backflips

So, one of the life goals I've had that I've put off for a long time is learning how to do a backflip. It has always seemed like something that everyone should know how to do, if for no other reason than having a way to appropriately express yourself when something really awesome happens. And as long as I go on not knowing how to do it, I will always feel a tad inadequate. Somehow, no matter how loudly you yell "woohoo!" when you get that new promotion or meet the love of your life, it can never do justice like doing a backflip can. Yup, it's pretty much the gold standard for displaying your enthusiasm. Baby.

So I decided some time this summer I'm going to stop procrastinating and make a serious effort at learning it. I've collected a few Youtube videos to get an idea for how to go about it, and it actually doesn't look that bad at all. The main important thing that all the videos recommend is to have a spotter there with you, to help move your body in the right position, until you can do it yourself. Here are some of the better videos I've found:

Backflip tutorials:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=521NIVPIxWs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vcAxRVqzdSc

Failed backflip attempts (some of these are back handsprings, which I'd also ideally like to learn at some point):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4XWxPtC3nk&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xf1P3uHGUA4&feature=related

Don't Try this at Home - Doing a backflip with a Truck!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lphy1w5ZcrY

So who's up for getting a group together every now and then in the Bay Area to try to spot each other and learn how to do this?