Hi all,
I'm interested in learning more about the current kiteboard skill model as used by kiteboarding instructors. To give you an example of what I'm looking for, here's an outline of the model in the Canadian ski/snowboard instruction:
Skiing and snowboarding can be viewed in terms of five skills:
Stance&balance: your ability to align your body and balance in fore/aft, lateral, vertical and rotational planes
Pivoting: turning the lower joints (i.e. turning the femurs in hip socket)
Edging: tipping the skis or board onto an edge
Pressure control: managing how much pressure is applied through your skis/board throughout a turn
Timing&coordination: synchronously executing movements, and adapting timing to meet different turn shapes, terrain, conditions, etc.
These skills are derived from snowsport biomechanics, which in turn are derived from physics.
To develop a snowsport participant's skills, in Canada we combine the Canadian technical approach (i.e. developing the skills above) with all mountain tactics, performance tactics, and free tactics. Each of these components can be applied at different skill levels to enable skiers/boarders to develop. For example, we may apply all-mountain tactics with beginners by playing with berms and ridges. For advanced participants, all-mountain tactics can involve bump and tree skiing.
All of the above is expanded upon in great detail in the CSIA/CASI instructor manuals. As both an instructor and participant in skiing/snowboarding, I've found it extremely helpful for my own development to understand the model. Is there a similar reference manual rooted in physics and biomechanics in the kiteboarding world?
edit: I've gathered the impression through watching kiteboarding videos and doing lessons that there are definitely practical "howto" methodologies, but would love to see the framework around kiteboarding as well...