www.benwilsonsurf.com/

AndreC said...

Cross on is probably the easiest coz its blowing more in the direction of travel on a wave.

Which means you need to turn your kite the whole time so you dont surf past it. I think its probally the hardest direction to ride in if kite control is your problem. Sound like you could be overpowered. Try get in a bit earlier on your swell and chase your kite downwind, It will drop it back in the window and give you more of a feel for whats going to happen on the wave, you may still need to get edge to initiate any kite turns. Sounds kinda lame but you can practise turning the kite and heading down wind like you would on a wave in flat water.

un hookin makes it easier sometimes so u dont get pulled off balance threw ur hips

Some kites fly in wider arcs or you need to pull on the focka with authority...What kites are you riding?
Downlooping the kite can work to as it doesnt fly from one side to another. Its quiker and more direct but this might be something to practise after u solve the first prob. I have a copy of BW Smack cost me $50 u can have it for $25...its a good vid for where u are at..it does lack some advanced stuff tho.
Some crew are park n ride style some fly their kites more, then you have boards size vs kite size, wat size baord you riding?

tmiddled said...

Hi all,

I remember reading an article a while back that gave a good overview of the techniques used in different wind directions - I think it was written by Ben Wilson.

Now I've actually started out on my shortboard it would like to re-read it, but can't find it. Anyone know what I'm talking about and where it is? Or have any opinions of their own?

Mostly I ride in cross on, and am finding it quite difficult. The kite wants to go over the back of the wave, and then when I turn it back, It wants to pull me way out the front of the wave. grrrrhhhh. Is quite frustrating. Maybe straps would help?? Never tried, but worth a shot maybe....

Good forum topic dude!! It's good to see a valid topic raised with some sound advice.

I 'personally' like riding in strong wind!!! In 25-30+ knts my kite will never backstall no matter how much I ride towards it. I still follow the kite & whip it in the opposite direction before each & every turn.... but.... I can afford to be abit messier in the higher wind without killing the kite. Each to their own, not everyone likes it howling... but I definitely do!!! and find it easier on the down the line/downwind direction of waves.

I always steer the kite with the same hand as my leading foot... and keep in mind you can wash off and gain power with your legs/turns. hmmm in unison with the kite, depending where you are on the wave & with what you want to do. Sounds to me like you're on edge too much when the kites controlling you. Get it to pivot on it's turns in the powerzone more and if you have to wash off kitepower ride towards it abit until you can compose yourself to set up for another turn. You have to set up the turn and have your kite doing everything just before you.

Straps can be fun!! Not for everyone... but I found you can rush around more, bust airs and land them a heck of alot easier than strapless. (yeah it's cheating but heaps of fun all the same). Maybe you could try straps as it'll be one less thing to think about while you're experimenting with you're kite...... and see what you like better.

Just get a North Rebel, it will solve everything haha