Peter_Frank wrote:vkngktr wrote:What's wrong with riding backside?
A lot....
Looks geeky, feels bad, and not possible to transfer the same power, nor do aerials as good/tweaked
For the occasional "variation" so it is not the same over and over, changing to backside now and then is awesome, but IMO not good, when waves are the best
We always change side here, according to winddirection - I've heard of some who only rides on one side, thus they have to ride backside in opposite wind directions
Not good, nor practical IMO
I have an idea why this is, historically - but a slightly different topic I think.
Peter
Okay, sorry if the answer was meant a bit as a counterweight and provocative
(too short in other words...)
Just an opinion, but let me explain (since it apparently has stirred so many up)
98% if all kitesurfers are most likely NOT able to make backside cutbacks aggressive/radical at all...
It does not matter, if you dont care what it looks like (and this should be the main motivation, that it feels good - although you also see some wearing shorts outside on their wetsuits...)
So the videos many shows, are not what YOU look like, and are able to, backside.
The very best kitesurfers, can ride with a blindfold on a toiletdoor, and make it look awesome
I am NOT saying that frontside is better than backside
But riding only one side, is IMO the worst - and looks geeky as said, for those 98%, when going backside.
And riding only frontside, gets dull, both for yourself and others watching (the same goes for backside), eventhough much more radical and impressive at first look (easy ?).
So VARIATION is the key word here.
Riding backside a lot, and mixing up with some frontside now and then - for the best riders.
And riding frontside, and mixing up with some backside now and then - for all us mortals.
Comparing surfing and wavekitesurfing is IMO the worst you can do - it is two different worlds.
And trying to emulate surfing is a shame, and put wavekitesurfing down to being a secondary "wannabee" copy sport
Where I find it is a different sport, a new sport, with a lot more options and possibilites - and would never ever think of kitesurfing as an "inferior" sport because of this, but another sport with a huge amount of new aspects, and very different
I look like a geek, whatever I do though....
I've been surfing for almost 30 years.
And I can only ride regular when on a surfboard, yes, I admit...
But on a kitesurf waveboard, it is a totally different ballgame - and both sides work
I think that those who has only surfed, have difficulties riding switch.
Those who has only windsurfed, are natural at this.
And when doing both, you never know what will come out of it
Peter