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Kite position while riding a directional surfboard

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KitingT-rex
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Kite position while riding a directional surfboard

Postby KitingT-rex » Sat May 31, 2014 12:00 pm

Hey guys, I just started riding a surfboard whit a kite. I've downloaded BWS's e-book about waveriding. This is what it says about kite position.

"Keeping your kite at 45° or lower. When the kite is at 12 o’clock you have the least control. You have the most control when the kite is down at the waterline so your baseline is halfway between at 45°. Always work from this point whether you’re riding a wave or tacking up-wind"

I thought that when you tack upwind it is important to keep your kite high as it creates lift. Is this only right to do on a TT?

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Re: Kite position while riding a directional surfboard

Postby NYKiter » Sat May 31, 2014 1:46 pm

if the kite is high and you go over a wave you'll be airborne

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Re: Kite position while riding a directional surfboard

Postby TommyDuotone » Sat May 31, 2014 2:28 pm

Yes, 45 degrees or less on surfboards and directionals. You want to ride the board flatter and utilize the fins. Also, distribute your weight more forward than you would on a TT. Just watch someone riding a surfboard board for the first time. They keep their kite higher and their weight back. It almost looks like they are popping a wheelie(nose up) and you will see how sluggish and inefficient their boards are not to mention not very fun.

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Re: Kite position while riding a directional surfboard

Postby Peter_Frank » Sat May 31, 2014 4:42 pm

Well, 45 degree is the best, also on raceboards, and works the best for surfboards too.

But he is right, keeping it a bit lower when normally powered and riding waves, will enable you to have more options, as then you can "move" the kite up or around, or let it stay down when moved - keeping the lines tight :thumb:

For max upwind and low end though, around 45 degree is by far the best - and this goes for all types of boards :naughty:

But as the others said - learn to "drive" the board with your front foot, and get rid of all the bad TT habits (pressure on the rear font and edging) by leaving the TT at home for a while, till you have learned :D

8) Peter

KitingT-rex
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Re: Kite position while riding a directional surfboard

Postby KitingT-rex » Sat May 31, 2014 5:48 pm

Thanks for the advice, as a surfer waveriding is the reason I started kiteboarding. I don't think I will use my TT a lot anymore from now on :wink: I think the e-book BWS has is helpfull. You can find the link on their site.

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Re: Kite position while riding a directional surfboard

Postby KitingT-rex » Sat May 31, 2014 6:06 pm

Does anyone have some pictures of a kitesurfer tacking upwind on a directional in the right body position.

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Re: Kite position while riding a directional surfboard

Postby Hawaiis » Sat May 31, 2014 6:28 pm

To up wind tack turning into the wind you need to first bring the kite to 12.
Removing the center fin will help the board turn easier.

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Re: Kite position while riding a directional surfboard

Postby JDMsquirrel » Sat May 31, 2014 8:04 pm

Perfect topic. I tried riding my directional like a TT last week because i didnt know any other way. I did end up looking like i was doing a wheelie and was sluggishly pulling the back end of the board through the water, and it certainly wasnt fun. Luckily i was only riding it for 5 minutes to go and rescue my TT after ditching it in a crash. I need to get more time on it to learn.

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Re: Kite position while riding a directional surfboard

Postby CRD » Sun Jun 01, 2014 12:15 am

It may help to surf on a surfboard when there are waves and no wind. Get comfortable on the surfboard, then use the kite. Only my opinion, i just ride a surfboard, that's also what I learned with. 45 deg. Seems right.

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Re: Kite position while riding a directional surfboard

Postby mike dubs » Sun Jun 01, 2014 8:16 am

some tacks in this video I did, hope it helps.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6v_lL2Z4Wo

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