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Kitesurf trick

Riding Upwind

Basic
  • Fundamental

Holding an edge against the kite's pull so you gain ground into the wind instead of drifting downwind. It lets you return to where you started and is the key to every session that follows.

How to

  1. Keep the kite low

    Hold the kite steady at around 10 or 2 o'clock, about 45 degrees up, rather than high overhead.

  2. Twist upwind

    Turn your shoulders and hips upwind toward your direction of travel so your body leads the board.

  3. Edge with your heels

    Put more weight on your back foot and dig the heelside rail in to grip the water.

  4. Look upwind

    Pick a point upwind of you and keep your eyes on it, letting the board follow your gaze.

  5. Hold steady speed

    Ride with the bar slightly sheeted out and keep enough speed so the edge does not stall.

Common mistakes

  • Kite too high

    Lower the kite toward 10 or 2 o'clock so its pull is more sideways and less upward.

  • Pulling the bar in

    Ride with the bar slightly out so the kite does not stall and drag you downwind.

  • Flat board

    Bend your knees and push your heels down to keep the rail biting.

Builds on

Unlocks

Track your progress on the Riding Upwind

Log every session on the Riding Upwind in TrickTrack, rate how it went, add photos and videos, and watch it climb:

  1. 1/5Learning & practicing
  2. 2/5Progressing
  3. 3/5Landed at least once
  4. 4/5Consistent landings
  5. 5/5Landed every time
  6. Mastered

Then mark it mastered when it's yours.

Available sooniPhone and Android

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