Kite Surfing Techniques - Water Re-launch
In this section, we will talk about the water re-launch. Especially during the learning period, the Kite Surfing Kite will regularly crash into the water.
Positioning the kite
First, position the Kite Surfing Kite with its leading edge down. The kite will always end up in this position by itself. For a water re-launch, the kite must be turned on its back. Do this by walking quickly towards the kite and slacking the lines.
Because the leading edge will point towards the water and not towards the sky, the bar will have to be turned around before the kite is launched. There has to be half a twist in the lines. Another way to help you remember this is to always have the red side of the bar on the left.
Pulling in the center line and releasing it will help turn the kite on its back.
Using the bar
Once the kite is on its back, it has to move to the left or right side of the Wind Window. Direct the kite by using the Kite Surfing Control Bar.
Pull the bar on the side where the Kite Surfing Kite is going while walking in the opposite direction. As the kite starts turning, pilot the kite slowly up from the water. If the kite goes in the opposite direction as expected, follow the kite. Only start piloting the kite up when it has moved to the edge of the Wind Window, then slowly pilot the kite up.
As the kite usually launches with a lot of power, make sure that there is enough space downwind, in case you are dragged along behind the kite.
In deep water
Launching in deep water follows the same principles as in shallow water, with the exception that everything has to be carried out while swimming.
In order to turn the Kite Surfing Kite on its back, pull in the center lines, then release them and swim powerfully towards the kite. If necessary, swim with both hands. When taking hold of the bar again, make sure you know which side of the bar is to be on the right and which on the left. With this Cabrinha kite, red goes left. Keep swimming and slowly pilot the kite in the air which will feel heavy as it is wet.
Tips and Tricks
- Keep the tension on the flying lines as soon as the kite has turned on its back. If you don’t do this, the kite can do some unexpected things. What we also see happening is here is the result of not having your bar the right way around. If you look closely, you can see that there is no half a twist in the lines as the kite is turned on its back. So, as soon as the kite catches wind, the kite will respond exactly the opposite way of what you would expect. Keep the red side of the bar always on the left!
- Sometimes, the kite even turns inside out resulting in crossed lines. You will still be able to pilot the kite but don’t keep riding too long, as your lines will wear out fast.
- If your Kite Surfing Kite ends up on its trailing edge, wait until it ends up on its leading edge. In the case that the kite launches by itself, anticipate on a very heavy pull by the kite.
Practice a water re-launch in shallow water before going to deeper water. Crashing down the water is inevitable especially during the beginning stage so take time to learn how to water re-launch.
|
|
|
|
These are all the Kite Surfing Lessons covered in this section:
|
|
Basics & Backgrounds
Home
Print Article
Comment on Article
Write New Article
Search Articles
1: