HOW TO GYBE (JIBE)
Learning to gybe is one way to switch stance when you change direction to save riding toe-side all the time.
Learning to gybe (jibe) is important but not essential on a directional board if you wish to switch stance when you change direction to save riding toe-side all the time. It involves swapping from goofy to natural (or vice versa) while also changing the direction of the kite.
You can either switch feet then turn the kite or turn the kite then switch feet. It’s not essential to do it all at once so break it down into steps to make it easier.
Depending on whether you’re coming out of your favoured stance, you may want to switch your feet before or after you turn the board. Practise on land then flat water so it becomes a habit. With time it should become a smooth, fast hop between stances.
Quick tips:
Remember that you need to do the same turn with your board as with your kite i.e. a large drawn out turn of the kite needs to be mirrored by a long drawn out carve with the board. A small pivot of the kite should be followed by a tight turn of the board.
It’s not necessary to do a big carving turn as this will cause you to lose ground - a small pivot is fine
Keep up your speed/momentum
Bring the kite higher to switch foot position and then bring it straight back down to follow through and ride off
The idea is to lightly move your feet as quick as possible to maintain control over the board
Keep your knees bent and centre of gravity low
Quickly bring your back foot to the front then take your front foot back all in one go
* If you’re using footstraps, the process is similar. Start off by wiggling your back foot out of the strap and moving it to the front then move front foot to back and then slide your feet back in.
*Please note gybing is not essential - many surfers who start kiting only ever ride toe-side.