THE KBK PROGRESSION: VIDEO TUTORIALS
* These videos are intended to be a supplemental reference tool only. The KBK video tutorials and depict skills that may lead to injury if performed incorrectly and/or in poor wind conditions or launch areas. If you choose to enact any of the skills depicted, it is at your own risk and Kiteboarding Kingston will not be held accountable for your interpretation of the video content and/or your subsequent actions. KBK promotes learning to kiteboard with a certified instructor in a beginner-friendly environment (i.e. a big beach with lots of shallow water and space downwind...and nice steady wind!). Kingston is not an easy place to learn this sport, and after 3 seasons of instructing, we've learned that Kingston is an equally challenging place to teach. Your first step in kiteoarding is to take responsibility for the safety of yourself and others around you. Be respectful of the kiting community you wish to be a part of by exercising conservative judgement, communicating explicitly with fellow kiters, and by being SAFE at all times.
AS YOU WATCH THE TUTORIALS, REMEMBER THESE KEY IDEAS:
- 1. Take your time and fly smaller kites in lots of different wind first. Know that wind conditions and environmental factors change all the time and mastering a manoevre in one set of conditions may not be easily reproduced to the next. Ask any veteran - flying kites in turbulant wind is quite different than in steady wind, as is high wind vs. low wind...you need to FEEL and get familiar with them all without putting yourself at significant risk. Most importantly, create a habitual pre-flight routine so that you're less prone to making errors due to distractions or crankin' wind! Spend at least 20 hours with a trainer kite, practicing simulated manoevres on land so that you can transfer those skills to the water or snow. Remember that you can always use your trainer as a "probe" when you're sussing out the wind or a new launch!
- 2. Your progression will take time. Kiting is a busy sport, and your attention is heavily divided between the kite, your board, your position in space, and your intention for all three... People get hurt when they try to tackle too much at once. That being said, after several days in light wind and swimming your kite in repeatedly, you'll be ready for that windy day where the hours you've put in help you relax, gain efficiency and eventually...ride away! (...and hopefully back again!)
- 3. Build confidence and skill BEFORE you hit the water. Use winter as your "beach season" - it's the best time to learn since the consequences are considerably lower (but don't forget to wear a helmet and knee pads!). Be realistic and set small incremental goals that you can work away on each session...or just enjoy each session for what it is!
- 4. Make an Exit Plan! In fact, don't every go kiting anywhere without first sizing up the wind and geography in order to make an Exit Plan should conditions change or things go wrong! Ask yourself: Can I swim for 30 minutes without a PFD or without a proper exposure suit if the water is cold? What if I lose my board? If the wind dies or your kite fails, where will I end up? Who's around to help? What is everyone else doing in these conditions? etc.
KBK KINGSTON SNOWKITING VIDEO TUTORIALS: Coming Soon...
- 1. Assessing Wind Conditions
- 2. Assessing Launch Conditions
- 3. Setting Up Your LEI and Foil/Traction Kite
- 4. Self-Launching and Landing
- 5. Basic Riding Tips & Techniques
- More videos coming this spring/summer!
Comments? Suggestions? Email us : info@kiteboardingkingston.com
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