SA
850 posts
After tacking up wind and gaining ground up the beach im having trouble getting back down wind with any sort of speed/style, i find i have to work the kite as though underpowered or i'll out run it and i'm keeping the board flat.
I've watched a experienced kiter do the same runs down the beach, kite locked and edging hard at great speed.
Some tips please?
NSW
178 posts
I would suggest getting some speed across the wind first before attempting to go downwind - this brings the apparent wind ahead of you, and you can slowly head downwind gaining speed all the time whilst edging hard with the kite at the edge of the window. It "feels" like you are going upwind but you are really going downwind. You will find you will go the fastest you can go using this technique.
VIC
710 posts
Going directly downwind is not easy as you can't edge the board to allow the kite to pull against it, and generate speed.
As per jordangirdis, getting good speed is necessary to keep apparent wind across the kite, which generates more pull.
As you bear downwind, keep edging the board a little and pull the bar in further to power the kite and keep your speed up. As you will following the kite partially downwind the wind around you will seem to drop.
You can sine the kite as in lower wind conditions to get it to generate more power (and more apparent wind).
Another tip for going downwind quickly is to do big slalom turns. Go from heelside to toeside, track a little toeside, then turn from toeside back to heelside. Keep repeating this. Its great practice for carving turns and riding toeside too.
QLD
678 posts
Point your toes straighten your legs and look where you are going. Giddy UP!!!
