Hey Poida,

Short answer, yes, but no. Yes it is possible if you have a kite that drifts really well, but No as there isn't enough size, power or shape in Perth average waves to really ride a wave without kite assistance

In the right waves cross on can be a treat, just depends on percentage of cross to on.

DM

How far do you go down wind before you try to tack back? Seems to me down winders are pretty dam fun !! I hear what your saying I'm workin on that....

Poida said...

Cheers Darren,
Kite drifts well, its a catalyst, so it forgives the lack of technique

I get the bottom turn and top turn but come unstuck after the top turn with the kite still heading outwards. I seem to get less problems if I leave the kite higher for the side on conditions so it doesn't have to travel too far through the window.

Try getting the kite to lead you. You should have the kite ahead of you by about one to two seconds.

In other words as you are turning to come up the wave for a top turn, you should be cranking the turn on the kite before you make the turn on the board (kite leading you). Once you have hit the lip and have begun your descent back down the face, the kite should already be well on it's way back across the wind window.

Crank the bottom turn with the kite before you start the turn of the board. Have the kite lead otherwise it will end up in places it shouldn't be, like high up in the window in neutral as you top turn taking you off balance and pulling from the wrong direction.

Give it a crack. Works for me

DM