Kiteboarding Techniques

Kiteboarding, or kitesurfing as it is also known, is a very dangerous sport that should not be taken up as a hobby without adequate training and supervision. Study all safety precautions before you start kitesurfing. Never go kitesurfing in extreme weather and study your safety release mechanism well.

  1. Launching

    • The first part of kiteboarding is launching your kite. This means getting your kite ready to fly. Do this on the shore and use sand to weigh down your kite so it does not blow away in the wind. Point the kite about 70 to 80 degrees towards the wind and attach the safety leash to your board. Never put on your harness at this stage; wait until you are in waist-deep water. Once the kite is ready, pull on the top line to move the kite.

    Body Dragging

    • Body dragging is an effective way of moving in the water when kiteboarding. To practice body dragging, lean into the water to create a drag that slows you down or changes your direction. You can maximize this effect by keeping your arm under water and using it like a rudder. Only steer at small angles; big angles create too much friction. Practice this maneuver by repeating figure eights in the water.

    Steering

    • How you steer depends greatly on whether you are facing upwind or downwind. If you are steering downwind keep your board as flat on the water as possible. Put more pressure on your front foot when steering downwind. When steering upwind, lean in the direction you are steering. Put pressure on your back foot. Steering upwind requires a strong wind to keep momentum.

    Jumping

    • To jump while kiteboarding you must first pull the kite towards the water quickly, a motion called "diving" the kite. Then bring it back up as quickly. Bend your knees to get ready and as soon as you feel the wind pulling you, jump. Once you are in the air, ensure the kite and board are slightly in front of you so that when you land you keep on surfing.