Ok, I've had lessons but it's not that easy to hear the instructor with 20 gallons of water rushing through my ears.

I can drag myself to a point of not going upwind or downwind, but if I stick my arm out straight upwind and keep me legs stiff like a board (as I was told), I just end up being a huge anchor. It's like the water is hitting me straight on the chest.

Any hints or good technique of how to body drag upwind?

I'd really appreciate your comments (appart from 'get lessons')

Cheers.

When you have tried to bodydrag, what size kite were you using?
How windy do you think it was?

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve McCormack

i like doing frog kicks as well. if you're not really powered up, or there is a lull where you don't seem to being pulled at all, do like a frog kick or side stroke directly upwind. It's like quickly swimming upwind while the kite isn't looking.

Also when you've finished one run and you're about to go the other way, make sure you bring the kite over as gently as possible and don't get pulled out of the water. Offer heaps of resistance during the process, like more frog kicks, if you've got the energy!

quote:

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Originally posted by Monkeykiter

Should I be doing sine patterns with the kite or just keep it really low and fully powered up?

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No. Park it at 45 degrees

quote:

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Originally posted by Monkeykiter



Q. If the beach faces East and the wind is a North easter, is it right that i am going upwind when im travel West (ie: back into the beach) So in this instance can i only body drag heading West?)

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Dude, forget about where the beach is. It's probably what's putting you off. In a NE, powered up you should be going right at about NNW and left at ESE. Draw it on a piece of paper. West is DOWNWIND!

quote:

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Originally posted by Monkeykiter

17knts 10m high aspect


Thanks guys.

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Read Darrens post make sure you are not making one of those common mistakes, however as I suspected you are bodydragging at the lower limit for a 10M kite in "17" knots, especially if the wind is more like 13 - 17 knots.
Wind is never constant (except in WA!!) and considering that you are body dragging with only one hand on the bar to steer, you would not have much power with a 10M in that sort of wind.

I suspect you are making one or more of the mistakes Darren mentions and are a bit underpowered, possibly even confused about the direction too.

If you get out of the water 5m upwind from where you went in, you bodydragged upwind, even if you maintain ground, you are body dragging upwind.

If you have to get a copmpass, draw the beach direction, check the wind direction as compared to the beach, then draw a line at right angles to the wind direction, that line is the direction you would travel in bodydragging (and holding ground kiteboarding).

Practice in a bit more wind?
How much do you weigh?

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve McCormack

I often wonder the same thing Monkey. Several of my mates (65 kg +) have been advised to go with a 10 as a first kite. However, as soon as they get past body dragging (i.e. within the first few sessions) it becomes very difficult. Either they don’t have enough wind to get them going (even with the kite flying up and down which isn’t ideal for learning anyway) or it is very strong, unforgiving wind in which case they get smashed. It would make more sense to me to suggest a 12m kite as a first kite for a 65-75 kg rider. It would also allow them a bigger wind range when they progress. Thoughts anyone?

MK,
I'd go 14 (or grunty 13) if you already have a 10.
I think your Sydney based so remember its going to be colder stronger S/SE then later on SW and even later horrible W, before the NE comes back in Oct/Nov. So if you're not going to kite in the cold, spend your hard earned later on.

when you"re having trouble body dragging up wind and back to you"re board, dive the kite hard downwards across the wind and resist as hard as you can sideways, if you mis the target do the same in the opposite tack. There is no tricks, it"s just practice good luck!

Monkey,

I'm that friend to Not on Board and have the kite for you to see if you like. It's the most stable thing you could fly.