The Definitive Guide to Riding Upwind

Riding upwind is for many the holy grail of kitesurfing. It means you can ride at whichever spot you want and really opens up the world of tricks, jumps and waves.

The problems is it's much more an art than a science and mastering it can be very frustrating so in this video I give you some tips which will help you reach this elusive goal MUCH faster.

Enjoy the episode.

Sam.

[strengthbro]

i declare this video the GOAT of riding upwind explanations

[KillGuest]

Clear explanation, I really understand the theory and have been using this idea (more or less subconscious) throughout my sessions and learning curve. However, I do think that there is one aspect you haven't touched on, and that is the force you need to create power in the desired direction. There is a reason for waterstarting with the board aimed downwind, it is to get going and build up some speed. This is contradicting the theory in your explanation so an addition needs to be made. It is the force on the other hand which makes the soap bar pop out perpendicular. Speed gives you the ability to push the board against the water in the desired direction of travel, going too slow makes you lose this ability since the water doesn't provide enough resistance anymore. It is all about finding this sweet spot of speeds which gives you the most efficient upwind force, provided by pull from the kite and resistance from the water. Hopefully my train of thought is understandable, otherwise I would elaborate.

[Xtremecaves]

Great explanation Sam, the light bulb is finally turned on. Thank you brother !!

[sarelfischer]

Wow! Never thought about (or learned from my instructors) that the wind window is shifting. Perfect video 👌

[hamishptwc]

thats why I love this sport, its actually sailing, and you have to think about a lot of things! great for the body and mind!

[mylifeinsqft]

That's the best explanation I've seen on the subject. Very clear. Thank you!

[PolMuadDib]

Awesome video! The best explanation on whole youtube! Thanks a lot! I hope you would continue to do such a good videos.

[TheCooGuR]

This was by far the best explanation for riding upwind and now I understand the mechanics for riding more efficiently!! Thanks!!

[ecfilms]

Thanks for the vidieo blog it was intuitive I live in Western Australia I am learning to ride up wide which I can only cross Wind at the moment I was tryi g to u der and very much the theory behind riding up wind and the resistance you have to have on the bar and kite and bar great video

[antoineharel]

Excellent video...his explanation are always enlighting....thanks

[BigTonY]

Thanks for explanation ! This is so clearly exposed, and finally so logic !! Big thanks you from a Kite beginner that tries to succeed in riding upwind :D

[A-flln]

WoW for me its really getting very interesting:Big true
Thank you monday 20.3.2023 from germany
You really help me understanding it step by step
I can't wait enyoi it to figur it out tomorrow on the spot, Actully I did some movement but didnt understand it because I see other YouTube clips
You really help me
Vielen Dank
I must remember:the Window klar

[innerpeaces]

Incredible! I got all of it. YOu are a great teacher! THank you!!

[wernerxldata]

Brilliant explanation, super thanks for this insight

[bmm]

Really great video, I haven't heard it explained that clearly I leaned a lo

[pelealexandru]

You are doing a great job explaining advanced concepts by slowly building up towards the point you are trying to make! Really useful video! Thanks!

[N]

actually hadn't thought of it that way. Pretty cool stuff

[oscarherrera]

Sam. Thanks for your Live YouTube session today. I’ve watched this video a couple of times and it makes more sense now 👍 (every word in the video counts, great job)

[joehozzy]

Going slow and zig-zagging with wind strength was very helpful- Thankyou!

[davidbond]

Can't wait to try this out. I will definitely visit you in Tariffa next year!