Gibbon

The gibbon involves briefly bending the jumper "under the skis" and quickly deflecting slightly above the ski line immediately after take-off.

Proper execution of the movement may translate into slightly better results (±1 m), especially on smaller hills. A technique used mainly by advanced players, not recommended for beginners (it does not guarantee good results, and you can fly far without using it, as you will see by browsing our list of classic style records). Trying to use a gibbon without properly mastering the take-off and flight technique, and thus good results in the classic style, does not make much sense. This will only be an additional difficulty discouraging you from playing.

Controversies

The use of a gibbon has been criticized as unnatural or cheating exploiting a game bug. Taking into account the fact that the game is not a faithful ski jumping simulator and contains many unnatural elements, this argument seems to be misplaced. The gibbon vulnerability is certainly an unintentional flaw in the game. However, most top players decide to treat it as a regular feature of the game and an additional technique to master in order to maximize their results (often having already achieved great results also in the classic style and using both techniques). Especially since it is public and anyone can use it (however, like any skill, acquiring it requires some time and discipline).