start with a powered back roll, throw in a handle pass, and finish it with a smooth blind landing. It's one of those tricks that's as stylish as it is satisfying to land.

If you've already got your powered back rolls and blind landings dialled in, you're halfway there. The key is keeping it clean and keeping your kite in just the right spot as you pass the bar.

Skills you'll want to have:
•    Confidence with powered back rolls.
•    Ability to land blind, like a Blind Judge or Raley to Blind.
•    Solid edge control and kite positioning.

The toughest part:
The KGB is all about smoothly transitioning from the back roll to the handle pass, with the kite in the perfect spot to land blind without spinning too much.

Heart Attack

The Heart Attack is a freestyle favourite that combines a powered front roll with a handle pass and finishes with a blind landing. It’s a dynamic, technical trick that’s sure to turn heads on the water.

This trick demands excellent kite control and a smooth handle pass mid-rotation. If you’ve already got the Slim Chance or Blind Judge dialled in, this might be your next big challenge.

Skills you'll want to have:
•    Solid execution of powered front rolls.
•    Consistency with handle passes, like the S-Mobe or Blind Judge.
•    Strong bar control to maintain smooth kite positioning.

The toughest part:
Timing the handle pass while staying balanced and landing blind is where most riders struggle. You’ll need to keep the kite low and avoid over-rotating. 

 

kiteboarder doing freestyle trick

Which Kiteboarding Trick Should Be Your Next Move?

It really depends on what you're feeling and where your skills are at right now. If you're all about building confidence with handle passes, the KGB is a great pick. It's not the easiest trick, but it's definitely the least complicated of the three.

For those who enjoy technical freestyle moves with blind landings, the Heart Attack is a solid choice. It’s stylish, challenging, and guaranteed to take your freestyle riding to the next level.

And if you're ready to take on the ultimate challenge, go for the Slim Chance 5. It's bold, high risk and high reward - it's the kind of trick that turns heads every time you land it.

 

kiteboarder doing freestyle trick

Need a Little More Help to Nail These Tricks?

Landing advanced tricks like these takes more than just watching a tutorial. That's where WA SURF Academy comes in.

Our coaches don't just teach; they ride. They get the challenges, the frustrations, and the stoke when it all comes together. During your sessions, they'll give you real-time feedback, helping you fine-tune everything from your rotations to your kite positioning.

We also use video analysis to help you see what's working and what needs tweaking. It's a game-changer when it comes to spotting the little things that make a big difference. Each session is designed to be all about you and your kiteboarding goals, so you'll always be working on the stuff that matters most.

Ready to Send It?

Book your advanced coaching session with WA SURF Academy now, and let's get you landing tricks that'll have the crowd going wild.