How To Jump Kiteboarding
This article will break down how to jump kiteboarding. There are two key components that need to be in unison to get some kiteboarding air. These steps are the foundation to developing good technique. The better one’s technique is, the higher they will be able to jump.
- Load and Pop
- Send the Kite
Common Mistakes When Jumping
Sometimes it’s easier to visualize what not to do. Over the years we found these as common mistakes that kiteboarders make when learning how to jump. In every instance, it is either from not loading and popping or doing too much with the kite. Check out our video below on three common mistakes kiteboarders make when learning how to jump.
Part One How To Jump: Load and Pop
The first step to a kiteboarding jump is to learn how to load and pop. Make sure to be kiteboarding upwind. One key point to a good load and pop is to create a lot of tension between the kite and the rider. If too much tension is created the rider will skip downwind. Avoid skipping downwind by holding an edge on the board and balance tension in the control bar. Create a fluid motion by getting low and cutting away from the kite to pop off the water. A heel-side edge with pressure on the back foot will help create a higher pop.
Part Two How To Jump: Send the Kite
The next part is to add the kite into the equation. The most important thing for this step is to be aware of bar tension. If there is too much bar tension, the rider will skip downwind. If there is too little bar tension, the rider will sink. Balance tension in the bar throughout this trick. Start somewhat slow and work up towards more kite speed.
To begin a jump, ride upwind. Send the kite up from about 45 degrees off the water to the zenith or just past the zenith. Make sure to hold an edge as the kite goes up! As the kite gets close to the zenith, make a hard cut (load and pop) away from the kite. Pull in on the bar as the kite gets to or just past the zenith.
The timing should go as follows:
- Rider kiteboarding upwind
- Send the kite up to zenith or just past zenith
- As soon as the kite is sent – edge for a load and pop
- When the kite is at zenith or just past zenith – pull in on the bar
- Redirect kite forwards and ride away
How To Land
Just before reaching the apex of a jump, redirect the kite forward. Redirect the kite forward by using pressure on the front hand. Remember the basic controls of steering the kite. As the kite is redirected forward, spot the landing. Land with slightly more weight on the back foot and travel slightly downwind.
Common Mistakes When Learning How to Jump Kiteboarding
One common mistake when learning how to jump is to over-send the kite. In this situation the kiteboarder goes downwind past their kite. The kite may fall out of the sky. To recover this situation, go back to learning how to load and pop. Practice getting air without the kite. Slowly add the kite into the equation once the technique is right.
Another common mistake is to get air but fall in the water. This most likely is caused from not redirecting the kite forward. Practice putting more pressure on the front hand to get the kite forward to ride away.
Want to fast track the progression? Schedule an advanced lesson with us on how to jump. We use video and a jetski to expedite and insure the highest quality lesson.
