Hey Wolf, instead of trying those figure 8s at full lock, try making them by leaning the bike (using peg pressure). I got caught in the full lock mode early on, only to find out that while it is fun on a smooth driveway, it is less than desirable on loose surfaces or rocks. By leaning the bike the bars do not have to turn so far to lock, and therefore stand a greater chance of rolling over an obstacle, such as a loose rock, rather than pushing it.
When it comes to hops here's a couple of little tips from a mediocre rider at best and with minimal experience ;)
Lifting the rear wheel is a matter or compressing the rear suspension and using the rebound, with front brake and a "push" on the bars. The tendancy is to push down on the bars, but you'll find that pushing forward will use considerable less energy. Practice on a downhill with lots of traction at first and get used to the sensation of the rear lifting.
As for front hops, it's all in the legs. Use your legs and arms to preload the forks, in a kind of 45 degree motion from hips to fron axle. You will then snap you legs straight in the opposite motion, using your arms like rigid cables. There is actually little arm "pulling" when done correctly. If you watch top riders on videos, you will see they use very little arm motion, it's all legs. The motion will be exagerated at first, but as your timing and feel comes around, the movements will become less and less and use much less energy.
This said, keep in mind, I SUCK :confused: I could not front hop until this year, and now find it easier than lifting the rear. Mind you, what can be done in the driveway is different than what can be done in an actual section :thumb: