Built a balance board

[kxthor]

Still preping for lessons. Until I can get my wakeboard out of storage I decided to make a balance board. What has this taught me? My balance kinda sucks, I wouldnt have thought that since I can paddle board and kneeboard and what not? Oh well getting one step closer. I plan on using it every day or every other day.

Day 1 - couldnt hold it very long, the most I probably lasted with losing balance was 30 seconds.
Day 2 today - Had several good periods of a minute or more.

I'm doing this on this hard packed grass. I guess when I get brave I need to move to concrete?

Is this going to help in the learning? What do I need to learn how to do on it?

Thanks guys.

[rynhardt]

What do I need to learn how to do on it?

Thanks guys.

Persistence. And maybe a helmet

[kxthor]

What do I need to learn how to do on it?

Thanks guys.

Persistence. And maybe a helmet

Sorry should have been more specific. Are there any specific skills that I need to master on it.

[jeromeL]

Training for hydrofoiling? For hydrofoiling I guess it could be useful.
Never used balanced board but for hydrofoiling I found that standing straight up so body is well centered on its center of gravity helps balance. Don't crouch or lean upper body. Small flex in knees, strong core and straight upper body,

For kitesurfing you don't really need to balance, the kite is holding you up and your feet are holding an edge. You control angle with more or less edging and pointing the board more or less upwind but that's all muscle memory. As a beginner you will feel a bit unbalanced on board especially at higher speed until you learn how to lean into your harness and let the kite hold your body weight instead of standing up on board and fighting power of kite.

[FLandOBX]

I agree with jeromeL. A balance board won't be of benefit in learning to kitesurf. I've heard this question from others, and I'm always surprised by it. I'm guessing that balance board manufacturers promote their product as a complement to snowboarding??? With snowboarding, there may be a benefit. But in kiteboarding, with proper technique, you'll be supported by the kite and by the edge of the board in the water, so good balance is less important.

[knotwindy]

I respectfully disagree. When is better balance a bad thing? You will make mistakes and end up off balance and faster reflexes for recovery are always a good thing. I have yet to find a sport where better balance and reflexes are a waste of effort. Hell, there are days when riding is just a series of linked recoveries.

[Sefiz]

I had build a balance board to learn the switch on a directional kiteboard.
For a twintip, I would say there is no direct benefit, but learning to keep the balance while doing a diri transition, I think it helps allot.

At the end, I do endurance sports for a long time and the balance board is far ahead in terms of fun. Training balance is one of the best things you can do for building all these supporting muscles for sports. That is why TRX, an Airex Mat or a MFT Disc is very effektive. But the balance board is more specific to boardsports. Only a Slackline is more fun

[K-Roy]

I respectfully disagree. When is better balance a bad thing? You will make mistakes and end up off balance and faster reflexes for recovery are always a good thing. I have yet to find a sport where better balance and reflexes are a waste of effort. Hell, there are days when riding is just a series of linked recoveries.

+1!
and,
Balancing board is the closest thing in my experience to foiling... especially if you get to advanced level

[ShaveTheWhales]

Just get some rope and play tug of war with a dog while your on it..
Alternatively if you have a half round rubber ball base - get a bungee cord + rope tied to a stick and hook the bungee to a pole.
Lean back slightly and wobble like hell on it, twisting your feet fwds n back - then instantly stopping it..
Its not the carrot in your butt pose that helps your balance...
Its the rapid movement recovery that coordinates the nerves through a full range of real motion

[alkiter]

Get one of these, it's awesome!
https://onewheel.com/