I don't think I specifically mentioned it in the video because I think I was unknowingly doing it, but holding down jump after casting surge seemed to help with height quite a bit. I am not nearly as fast as some people with this trial (check out @RenderThePi to see a sub 30 second one) but I finally managed to consistently start getting medal times. Don't forget to swap your utility skill to an easier to use button, even if you are on a controller it might be worth it.

thanks for this. the gravity effect from tectonic surge feels EXTREMELY inconsistent and makes the trajectory hard to predict. least favorite challenge by far.

8 milliseconds away from failing... god i'm never playing this one again.

Good guide. This shit still frustrates me to no end, the controls feel so janky to me.. x)

So you really can't get the gold rank by going the 'normal' route? That's quite aggravating haha. I just spent so long trying to optimise my route going right, before deciding to check out wtf is up with the hopoo feather I could see outside the tower near the end. Followed the trail of restocks all the way down to the start and it was only then that I realised there was a whole different starting route to the left lol

Wait, you can hold UP to go higher? Why isn't this mentioned anywhere in the game?