Karlos101 Posted June 19, 2013 Report Posted June 19, 2013 Hi i have only been in the water about 4 times i have no Problem getting up and staying up on the board BUT!.... when i try edge HARD to go upwind my back leg gets pounded by the water and slows me down... meaning the walk of shame as i slowly but surly drift downwind. i have stayed upwind for 2 full sessions before but fighting the water pounding my leg the whole time... ANY advice on what to do about this would be great! thanks Quote
The Geoff Posted June 20, 2013 Report Posted June 20, 2013 You can edge too hard, and it sounds like that's what you're doing. It's a really common problem that nearly everybody has to start with. That edge in the water works like a hell of an anchor if you really lean into it, the kite drives round to the edge of the window and the power dies off - dropping your leg/backside in the water never helps either. There's a fairly subtle balance point to be had between trying to steer upwind and killing the power, you're going past it. Try a slightly more upright stance, imagine you want to use the fins to point you upwind instead of the edge (it's really a bit of both usually), and try to keep the board a little flatter. Building up some speed first by starting off a little downwind also helps, assuming you're not in too much chop/waves. Quote
mick Posted June 20, 2013 Report Posted June 20, 2013 I had this trouble till Stuey got me to move my footstraps toward the centre. My hole world changed. I could edge harder without dragging my heels and upwind was great. Try to get your heels away from the edge a bit. Quote
tedatwgs Posted June 20, 2013 Report Posted June 20, 2013 Extend your front foot more - this will have the affect of flattening the board and stop you being so aggressive in leaning back. Quote
mick Posted June 20, 2013 Report Posted June 20, 2013 Theres such a massive difference in stance between a kitesurfer and a " I will be one soon " kitesurfer isn't there. Poo stance causes drag on the heels for sure. But judging by his avatar, Karlos is a useful kitesurfer. Now I'm confused. Looking at it, maybe thats not Karlos. Quote
creed Posted June 20, 2013 Report Posted June 20, 2013 Going buy your signature you have two rather large boards. If you can ride up wind then moving to a smaller faster board will help you progress further. What Mick said about a narrower stance is a very good point. Will make a huge difference, especially for short arses like Mick and myself. Quote
andrew pattullo Posted June 20, 2013 Report Posted June 20, 2013 one thing allso is waves if you dont lift the front of the board,as you come to a wave .the front of the board will go under water , and you will come to a dead stop and SINK ! Quote
Karlos101 Posted June 20, 2013 Author Report Posted June 20, 2013 yeah i do have large boards but im a Heavy guy and rather tall... intresting about the stance because i do think my footstraps are quite a distance away from one another.. i will try that! i have never had a drama getting over waves or with slowing down and sinking, Thanks for replys! Quote
Karlos101 Posted June 20, 2013 Author Report Posted June 20, 2013 and your right mick! thats not me in the picture lol Quote
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