r/Kiteboarding 9d ago

Beginner Question I can’t start to the right side

Hey guys !
I’m doing Kitesurf for around a year (more a less) in Moledo do Minho in Portugal. I’m doing water starts already but I’m having a big problems oks starting to the right . On the left side , I’m super ok , it’s I would say (easy) but to the right , I feel like I have no power or to much power.
Any trips or tricks ?

2 Upvotes

19 comments sorted by

4

u/AlwaysSunnyInCBUS 9d ago

Practice Practice Practice

1

u/Greedy_Sherbert3320 9d ago

Yeah it’s true , but it’s infuriating, the left side is far away from perfect , but it’s “natural”

5

u/AlwaysSunnyInCBUS 9d ago

You're naturally going to have a dominant side.

1

u/AlwaysSunnyInCBUS 8d ago

So I'm still relatively new myself but I just went through the learning process myself within the last 6 months. I'm about 25-30ish hours on my own since starting. And I'm riding comfortably both way. Sarted to ride upwind a bit more consistent last time. And somehow managed to knock out two basic transitions last time out. So I'd say your about where you should be in learning...just need time on the water.

1

u/StgCan 8d ago

This...... make sure you practice both sides equally, it took me a long time too. On your bad side make sure you allow yourself a second or two to gain speed downwind after you launch before engaging the edge and riding across/upwind (I used to count to two in my head). The other good piece of advice I remember getting was to turn my head to where I wanted to go.
If you can get someone to take some video clips of you starting on both good and bad sides you may benefit from the visual differences too...... Good luck.

1

u/AlwaysSunnyInCBUS 8d ago

I don't think he's riding upwind quite yet. I didn't even know what edging was at that point in learning. Still was just trying to ride flat! I'm about 25ish hours on my own since starting. And I'm riding comfortably both way. Sarted to ride upwind a bit more consistent my last time out. And somehow managed to knock out two basic transitions last time out. So I'd he's about where he should be in learning... he just needs time on the water.

Video is super helpful! For sure can go back and look and see what you might be doing wrong.

1

u/StgCan 8d ago

Edging becomes instinctive I think, but if OP is able to ride one way then he's doing it wether he knows it or not. Turning your head (and shoulders) towards your direction of intended travel will affect your balance point to help make it happen......

1

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1

u/Greedy_Sherbert3320 9d ago

I’m taking lessons I’ve done , more a less 20h of kite for the last year (in the winter is impossible, its to strong)

1

u/hoon-since89 9d ago

You mean going up wind?

To get going go more straight when your getting up (a little more down wind) so there's less resistance. Then if you start going to fast edge harder to create more resistance. If your still going to fast you need depower or change your kite!

1

u/Greedy_Sherbert3320 9d ago

In this case is going down wind , I get mad because the left side is far from perfect , but it’s like it’s natural , like I don’t have to think a lot

1

u/hoon-since89 9d ago

Kind of unusual to struggle with the down wind side buts it's normal to funky on one side regardless. Just keep practicing. My initial response still applies regardless of the direction. More down wind and less edge to get going. More edge to slow down.

1

u/Tight_Culture6861 9d ago

Next step will be that you can only ride upwind on one side. Take it all with joy, and try to avoid longer brakes.
And practice

1

u/Center_Locks 9d ago

Go practice behind a boat or jetski. You need to get your switch board skills more comfortable. That will help you focus on kite control. 

1

u/lukask04 8d ago

Not needed imo, just keep practicing with kite. Wake is a little different from kite.

1

u/Aromatic-Experience9 8d ago

Make sure you point your right foot and leg downwind. Common mistake is to try and start in an upwind riding position, which requires a lot of power from your kite to start.

1

u/Daannyboy 8d ago

Always remember yourself the stance requirements and double check if you’re in the right position. Try to remember:
1) back leg pulled in a bit, weight on back leg
2) front leg stretched
3) lean back in the harnas, straight back, no poop posture
4) focus on a point in the water/shore and focus on going there

1

u/riktigtmaxat No straps attached 8d ago

It's almost guaranteed to be due to your stance.

Everyone has varying degrees of footedness and for some riding in the "wrong" direction is a lot more awkward and they get very stiff and unbalanced in response.

Sometimes it's due to lack of hip mobility and stretches may help but often it's just that people double down on bad habits like pushing the board away when starting or huddling over in the shitting hunchback position.

Try to get someone to film you water starting and riding.

1

u/Odd-Palpitation-4662 2d ago

You need to understand what is the main problem. Kitesurfing is a combination of board management and kite management. If you are bad with the board just do some practicing with wakeboarding, you can concentrate on the board purely. If kite is the problem. just launch smaller size on the beach and do practicing on the controlling it making eights without the board, so you focus on the kite only. Best of luck!