Making the lip is one of the most essential parts in building jumps. I am not saying they have to be perfect but it helps if they are. I read the other article on lips entitled "how to get a good lip," and that isn't gonna help anyone so I decided to write one of my own.
When you make your launch shape it and pack it first. You can cut the lip after its packed which is a lot easier and less time consuming as you will screw the lip up time and time again by making the lip then doing the packing.
First, you should consider the overall size of the jump. (height and gap size) If the gap is small you can put a steeper lip on it because you don't need to go as far, but if the lip isn't high enough it will be too steep too fast and it will feel like your hitting a wall.

You have to figure out this by trial and error. After you feel comfortable with your lip you can make it steeper to get more height. Lip forming can be an art form, I have spent up to 3 hours on a lip before. Remember to ALWAYS use a flat shovel! Try and find a long, thin, flat shovel with a little concave because they work the best.

Now go fix your lips and ride. Later.

By Rob Fleming