Heel to toe tack

The heel to toe tack is one of the many variations of the kite foiling tack.

This is one of the most accessible variants because it does not involve the foot switch dreaded by some 😉 We recommend doing your first tries on a surfboard, or even on a twintip as your feet can stay in place the whole time. This variation ends in a switch stance with your lines twisted. Let your bar go to untwist it and you are off again to a new maneuver. We explain how.

Kite foiler : Béryl, team rider GONG, en Kiwii HDCC, Elips Aramid DP et barre kite FeelX.

You need a decent speed for this maneuver because for a moment, you’ll be flying on your inertia only and towards the wind. To start, gradually go upwind, lean back and pull on your back hand until you place your kite completely at the zenith. It is at this point that your U-turn continues on your inertia and into the wind. The bar should then be totally neutral. You don’t pull on the bar at all, even let it slightly go up.

The kite positioned above your head and shocked will help you face the wind because you are no longer towed by opposing energy on your board. This brief passage with the kite above your head frees you from this opposing force and raises your foil.

As soon as you lose speed in this phase, throw your kite towards your new direction by pulling on your front hand. The next imperative is to transfer your weight from your heels to your toes. To facilitate the rocking of your weight, point the front of your board upwards at the end of your half-turn. The goal is to finish your turn with height and ideally with more than 180° traveled (so until you direct the nose slightly downwind).

This is the most delicate moment of the maneuver. In addition, you no longer have a view of your kite with your back to the action. Trimming the power is therefore just a matter of feeling. If in doubt about your position in space, go easy on the power 😉