I wouldn't recommend hoping until after being pretty comfortable on
the uni, ie. being able to ride off road or down a single step or curb
comfortably is ok.
From the hopping I've done, I grab the front of the seat with a hand
in order to keep my feet on the pedals. Some people I know grab the back,
and others use both hands--I don't know which method is better, I guess it
depends on the individual.
Anyway, use your hand to pull up on the unicycle as you jump. With
a little practice, it has a similar feeling to a pogo-stick. Don't try to
go anywhere at first. Just hop up and down in one spot. Try one hop at
first, and, as your balance improves, try multiple hops in the same spot.
After some practice at that, you can try jumping either forward or
to the side as you hop, thus moving along at a pretty slow and jerky pace.
For fun, it is possible to twist your body as you jump, and land facing in a
different direction than you started.
When you feel particularly good, try hopping up a small step or
curb. I was really scared to try this--always coming next to the curb,
about to hop, then chickening out and riding off. Well, after the first
one, it got a lot easier. Within about 2 hours, I was hopping up a flight of
7 stairs.
But it is very important to have other skills. Hopping sometimes
puts the rider in a very awkward possition. Being able to recover helps a
lot. I've been riding about 4-5 months or so, and I don't have too much of
a problem uprighting myself when my balance goes out the window.
If this seems pretty tough, even after a lot of practice, try again
in a couple of weeks. Even riding straight on flat ground gives you
practice and helps to stay on top.
- John Larkin
- jlarkin@hmc.edu