We advise to try Kiting a few times in light wind with a basic Kite, in order to acquire a good steering technique before using a Traction Kite, then a true Kite. The ideal is a dozen sessions to understand the flight patterns of a Kite: guaranteed success for the next steps to come.
Try to be accompanied by a confirmed Kitesurfer during your first sessions after your visit to a school.
Never start in a crowded beach or at an over populated spot. You could be really dangerous. It is imperative to know how to maneuver, be precise and have a good balance before attempting the experience in a crowd.
Depending on your size and the Board you have, it may be that the first times are more in the water than above it! On a big Board, you are sure to succeed in a few minutes. The Twin Tip option is not necessarily the best, on the contrary because your first concern in the water will be to plane.
Relativize the size of your Board: a 5’9 is a normal Board, a 5’6 is a technical Board, a 5’0 is for the elite. And yes, unfortunately, it takes volume and length to be comfortable and performant in Kitesurfing.
Remember that it is better to have fun on a Board that’s too big than have a hard time on a fancy shortboard. You will not gain anything in performance and it can quickly turn into a nightmare when it should be fun in good conditions. You’ll rethink your bad choice after several returns to the beach swimming …
Do not Kite without Kite Leash. It is obligatory. It is a sometimes embarrassing accessory but if it allows you not to lose your Kite, it allows you especially not to hurt others (Kitesurfers but also bathers). Whatever your level is, think of others and Kitesurf with a Kite Leash.
Avoid putting on a Board Leash or use a helmet if you do. The Leash is a source of very violent Board ricochets. But on some elite spots it is essential. In 99% of the cases, it is better not to have one and know how to go back upwind by towed swimming. Make the Board with your body, fly your Kite and pull the tips. You will end up reaching your board.
Wax your Board seriously to gain balance. Without wax, it the castration fall is bound to happen. And you will never progress without firm footing. Half a stick before launching a new board without pad and ¼ stick before each session.
Do not wax your rails otherwise you will have a hard time catching your board when it escapes. But no excesses 😉
Standing, your feet should be at least shoulder width apart, depending on your comfort zone. The more your feet are spread, the more balance you have but the less agile and elegant you will be.
Pointing your feet inwards like a duck allows a better rotation of the torso. Just like tucking your knees forward, slightly slid sideways.
By the way, are you goofy or regular ??? With a Kite, on the flat, we do not care much but you will always have an easier time on one side than the other.
Your legs should be bent, and your pelvis should act as a shock absorber. Dissociate the work the lower body does and the one of the top.
Your back foot is mobile. Generally, the front foot is fixed in place, or almost. It is the back foot that will move if needed. Do not hesitate to move to balance and feel the Board.
Keep margins. Never be completely straight or curved on your Board. Always hold a posture that allows recalibration margins at the front and back.
Remember that the ideal is to have 80% of your weight over the front foot (in the center of the Board) and 20% in the back foot. When you want to turn you will change this distribution by a transfer of weight that will be transmitted towards the rear.
To turn, press left or right. But do not move the front foot. If the Board is very wide, you can move the back foot to bring it closer to the rail. But it’s a poor solution. The good thing is to move backwards. And to go back you have to load the front foot (80%).
If the Board rears and becomes unstable, it is because you are too far back.
