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It's flat around here...
Butter slide
Generate a cloud of spray with a smooth slide on the tip of your board!
To try this trick, there are only two prerequisites: riding a twintip and a flat water spot. Of course, you should already have a good command of basic navigation and transitions. Once that's sorted, find a flat area and trigger a fountain in your wake by following the steps in this tutorial.
Kitesurfer: Thomas, GONG staff, with a Vertigo kite and a Steez Wood Flex twintip.
The butter slide, step by step:
- Get ready for the slide:
- Ride with enough speed and position your kite at a stable angle (around 45 degrees).
- Ride more flat than on an edge to reduce water resistance.
- Initiate the movement:
- Slightly transfer your weight to the back foot to lighten the front of the board.
- Transition to riding completely flat on the water.
- Bring the kite up to 80° to generate lift.
- Initiate the slide:
- Rotate your board so that it is almost perpendicular to your direction of travel (sliding on the side).
- Keep the kite stable to maintain consistent traction, but avoid pulling on the bar to prevent lifting off.
- Maintain your balance:
- Use your back foot to control the direction of the slide and prevent the board from catching.
- Keep your body upright with your knees slightly bent to maintain balance.
- Look in the direction of your slide to maintain smoothness and control.
- Finish the slide:
- Gradually return the board to its normal position by gently engaging the edge.
- Shift your weight evenly between both feet to return to regular riding and send the kite down in the window.
Kitesurfer: Thomas, GONG staff, with a Vertigo kite and a Steez Carbon Pro twintip.
Tips for success:
- Start slowly: Try short slides first before increasing the duration.
- Kite position: Keep it at a medium-low angle to avoid being lifted too much.
- Board control: Apply light pressure on the tip of the board to avoid sudden stops or losing grip.
- Speed: Keep a steady pace; too fast and you'll lose control, too slow and you might stall.
- Adapt to the conditions: If you are underpowered, reduce the angle to glide longer. If you are overpowered, you can increase the angle slightly for a more pronounced spray.
