Toeside Transition
There are different variations to a toeside transition. We’re going to start off with the most basic, a toeside to heelside turn. Once you feel comfortable turning from toeside to heelside and can do downloops, the next progression is a toeside to heelside turn with a downloop. Another transition to add is a heelside to toeside turn with a downloop.
Toeside to Heelside
Begin by popping or turning to toeside. If you’re going right keep your kite at 1 o’clock and if left 11 o’clock. As you steer the kite up to 12 o’clock begin traveling downwind. Stand upright and more centered (still balance your weight by maintaining an athletic stance). As you continue to steer the kite in the opposite direction, begin turning the board back into the wind. Shift your weight back and ride in a normal riding position.
Toeside to Heelside with a Downloop
One important thing to learn from the toeside to heelside transition is maintaining tension between you and the kite. This will be important when adding a downloop.
Begin by popping to toeside and bring the kite into position, either 1 o’clock for right or 11 o’clock for left. Commit to the downloop by pulling the front of the bar in and pushing the back of the bar out. As the kite loops, let it pull you downwind. When the kite comes around, begin edging back into the wind. Ride for a few seconds then let go of the bar to straighten the lines back out.
Heelside to Toeside with a Downloop
On this transition, you’ll be pulled from heelside to toeside. The downloop will guide you through the turn so it’s important to balance the tension between you and the kite. As the kite comes around out of the loop begin putting tension against the kite by edging into the wind. Your weight should be on the toes of your feet and you should be leaning away from the kite. It’ll be easier to manage the kite on toeside with the kite positioned higher in the sky.
