As with any good sport there is technique. One of the techniques kitesurfers must understand is how to manipulate the board you are standing on with the kite bar in your hands.
Footwork will eventually become very natural and you will be cutting corners, dodging back and forth, jibing and jumping at a synapse.
When starting out in kitesurfing there are certain fundamentals the trainer will go over with you. Don’t expect to get up and start jumping 20 feet in the air. You must be a bit pragmatic. Your first experience may be on dry land putting your feet in the bindings or foot straps. Once you feel comfortable you will notice how easy it is to turn without having to hold onto a kite. You may then be expected to hold the kite on a bar while moving your feet back and forth simulating a ocean ride.
Keeping your body upright and level with the board, knees slightly bent and arms holding the bar, you are in the right position to start. You may want to have a buddy or someone who knows how to launch with you on your first event. Once you are upright and holding on get ready, the wind may sweep you right off of your feet should you not be expecting it. Get ready for the first adrenaline rush kitesurfing has to offer.
One of the most popular tricks is the jump. Most beginners learn this technique in the first lesson. Should you have mastered its technique early on you will find many other tricks are fairly easy to do. Jibing and looping will become second nature once you master these you can easily switch upwind with no problem. You will find there is very little you cannot do once you actually understanding the footing and balance involved.
Should you have previous experience with skiing or skateboarding you will pick up kitesurfing with ease. Of course the environment will differ greatly but the ability to keep your balance will not be difficult. You should not mix jumps and tricks you can do on a skateboard out on the water.
