Keysey, a lot depends on the wind and kite/board sizing. When the wind is really light you need to fly 100-110 degrees off the wind just to keep planning so going downwind is a no brainer... When it's blowing harder you need to maintain an edge to keep control and edging is part of the technique to staying upwind. What I do to "burn off" some distance is lots o'jumps, bearing away on the swells when coming towards the beach, ie., practicing your wave riding techniques. The best one for me though is simply riding toe side as there is no way I can stay upwind when doing this
As for hooked or unhooked I only ever ride hooked in and a TT will give you a lot me control in the stronger winds.
I'm looking to hookup with someone to share a ride. I could meet you at Scarborough, leave one of our cars there and then drive back to Leighton for launch.
