The Free Jump Mount

Definition:

Mounting the uni from standing behind it, jumping on it, landing on both pedals simultaneously, letting go of the uni before your feet leave the floor.

Notes:

The free jump mount (also known as the suicide mount) is a great crowd pleaser. I often use it parades. It plays well to the crowd after a missed skill. "I'm having a bad day. You don't want to see me do a suicide mount do you." Of course the crowd gets all riled up and wants to see you do something perceived to be dangerous so they start cheering you on. After you nail the mount, feign pain. Circle letting everyone one see the pain in your face. Then ride with the seat out front circling again with a big smile on your face.

A key to doing the mount quickly is to balance the uni so that it will fall back slightly (Note: the rider in the picture isn't doing this). Most riders incorrectly try to perfectly balance the uni, spending an inordinate amount of time getting it just right. Then they miss the mount because the direction of the uni's fall is unpredictable. It is much better to set it up so that it always falls back toward you and just do it. During a parade on a uneven surface it is hard to find a place where the uni won't roll away on you. I usually set mine on a crack in the street to avoid this.

The free jump mount is also makes a good base for other skills like getting in and out of hopping on the wheel or doing a 180 uni spin. In particular, it teaches you to jump high so that you clear the seat.