was out on my 17m zypher with wind about 8knts- pretty consistent but down to 6.

First time on flat water with it, so didn't have to deal with waves, but water was about shin deep so had to keep SB on edge to avoid losing fins in sand(next time i'll take out fins)

Seems best power i could generate was by pulling the bar 90 degrees towards me to drive the kite down then spin bar 180 degrees to lift kite, then 180 down, up, down. Also kind of "breathe" kite by quick little depower to fill kite as it rises and power up as hits the top of its rise

that make sense? and any tips for maxing low end power?

While I do agree with stamp, I will also add my two bobs worth...

Firstly, don't know if ya have straps on ya SB, but if you do, take you back foot out and move in more forward to help get on the plane. If you then generate enough speed , move back and then dig in a little rail.

As you do the downstroke, let a little depower out to help the kite fly further forward in the window to generate speed in the kite a well. (meantime you have you feet more centered in the board - by the way get yourself a sector if ya really serious about these winds). Then and only then, if enough apparent wind is generated hence kite and board speed, then you may pull in a little to generate some 'grunt' - pull the kite back in the window. For the next upstroke, depower as you said a little so you don't choke the chicken, then repeat.

Crew who actually fly a Zephyr will fill in the details...on this specfic kite.

You should do other sports to stay fit and then come to Perth for a month a year. Kiting in 6-8knots is just sad.

Wishy & stamp - mate horses for courses. Max adrenaline and high wind is great.. sometimes. Other times a light wind sunset cruise is just the ticket. Not everyone is 18 and hardcore on too many red bulls.

Gord your aim is to build apparent wind by building up kite and board speed. If you're working it too much, ie turning too tightly, then you'll kill the forward speed of the kite. As eppo said, in on downstroke and out on upstroke to keep it moving forward.

Also with the zeph, don't be afraid to pull in the back line adjusters all the way if it's light. You can then pull on a few cms of depower on the centre line, and use that to trim the kite on the fly. The back lines are pretty loose by default, you can bring them in heaps (all the way) on a light day, then back it off using the cleat until you find the balance point of getting max power vs getting pulled too much downwind.

Also edging your board probably wasn't doing you any favours, in light wind it's better to ride flat, even do the poo man sometimes.