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---------- Intermediate Series ---------- Designed to build the skills necessary to go upwind and kiteboard in more demanding wind conditions. These lessons can be combined and are often used as the basis of a 5- to 7-day program. I will kiteboard with you to teach and demonstrate. Kite Theory (Part of your first lesson) We will start with a 15- to 45-minute classroom session to give you a clear understanding of what we are trying to accomplish and how it should work, as well as a quick safety review. This discussion creates a shared vocabulary that will speed your learning once in the water. Stance This lesson is about controlling the direction of your travel and the amount of force generated by the edge of your board. We will work on positioning your body in a more powerful stance to smoothly transfer energy through the board. Turns This lesson will teach you to change direction with style. We will work on simple stop and go turns, jump turns, and carving turns. Different turns are needed in different situations and knowing how to use them can keep you safe. Learning the timing of the kite and board transitions goes a lot faster with instruction. Upwind You will improve your kite control, body position, and navigation skills in this lesson. I can identify and correct your weaknesses by kiteboarding with you. We start by holding ground and work toward kiteboarding up wind. Introduction to The Gorge You will learn about local safety issues and how to evaluate the wind and river conditions. We will get out on the river with appropriate kites and work on generating smooth power from the gusty winds of the Gorge. You will also learn to use the river's current to get the most from the mighty Columbia. |