Whether you’re learning how to kiteboard or learning new tricks, having good kite control will help you progress faster. To help improve your kite control, we teach you to keep a close grip on the control bar. To do so, simply slide your hands closer to the center of the bar to prevent oversteering.
For Beginners
Have you ever felt that you oversteer your kite? Or you can’t keep the kite under control? In these situations the fix is simple, just slide your hands closer together. Kiteboarding should be easy as long as you have the fundamentals – we classify a close grip as a key fundamental to kite control. Depending on the situation, like walking with your kite and board upwind or putting the board on your feet, there’s slightly different hand placements that will make each task easier. If you want to learn the specifics send us a message and come out for a lesson with us.
For Riding
If you’re out riding and find yourself struggling to keep the kite under control, stop, set the kite down on the water and readjust your grip. Take a second to breath and regain control while the kite is sitting on the water. If you’re riding to the left, you’ll want to keep your right hand close to the center of the bar, if you’re riding to the right you’ll want to keep your left hand close to the center. Keeping your top hand close to the center of the bar will prevent the kite from moving to the other edge of the wind window. With good kite control you should be able to take one hand off the bar while riding and enjoy your ride without looking where the kite is.
For Boosting and Tricks
A common mistake while learning how to jump is oversteering your kite. When the kite is oversteered while attempting to jump, it will result in a lack of height that is necessary (as well as wanted) to make the jump possible. This can be corrected by bringing your top hand closer to the center of the control bar.
Have you ever done a trick like a back roll or front roll and you land but your kite is on the other side of the wind window? This is caused by not steering your kite forward again. When you’re at the top of your jump, redirect the kite forward in the direction you want to go. Little movements make it easier to keep control over the kite when you’re in the air so remember to keep your hands close together!
When you keep your hands close together you’ll experience better kite control. Better kite control will lead to better sessions on the water. In turn, you will be safer and progress quicker! Kiteboarding is all about finesse and keeping a close grip is one part of the equation towards becoming a smooth rider.
