Hi Guys

I'm relatively new at kiting, been doing it for about six weeks. I really enjoy but I'm having problems with controlling my speed out on the water and then what inevitably happens is I lose it and display some of my 'no board' stunts. Is it simply a matter of more time on the water or are there any pearls of wisdom that any of you may be able to impart. I've had a couple of huge slams at Woodies when the wind has been mostly onshore at the south side, too much speed and then a belly run up the beach and into the scrub has followed.

Any advice would be hugely appreciated.

Cheers all

i can tell u what i have learnt,
firstly learn to squat ur ass on the water to stop if u get overpowered.
so if u feel it just straiten out ur legs n push thru ur legs n sit down on the water. this will slow u down prob the quickest. use ur board as a paddle to to push against the water.
the main two things to stop getting overpowered is kite position and edging.
when overpowered u need to put heaps of back foot pressure and just push hard against the water (u will know by the big rooster tail comin off behind u). point the nose of ur board upwind and keep puttin that back foot pressure on.
as u do this it also pulls the kite forward in the window so pulls u upwind and out of the window so doesnt have u on that flat out downwind rollercoaster that scares the **** out of every learner.
some have the kite high, some rite down on the water.
i find if u r pullin it forward then about 45 degrees is good.
kiteboardin mag says there are three things, kite position (again 45 deg. and forward or backward depending on power), square shoulders with a slightly swung forward stance to pull upwind, and a solid edge on ur board.
does that help?
the biggest thing is time on the water and i found go out in light days until u get used to ur kite and what it can do, then slowly go for stronger days. i am still getting the real high winds sussed myself.
also watch others and where they position their kite.

Totaly agree boards play a big part of your success against the winds, It took me 5-6 months before I was even planning smoothly. A sharp thin board saved me and alot of hours invested.
I will though past a pearly from choicey, "to go up wind further turn your head over your shoulder and your waist beyond the upwind direction". also bend your back knee and push hard on the back rail but not to the point of straightening and have the nose following the direction of your head or up wind by bending and straightening your front legs from time to time. good luck and stay safe.

bonny