Boost your kite skills through simple yet effective strategies.
It’s not as hard as you think to become a better kiter. Practice and repetition provide the foundation for sending your progression through the roof, but every little bit seems to help. Most amateur kiters cannot get out as much as they’d like and hence their advancement suffers. By making a few simple changes and putting your mind in the right place, you can see your skill set soar.
10 useful tips
Everything starts in the mind. Start the night before in bed going over the tricks you want to do, turns you want to make and just your overall progression. Before you hit the water, review the tricks in your head, being sure to picture each motion and necessary action.
Make them specific, measurable and attainable. Start small and build your way up. If trying to progress in the surf, start with straps. As you get more comfortable with how the board moves remove the straps and practice jibbing on flat water. Each session set a goal for you and as you achieve them, acknowledge and reward yourself!
Limber muscles are a necessity for active people. Bonus: It’ll help you make that grab you’ve been reaching for.
Ride with someone and ask him or her to teach you a new trick. You’ll always have something to learn and there’s no better motivation or way to learn than seeing someone do it right in front of you.
Finding the right kite, board and harness can mean the difference between a good session and a mind-blowing session. Test new gear until you know you have the best equipment for you.
The best athletes in their respective sports practice ALL THE TIME. This is partly due to accessibility. Make it easy on yourself and eliminate excuses not to ride, such as driving 5 hours to the ocean. If this isn’t possible, take a kite vacation where you can ride for many consecutive days. Repetition is the key to progression.
Nailing a grab while soaring through the air not only feels good but looks super cool as well. First time grabbers should go for a between the toes grab (indy) and veteran grabbers should work on a new grab each session.
Push yourself to learn a new transition. Not only are they fun but when you nail a good transition, it looks much better than sinking in the water between tacks.
Individuals require certain tailored diets; find out what your body thrives on and incorporate that into your diet. You’ll need that energy for marathon practices sessions.
That is what it’s all about. If you’re not having fun, chances are that you aren’t learning or getting better. As soon as the frustration sets in, back off and remember why you’re out there kiting in the first place.
Written by Sensi Graves
Go on a kite camp!
Team rider Sensi Graves is heading to Dakhla October 12th-19th for an all women’s kiteboarding camp.Click here for more details:
sensiandcolleen.com/dakhla-2019