Light wind flying requires good technique, finesse and skill which comes from experience and lots of practice. Ur on the right track with the method u have mentioned but try not to over think it, it's more about feel through the bar and board. U will also need the correct equipment for light wind kiting.

What size and style kite are u using (LEI or foil)?
What size and style of board do u have?
What wind strength are u attempting to fly in?
How heavy are u?
Flat water, chop or waves?

Each one of these things will affect ur performance....

Nah, you had it right in ur first post......

It needs to be a steady flowing motion, sheet in to far and the kite will choke and even backstall in really light winds.
Like I said, don't over think it. When you take off from the beach have the bar pulled in about half way (light winds only) and sine the kite up and down in a steady flowing motion to generate power. Bear off slightly downwind if u have to, to keep yourself moving and then start edging harder upwind sheeting in and out as required.

As stated before, it's all about feel through the bar and the board.

Sheet in just enough to milk some power from the kite, but not so much that you slow it down. Your goal is to build apparent wind speed...

You'll find it helpful to trim the kite so that it doesn't back stall when you sheet in fully, and it'll help to keep the kite flying, with speed.
Start on the beach, with the kite at the zenith then sheet right in... trim it until it stops stalling.

(Wait for it...)

This is what works for me since I'll ride in any wind.
It's all about building apparent wind and maintaining board speed.

Step 1. After your waterstart, sine the kite down edging slightly while pulling in on the bar. This will get you moving. Keep the board as flat as possible while still maintaining an edge. Twist you upper body upwind. Not too much heel pressure.

Step 2. Once it's time for the up stroke let the bar out a little while stearing the kite up with the back hand. Flatten the board on the water (you'll go a bit down wind) to maintain speed.

Step 3. Repeat step 1 diving the kite agressively to build speed.

If you can now park the kite, good, otherwise you'll need to do all of this again if you start to slow down.

Use any bit of swell to your advantage. Ride down little faces. Use your knees as shock absorbers. Use the tide to your advantage. If there's a spot where the tide pulls hardest, find it since it can add 2-3 knots against the wind.

A wide tailed board will plain early and give an advantage. Light wind riding makes you think and work hard.

A light (3 strut) kite that is fast through the air is better than a bigger heavier kite that is slow to turn in light wind. A fast kite will build apparent wind much more efficiently than a slow kite.

Lastly, don't drop the kite in the water or you may not have enough wind to relaunch.

Kamikuza said..

KIT33R said..

A light (3 strut) kite that is fast through the air is better than a bigger heavier kite that is slow to turn in light wind. A fast kite will build apparent wind much more efficiently than a slow kite.

Hmm...

I've flown light, fast kites of any number of struts that whizz around the sky doing sweet F.A. They turn on a dime and are super responsive but gutless.
Kites that are fast across the window make a little more power but what you really want are kites that make power on apparent wind: these are usually higher aspect ratio kites like Crossbows, Edges, Drafts... race kites. Well, until you want to loop them or do other interesting stuff.

Some gear and conditions require high frequency sines (fast turns, long strokes from the water to the zenith) and some only need gentle sines.

Key point - keep the kite flying and don't choke it.

Totally agree, but from my limited experience I found that my 10m Ozone Reo will get me going and having fun when a 12m freestyle kite will perform like a wet slug.

Kamikuza said..

Kites that are fast across the window make a little more power but what you really want are kites that make power on apparent wind: these are usually higher aspect ratio kites like Crossbows, Edges, Drafts... race kites. Well, until you want to loop them or do other interesting stuff.

I hear and read this a lot Kami, but I can tell you I loop the sh!t out of my 11m Edge and have no issues with it whatsoever. Yes it prolly doesn't loop as well as a 'C' kite, but I guess it's just what you get used to. I don't unhook either, so the Edge really suits my style of riding......the thing cuts upwind like a mofo, obviously why they are a weapon of choice for a lot of racers.