When the wind is side onshore the drift is horribly strong. I can't get out past the break easily and
end up way far downwind with a twin-tip. So many times i have to walk back. ( i know some call it walk of shame) Do i need a bigger kite or twin-tip? Should i learn to ride a surfboard. Would that make it easier to get out? Are straps better if there is a lot of whitewater also? Do i really have to do downwinders first to learn the surfboard?
Thanks for any help.

Wow!! I understand!! I learned to kite in those same kind of Bullwash conditions. It's a Pain In the Wazola! You need to get a hold of that 100M Kite that we saw in San Fran Bay a few weeks ago. Gtd to get u out. Makes up for drift and any other condition killer. Don't worry about the walk of shame. No one on the beach knows about it. Just tell them u are getting exercise. Don't worry about wearing a life jacket for now. Sounds like you are not making it out deep enough that You cant touch bottom. [color=#FFBFBF]

Don't give up!!!

When the wind is side onshore the drift is horribly strong. I can't get out past the break easily and
end up way far downwind with a twin-tip. So many times i have to walk back. ( i know some call it walk of shame)

Do i need a bigger kite or twin-tip?
maybe

Should i learn to ride a surfboard.
no

Would that make it easier to get out?
no

Are straps better if there is a lot of whitewater also?
no

Do i really have to do downwinders first to learn the surfboard?
no

+2 for the surfboard

yes you need more power. more wind or bigger kite.

heres a some tips for cross on conditions. downwind out past the breakers. once in deep water you wont have the current. you should then be able to tack back upwind.

Use a wave to tack back upwind. you will be able to crank harder upwind as the wave will give you more aparent wind in the kite.

wait for a lull in the waves sets then haul arse to get out back. trying to pound out through big sets and white wash is hard until you have the skill to jump them.

just keep practicing yourl work it out in the end.

Every spot has different conditions for different wind directions, and you need the right gear to line up with those conditions for it to work. For your spot, it sounds like you need more wind or more kite because the current is so strong. Yes a surfboard might help, but only because it gives you a little more bottom end. If the wind was 1-2 knots stronger it probably wouldn't make a difference.

It's not just you, at my local spot you can't ride onshore wind unless it's 17-18 knots+, or you will never be able to get out because of the lovely south florida condos 10 feet from the ocean. I can't ride my 9m unless it's like 25 knots+ because of this. which means once you get out into the ocean you're overpowered

different spots, different conditions

Thanks everyone.Those are all great suggestions.

Sounds like you are talking about a rip current without knowing what it is. How old are you? If you don't know the ocean you would do well to read about it in surfing or windsurfing mags, read up on weather (recognizing clouds, weather patterns), talk to surfers on the beach (they are the ones who understand local hydraulics!!). It will bring you more enjoyment but also higher safety.

Just sayin'

p.s. yes a surfboard will go upwind more easily (if you have good skills not much different than a twin tip but if underpowered or a beginner it will help)

Mr. Pullstrings, what part of the world do you kite in? BTW, I like your KF handle.

I do not usually joke around like all you guys.But let me try.I kite Niagara Falls