The kite-loop technique
Beyond initially learning how to fly the kite, the biggest challenge beginners face is learning how to get out of the water and go. Commonly known as water starting, using the kite to get you out of the water consistently requires more skill, practice, and patience than anything a beginner has ever encountered before, and is even much more difficult for most people than sailing afterward. of a successful water start. This article examines the kite-loop technique and is part of a series explaining the many water starting techniques used in kitesurfing.
A kite-loop is a term used to describe steering the kite in a full circle in front of the rider, and is best suited for use in light winds. Start setting up for a kite-loop by placing the kite directly overhead. Your body should be facing directly downwind and the board perpendicular to the direction of the wind. When using a kite-loop to get up and go, plan to sail in the opposite direction that you initially directed the kite. For example, if you plan to sail to the left, you will start the kite-loop by turning to the right. To start the kite-loop, steer the kite hard to the right or left; again, you will initially be steering the kite in the opposite direction that you want to sail. Turn hard to steer the kite straight down on the side of your choice. Continue to steer hard with the same hand to turn the kite down and begin to turn to the opposite side that you started to dive. Complete the kite-loop by continuing to turn the kite until it is pointing slightly up and in the direction you will be flying. It is not necessary to reposition the kite directly overhead, a kite-loop water start is usually only three quarters of a complete kite-loop, ending with the kite pointing the other way and in the opposite direction to the one that initially dove. When using the kite-loop, plan to take it out of the water after the kite has been pointed downward, and just as it is turning to point upwind and in the direction you plan to sail. As the kite pulls, angle the board so that it is pointing almost directly upwind and just slightly in the direction you are going to fly. As you rise and are on the surface of the water, and as the kite crosses in front of you and to the side you will be riding towards, begin to turn the board to point it upwind and in the direction you want. i want to ride
Some tips for using a kite-loop waterstart:
- Keep extra weight on your back foot when you get up and over the water.
- The tighter the loop radius, the less power
The kite-loop is a very powerful way to fly a kite, and the rider should expect a solid pull from the kite throughout the duration of the loop. A kite-loop can be used in light wind situations when a normal power stroke doesn’t generate enough force to get up and go, or for experienced riders to change direction quickly and without losing speed, or to power some of the bigger jumps. great at kitesurfing.