How much fun can an intermediate kiteboarder have in lightwinds? At 160 lbs, a 15m Cabrinha Contra and 160cm Cabrinha Stylus, these are some tricks we can do. Winds were between 9-12 kts.
Lightwinds make you a better kiteboarder. With lighter winds, you’re forced to optimize the limited power available. You have to be in tune between your board and kite. If you can create power in light winds, you will be able to ride better and more efficiently in stronger winds. One other benefit of learning tricks in lightwinds is that it’s safer. With less power, there’s less chance for injury when trying something new.
Trick One: Backroll To Toeside
The first trick to try is a backroll to toeside. Keep the bar in for a little extra float to land toeside.
Trick Two: Front Roll To Toeside
One key point to the front roll to toeside is to stop your rotation. Stop your rotation and ride towards the kite.
Trick Three: Back Roll Hand Drags
This is one of our favorite tricks! This requires good kite control and how to downloop. This is fun to practice in lightwinds and then do in stronger winds.
Trick Four: Unhook and Hook In
The best time to learn how to unhook is in lightwinds. This is the safest way to begin unhooking. Start by riding downwind, unhook and carve with the board. Your board will determine how much or how little power you have.
Trick Five: Raley
The raley is a fun trick and a great core workout. It does not require much strength, just technique. A good way to practice your technique is in lightwinds.
Photos courtesy of Nick Mandalou – Kiteboarding Photographer
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