HOW TO SET-UP AND CATCH WAVES

A FEW TIPS TO MAKE THE TRANSITION FROM SURFING TO KITING SIMPLER

In contrast to surfing, when you are kiting you need to catch the wave further out, well before it breaks. Once you’re in position and have chosen a wave, adjust the angle of your kite and prepare yourself to catch it. Parking the kite in the right position and allowing it to drift down the line allows you to ride the wave and pick it up again when needed.

When it comes to speed, you don’t need to be going flat-out, just fast enough to stay on the plane. Having said that, it’s better to keep moving though as speed can be quickly washed off but takes longer to build up.  

Speed is everything, but you don’t need to go so flat-out so you lose control, just fast enough to stay on the wave. It’s better to keep moving as speed can be quickly washed off but takes longer to build up.

Initially, start out on the shoulder of the wave where the wave has started breaking.  As your confidence increases you will be able to take off closer to the pocket of the wave.

Remember, whatever turn you do with the kite you need to do with your board, so the less you can turn your kite the better as you won’t be dictated by what your kite does. 

Control your speed using the power of the wave and your kite (bring the kite slightly higher or lower and sheet in and out).

Also remember you can remove the dynamic of the wave and practise in flat water, pretending a wave is there. This way you can totally focus on what you need to do then apply it to the wave once you have mastered it.