Hi All,

Kite Control has to be the most important skill to master in any kite discipline but it's also hard to measure/evaluate. If there is one thing to love about kiting is that no matter how skilled you are (or how skilled you think you are) there are always new things to learn about kite control.

In my latest blog post: http://kitebud.com/2017/01/28/how-good-is-your-kite-control/ I gave it my best shot trying to illustrate what kiters are typically able to achieve depending on their level of kite control.

The famous author Malcolm Gladwell claims that 10 000 hours of practice are needed to be a master of any discipline, however, this claim has been largely debated. In kiting many can achieve expert levels with far fewer practice hours while others are quite happy to stay at an intermediate level after 10 000 hours (In some cases it correspond to a lifetime of kiting!).

If one thing teaching kiting has taught me is that everyone learns at a difference pace. For some kite control is a more ''natural'' thing while for others it's very foreign. Some students can go from their first flying experience to riding upwind in less than 10 hours, while for others it can take in excess of 100 hours to achieve the same skill level.

This blog post is a work in progress and I'd be happy to hear your feedback and experiences.

Christian

cbulota said..
Hi All,

Kite Control has to be the most important skill to master in any kite discipline but it's also hard to measure/evaluate. If there is one thing to love about kiting is that no matter how skilled you are (or how skilled you think you are) there are always new things to learn about kite control.

Christian

Once again u are spot on Christian.

I don't believe it is hard to evaluate good kite control....for me, it is the riders that make it look all too easy with smooth action and transitions, pillow soft landings, effortlessly....everytime. Watch Toby Brauer's Airstyle video for instance, and note how many times he has to look at his kite??

Kite control and timing are everything!

Also, find the right kite that suits ur style....then sleep with it

My kite control is 8/10

Unhooked - this is when the advanced "kite control" level begins, as kite positioning in relation to board control becomes a major factor, rather than a subtle annoyance.

Really good blog post. Always love your stuff Christian. I would class myself as the 1st level of advanced from the description. Although I feel more intermediate (only been doing it for 3 years). It's exactly where I am at and I think you nailed the different levels well mate.