Advice for board-offs

[Toby]

Some days ago a user asked me for some info on how to get better with board-offs.

I thought it would be interesting for everyone to read it:

Question re board offs: i've been trying to nail the basic board off for a while and just can' seem to get the board back on in time.
I can jump high (6secplus) using a handled board with loose straps and a seat harness.
I can do them off a rig i made in the shed but just seem to dither on the water..
any tips you have would be great?? would a waist harness make them easier?
I've tried the tail grab board off by firstly doing a one footer and then dropping out the front foot ..but i run out of time.
I'm thinking i just have to be quicker as in get the board off on the ascent?
The guy that taught me was awesome at them so its what made me take notice of board offs..he used to do the deadman and hold the board by the footstraps...classic.
cheers for any tips

Do you use a wetsuit? If so, that thing is in your way!
Loving Brazil, since here I just wear shorts...I also have big problems in getting back into the straps back in Germany with a wetsuit...sux!

Make sure you have a very soft neoprene wetsuit...that also helps.

Maybe get a North handle...they are a bit higher...that could make a difference (not sure which you use, but I know many others are flatter).

Then sit in your kite outfit in a chair, and practice off and on...and try to do it very quick, and also with closed eyes, so you are getting into that habit.

Another hint is, to not reach down to the board, but rather lift your legs to put it back on. In the chair you will get the feeling and know what I mean. Lift your legs hip high and see if there is a difference in putting it back on.

[JasonKB]

If you can pop a 6 second jump and run out of time doing a board-off then you definately have another problem, check for a pulse.

On a more serious note, not all your jumps are 6 seconds, most are likely less than half that when flying the kite with one hand. Try shifting your hand so that the line ends up between your 2nd and 3rd finger, this will allow you to keep the bar pulled back without over-steering the kite.
Position the kite into the midway position before going for your board, this will allow you more time to fumble around with the board, you can then complete the steering once the board is back on your feet.
Allow yourself to swing under the kite a bit more than usual, feels odd to start with but you will get used to it and find it will give you more time.

Key = Practice, a lot!

[Kite-4-Life]

Seat harness works fine for board offs
Try bringing the board to your hand quickly on the way up
Lay out fully at the peak of the jump
And land it.
If you have time, land it toeside, it feels awesome!
My board spins start with a grab on the heelside fin, spin it, and catch the handle.

My problem is adding body rotations to the trick
Any tips on that?

[Toby]

that is not an easy one...I need to practice it too...Brazil, here I come!