shoobs said...
Yep, that is exactly what I mean. My board and me continue too far in the direction I was going originally, which means that by the time I can execute a powerstroke, the kite is at the edge of the wind window. ie- If I'm switching from goofy to regular, I bring my kite up to 12. By the time I do my powerstroke, the kite is already at 9 because I have "passed it" on the board. Slowing down does seem like it might work, but won't I sink when I slow?
Also, thanks for the tips on riding goofy. I have no problems on a snowboard, but something about the way the kite is pulling makes me feel retarded. The fact that I have to concentrate more means that I can't control the kite as well, either. I guess it'll come with practice.
When you come to do a transition you should be using what ever speed you have and converting it into upwind reach which will slow you down. You shouldn't be trying to transition at full planing speed.
It's a bit of a balancing act but if your riding along regular (left foot forward) with the kite at 10:30, then you need to gradually lift the kite up to 12 whilst pushing harder on the heel of your rear (right) foot and rotating your upper body even further. As you feel yourself slowing down and the kite approaches 12, then you should effectively stop moving whilst being held above the water by the lift of the kite moving over the top of the wind window. As you stop, you need to switch your stance and point your right foot downwind whilst diving the kite from 12 to get a powerstroke to get you going in your new direction.
As you practice, you'll do this faster and more fluidly and will have less of those moments where you sink back into the water because you didn't fly the kite over the top of the window fast enough.
