Hi Everyone
Last time we talked about the kite control needed when getting up on the board. Now its time to lay down a few tips on how to control the board when getting up and riding. So here we go. Hopefully I can give you the tips you need to get the board gliding smoothly through the water. If you are currently doing lessons with your local kitesurfing school, you may want to remember some of these tipswhen you are out there.
Using the Right Board – Check out your local Kitesurfing School
When you first get up and going you want a board with lots of surface area. Your local kitesurfing school will have a board you can use. If you are doing lessons, again your kitesurfing school should have the right board for the job. The general rule is “Wide is Good”. A Nice wide board will give you a great platform for riding. A little bit of board length will do the same thing; getting you up and riding quickly. Once you’re popping out of the water you can size board down a little.
Set Up Board Position
With the kite above head at around 12 o’clock and the board on your feet, you are ready to get ripping. Make sure that you have your back to the wind and your weight evenly balanced over the board as you are leaning back in the water and ready for take off.
Keep your knees well bent and the board in a vertical position (not flat on the water). The board side edge of the board should be facing toward the sky.
Directing the Board on Take-off
As you dive the kite and lean into the power, you should be leaning your front shoulder toward your front foot strap. The board will naturally flatten out on the surface of the water. Point the board slightly downwind by straightening your front leg or by pulling your back leg under your bum.
Riding
Now your riding, The board is flat on the water and you are tearing off downwind pumped full of adrenaline and excitement. Your screaming with joy. Your hooked! This is the first real feeling of riding.
Edging and locking in the board
OK – You’ve had a few runs and you have been tearing down wind at mind blowing speeds. The next step is learning to edge that board and lock in the power. On the next run you do start to carve the windward rail of the board into the wind by laying in your heels. Laying your rear heel in will really turn the board upwind.
Keep even pressure on both feet and lean against the pull of the kite with your back leg bent and your front one straight.
OK… Theres a few pointers to get you up and running. Of course this cannot replace a professional instructor from an awesome kitesurfing school, but these tips will add value to your lessons and your next session if you are at this level.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions what so ever about learning to kiteboard or kiting in general.
All the best and happy kiting….
Andy