Alright guys,

Currently up and going along fine on both sides (downwind..). Today when I was out, I found it super hard to hold my edge. My board just seemed like it wanted to bounce off the chop instead of holding an edge.

Also, when I did try to hold my edge I just fell back into the water and crashed hard.

Any tips

Cheers

PaulyOS said...
Alright guys,

Currently up and going along fine on both sides (downwind..). Today when I was out, I found it super hard to hold my edge. My board just seemed like it wanted to bounce off the chop instead of holding an edge.

Also, when I did try to hold my edge I just fell back into the water and crashed hard.

Any tips

Cheers

Sometimes board size for given winds can be a problem, I'd say upwind was the more problematic ?' If so getting the correct trim on the kite along with correct stance, hip rotation upwind with extended rear foot and a bent upwind leg, really think about engaging that board, but not too much to stall , your bars the throttle and your edge is the brake ,it takes a bit of time to align everything

Learn to 'love your kite' ie push your hips forward to your kite, this might help with your stance. Also try tightening your foot straps so you don't get your feet so far in, that will leave your heal closer to the edge of the board.

Get a monk

kitcho207 said..
Get a monk

I second this. I would also recommend getting a boardshorts or seat harness. A boardshorts harness like the Dakine Nitro can help fixe alot of problems like bad posture, sore backs, control bar out of reach. If your posture is bad your upwind will suffer. Be aware that gaining upwind ground is not just about parking the kite and aiming the board. You have be dynamic in the way you let the kite breathe then juice it for power whilst reading/avoiding the chop and digging in when it smoothes off

Rob83 said..
So when your riding its best to move the kite up and down 1 to 2 and pull the bar in and out to get extra power is that whats ment by juicing

This is probably a little simplistic. Moving the kite around will build apparent wind to get you up to speed. You can then park the kite once you are planing. Repeat if necessary. Bearing away whilst diving the kite will add speed so you can then reestablish your edge.

Moving the bar in and out is like a shock-absorber on a car. Push out to spill the gusts. Pull in to power up. Set your trim strap so that the kite is at max power when the bar is right in and not oversheeting. Also, push out a little to turn the kite. If it's pulled right in both stearing lines are tight and kite won't respond quickly. It's not uncommon to adjust you trim strap quite often during a session. I know I do as the conditions change.

Don't fly the kite too high. You'll get a better edge when the kite is low. Don't be afraid to fly it 1-2 m off the water sometimes as well. It's fun and helps you fine tune you kite control.

If you watch the experienced riders you'll notice a lot of kite movement. These are not random movements. They are tweeking every turn and trick, sometimes subconciously. Don't look at the kite if you can help it. Feel it so that it just becomes an extension of your arm.