Riding upwind

A milestone in learning to kiteboard is riding upwind.

This can be a frustrating progression for students because until you are able to go upwind you will be walking your kite and gear from downwind to upwind all day long. A tiring and sometimes embarrassing process.

In good humor the industry calls this "the walk of shame".

If you are consistently getting up on the board, but find that you are losing ground, these tips and tricks may be helpful to you.

• Stance- stand straight up with your chest up and your hips forward. The common mistake of new riders is affectionately termed the "poop stance". No explanation necessary :) Correct your poop stance by shifting your hips and pelvis forward and straightening the bend in your waist which will lift your chest up.

• Weight distribution- most people put too much weight on their back foot. Center your body over top of the foot straps and bend your back knee slightly. The weight distribution back foot:front foot should be 60:40

• Direction- Edge the board away from the kite. Sometimes it can be helpful to drop your front hand and point upwind with that hand. This opens your chest and hips forward and directs the board upwind.

The rider pictured above is demonstrating correct posture. You will know you are carving upwind when you see the water spraying off the downwind side of the board.

Hope this helps.