How To Put Your Kiteboard On
No matter what technique a kiteboarder chooses to use, there are a couple of key points on how to put your kiteboard on. One of the most fundamental key points is one handed kite control. The better a kiteboarder’s kite control is, the easier it will be to put the board on. For example, a kiteboarder should be able to park the kite at 11 o’clock or 1 o’clock with one hand. Balancing tension will help keep the kite parked in the same spot.
Another key point is to keep the board positioned between the rider and the kite. For example, if the kite is parked at 1 o’clock, the board should face the right side of the rider. The kite should be able to assist in pulling the rider onto the board.
This article will outline two different ways to put your kiteboard on. Each way carries the same two key points. As a result, it will make the process easier.
1st Way: Kite at 11 o’clock or 1 o’clock
Practice keeping the kite at one spot, at either 11 o’clock or 1 o’clock. In this position, the kite will be more stable and allow the rider to use one hand on the control bar. Focus on tension in the control bar with one hand. More tension will cause the kite to go up. This is a common problem for most kiteboarders learning how to put a kiteboard on. A result of pulling the bar in will be the kite generating more power and pulling the rider off balance. Pushing thing the control bar out will cause the kite to go down. This will result in the kite dropping and crashing in the water.
Once the kite is stable at 11 o’clock or 1 o’clock, position the board between you and the kite. This positioning of the board will help the kite naturally pull you onto the board. Aligning the board between you and the kite will make it more difficult to be pulled sideways or backwards.
2nd Way: Kite at 12 o’clock – let go of the bar
The second way we recommend putting the board on your feet is to bring the kite to 12 o’clock and let go of the bar. Make sure the kite is stable at 12 o’clock before letting go of the bar. What this means is that the kite is stable and will not dive to one side. Once you let go of the bar, commit to putting the board on your feet. If you do not commit, the kite will veer to one side before you get a foot in the board. With a foot in the board, place your hands back on the control bar and close to the center. This will result in the kite staying in a more stable position.
As mentioned in the step above, position the board between you and the kite. If the kite is at 12 o’clock, the board should be positioned perpendicular to the direction of the wind.
Waterstarts
Once the kiteboard is on your feet, it is time for waterstarts. This is one of the most challenging parts to learning how to kiteboard. We attempt to simplify waterstarts by breaking it down into two key points. Check out our more in-depth analysis on how to waterstart here.
Still need help putting your kiteboard on?
Contact us to schedule a lesson specific towards putting the board on your feet.
