Been riding for some time, have basic skills I got by reading Lopes and Strickland, now riding with more experienced riders on more difficult trails and find I need to get better beyond basic stuff. What's a good way to learn how to:
Manual -can't get air and can't maintain balance
Hop - bike doesn't go up much more than 1 inch
Make the bike float over rattling downhill sections.
Pump the backside of obstacles?

I ride a rigid rockhopper with new tires.
Would a newer full suspension bike help?

Thanks for any suggestions.