KITOONS - Kitesurfing Introduction - Kiteboarding ABC - Kitesurf Wiki - Kitesurf 101

Jumping and tricks

When you progress and mastered the basic skills of kitesurfing, it's time to try some tricks and jumps. In order to jump, you first dive the kite down to make your board move quickly. Then, in a quick motion, move the kite upward and edge hard. The kite begins to pull you up, release the edge and jump. Now you're airborne. To land move the kite forward and point your board in wind direction, so that you'll maintain momentum when you land. Here some of the most popular kiteboarding tricks:

Grab: Grabs are the basis for board-off tricks. In order to perform a grab, start your jump like normal then bring the board close to your body and grab it with your back hand. You then release the board and land.

Spin: Depending on how long you're jumping and how fast you're spinning, you can spin once, twice or even more times.

Invert: To invert, you turn yourself upside down while airborne. To execute an invert, bring your feet up in the air as soon as you're airborne. When you're finished, bring your feet down and land as usual.

Board-off: As its name implies, in a board-off, you'll take one or both feet off of your board.

Kitesurfing Safety

In addition to the equipment we discussed on the previous pages, it's a good idea to invest in some safety gear, including a life vest, helmet and an emergency line-cutting knife. It's also useful to know some basics about watersport before trying kitesurfing. For instance, wakeboarding skills will help you get a feel for riding with a board on water. Also, windsurfing skills will teach you to estimate how much wind you'll need to perform a trick or jump.

Novice kitesurfers can have accidents as a result of miscalculating distances or wind speeds. An instructor certified by the International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO) can teach you the necessary skills in order to avoid dangers and enjoy this sport safely.

Always kitesurf in areas, that are designated for the sport. Avoid shallow water and locations with buildings or power lines nearby. Be sure to take a look at the weather conditions before you set out; you don't want to be caught in a storm out on the water.