How to Kitesurf Upwind (extended edition)

This kiteboard tutorial explains how to ride upwind, including:
0:00 A walkthrough
2:04 Preparation
2:42 Speed control for upwind riding
4:48 Speed control using the board
6:05 Rushing upwind mistake
6:33 Poo stance mistake
6:54 Front/back foot weight
7:18 Kite angle
7:44 Riding further upwind

[dcmackintosh]

Great video. I would add that it's very helpful to pick a target on shore, a bit farther upwind than you can actually point, to look at. Beginners will look at the kite too much. Also, dropping the upwind (or forward) hand, as you show a couple of times, allows you to rotate your shoulders and hips upwind, which also helps steer the board upwind. If a student's kite control is good enough, I'll have them start trying this.

Some of our students bring their own gear, and in many cases, their board is too small. This makes it much more difficult, because they need more power from the kite, and more speed, to waterstart, plane, and ride upwind.

[Pete_R]

As always, well broken down and coverage of all the things that could happen-right and wrong! Cheers

[Weahl]

This video fits amazing to the point where I am right now, thanks for it!❤

[Canonmm]

Thank you for all your amazing job with highly valuable and informative videos! 😎🤙

[SAKOadventures]

I poo stance! 🙈 I struggle if I don't but I am getting better.!
Love the videos, the knowled is much appreciated! 🙏😇✌️🎊🎉

[DaveMody]

related question, maybe, what's the best way to measure as quantitatively as possible, how far the kite sits upwind? I want to compare the upwind performance of different kites.

[shalevgoldfarb]

Thanks for breaking distance finally when smiling in poo stance ;)

[mohammedbaouli]

Thanks! Amazing details to focus on. I managed to get upwind today by leaning back more with the shoulders and extending the front leg more.


That being said, is it normal for the harness to creep up a bit even if you're just on the beach with the kite at twelve for example, or does that mean the harness might be a bit too large?