tips on getting speeds up....

[coleman]

I am getting more comfortable on the race board. looking to see if anybody has any input on how to get my speeds up....


i have been tracking my speed and seem to be at about 14-15kts upwind, 22-23kts downwind, about 24-25 kts reaching.

not sure how fast that is relative to people racing these days. i am sure i have a ways to go....

[andrewkiter]

im about 18 upwind and 30 downwind.
Get good board and matching fins is crucial as well as your kite
make sure you have a race bar and race lines (it will improve your speed alot)
Downwind try to bring the kite up and down alot (milk it)
feet all the way in strap
try to use the gusts

upwind make sure you have the right stance
front leg straight but not locked back leg is were it will make it go upwind push hard and it will lever
hip all the way forward and your upper boddy back
both feet real out in the rail heels in the rail
play around with angle and speed and be sure to power and depower in gusts and lulls

If possible get some training partners

[coleman]

Thanks! Gear is on par for sure so
That won't be holding me
Back.

Is your back foot in middle strap going downwind for best speed?

[tautologies]

last time I measured I had 35 down wind...after that I was shaking too much to look at the gps...now for me there were a few things. Location matter...fins and board had a huge impact. My new fins makes speed a lot more comfortable.

On the downwind when the wind is strong accepting that it takes fairly long time to stop is important so don't do it if you feel worried you'll hit someone or anything else. I keep kites low at the beginning then rising it up. I try to stay light on my board and really soft in the knees. If you have experience riding moguls or downhill skiiking. Try to keep the board on the water...fins need to stay in the water at all times IMO.

[coleman]

hey taut, just curious.....what fins are you using? what is the wind strength/kite size and water conditions for the speeds you are hitting downwind?

you are reaching 35 kts downwind....is that on a downwind reach (beam reach or broad reach) or is this running straight downwind?