Hood River Kitesurf Lessons

Riding a directional kiteboard opens an entire new world to kiteboarders. A directional board allows you to move upwind much easier than you can on a normal twin-tip kiteboard. Some directional boards allow you to ride faster than a twin-tip. Directional boards are fun to ride with smaller kites or less wind because they need a lot less power to get going. When a directional board is used on waves or swells the rider can de-power the kite and work the wave in a way that is more like traditional wave surfing.

We will start with a classroom discussion to identify your goals and then select a series of exercises that will help you reach them. I will explain each skill you need and help you understand when and how to use that skill.

The new skills that need to be covered include waterstarting, controlling speed, riding upwind, riding downwind, riding swells, jibing, and jibing on swells.

If you would like to learn to ride without straps we will first focus on reducing the power generated by your kite to appropriate levels and positioning your body to drive the force into the fins. Once the power is balanced and you are able to waterstart and surf upwind we can start working on riding swells and slashing turns. Your learning process will include several specific exercises that will allow you to master individual elements of each skill.