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Oldnbroken wrote:So you do it with no loop most of the time?

it's possible to do a darkslide without a kiteloop but it's more difficult that way, just kiteloop it's easier

That's what I thought.

A good way to start learning dark slides is to practice the type of jump it requires first, without the sliding. You want to be somewhat powered. Start with a small pop that gets you just two to three feet off the water. At the same time start moving the kite slowly backwards towards and beyond 12. This should generate just enough power to keep you in the air at your low level. The result is a very low, long jump that curves towards downwind. Once you feel the kite is no longer generating the power you need to stay up in the air pull aggressive on the backhand to force the kite into a loop. The later the loop comes the less powerful it will be. Vary this a bit to get the feel for the right moment.

Once you can do this well, start with the dark slide or any of the other of the tricks mentioned earlier that can be done from this kite move.

So you do it with no loop most of the time?

Both are fine, I do both. The loop can be useful as it gives extra power to get back up when your kite ends up almost too far back.

The loop helps pull you out of teh move, without it I see it being really hard to get the upwards pull to get back onto your feet?

Yes, the kiteloop helps you get on your feet. This kiteloop is not as scary as it may seem. Even in strong winds it is quite soft and forgiving (unless you pull it too early).