Kiteboarding Magazine

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2005-08-05 12:48:12 | 572 views | 0 Comments

 

I have trained countless riders and - besides the huge immovable grin on their faces when they get going - they also share some common beginner's mistakes. Don't get discouraged; kiteboarding is a progression that takes the right conditions, a good instructor, some good equipment and a little time for it all to come together. Here are seven tips to jump straight to the grin:

NEVER launch into the wind. You should always launch from the edge of the wind window (9 or 3 o'clock). Launching with your kite directly downwind immediately powers your kite, which can cause serious injury.

Go out in the right conditions. Too much wind is bad, but too little doesn't work either. If there's no wind, there's no wind. Look for at least 12 to 20 mph for good training conditions.

Quit yanking on the bar. Let the gear do the work and don't oversteer the kite.

Stay focused on the kite, but relax and try just to correct the kite, especially when learning to body drag upwind and putting the board on the first few times.

Get some power out of your power stroke. The first power strokes tend to be too close to the edge of the wind window and not downwind enough. Start out in the correct position, know where your window is and do two solid power strokes in a row.

Be aware of your wind line and ride line. The wind line is the wind direction and the ride line is perpendicular to the wind line. When you start to lose perspective on these lines, you lose your bearings and make it much harder to learn. Keep those imaginary lines drawn vividly in your head.

Anticipate going too fast. Always err on the side of caution and keep your speed down by edging and constantly turning upwind. All you need to do is plane and ride, not break the speed record - yet.

NEVER get distracted. Stay focused especially while launching and landing, but even while riding. Approach this sport like you're flying a plane, and then go have all the fun you can!