The Darkslide is a fun hooked-in kiteboarding trick that requires the proper body position and kite position. Its a trick where you need to be well powered and will have to do a controlled kiteloop at the end of your trick. We’ll break this trick down by analyzing the kite position and body position.
Kite Position
You want to make sure you are powered up and that your “sweet spot” is at least 5″ away from the chicken loop. If you’re initiating the trick going left foot forward your kite should be positioned at 11:30, if you’re going right foot forward the kite should be at 12:30. You want to keep the kite high and in front of you so that when you’re doing the trick it holds you up and pulls you forward. As you’re doing the darkslide you want to slowly bring the kite high and to the opposite edge of the wind window; if you’re going left foot forward, your kite position will be at 11:30 then to 12:00 then to 1:00 and the second before you lose all power is when you initiate the kite loop.
Body Position
You want to edge hard and maintain your edge until you’re about to commit to the trick. Fall forward and over your board, keeping your back foot straight and bending your front foot. Keep your back straight and trust that your kite will hold you up. Your kiteloop at the end of the trick will pop you up so you can ride away clean.
Key Points
Keep your kite high so that it holds you up and pulls you forward. Straighten your back foot and bend your front foot to be in the proper position.
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