Let the kite do ALL the work when waterstarting

Taking a look at one the video's sent in as part of our "Knock weeks off your time learning to kitesurf" course, this time looking at a common error of the waterstart.

One of the MAJOR mistakes I see people making when they attempt to water start is trying to heave them self up on the bar. Water starting should be effortless, and by allowing the kite to do all the work we can master this skill with much less frustration and rise effortlessly out of the water, not like a ball being shot out of a cannon!

In this video I explain how to do it.

[vdealerpdx]

Here's an addition if it helps anyone... I've been a long time wakeboard instructor and the start for beginners is almost identical to the kite start. Your arms are really just extensions of the rope and staying in a ball is the easiest way to get up as a beginner.
The other thing we teach is once you are on top of the board in a ball, point your front hip the direction you want to go... this puts a little more weight on your back foot, helps the board plane out and keeps you from leaning back and skidding out or stuffing the nose. Hope this helps!
If you have a friend with a boat... practice your start a bunch of times on those no wind days. Just do NOT use your harness!
Great video as always! ... thanks for the instruction!.

[bobbyballbag]

Great analysis of attempt to get up onto the board. Watching videos of failed and successful attempts REALLY helps.

[wilkothewiz]

That is so true, When i started out I found It really hard when water starting to accept the pull from the Harness and not holding onto the bar when water starting. Great channel to pic tips from.

[elan]

Thanks Sam for being so accurate on showing how to improve !

[troubledwaters]

Very helpful at this stage now, just what i was doing will try your advice thank you

[danikala]

Thank you so much for this informative video, now i now what i will do better in my next session as i learn the water start right now too:):)

[JGrogann]

Point the board downwind and up no problem!

[airindiana]

Yup this is me. Had my first go in the water today and aim was to get standing up and drop down to get used to the initial feeling, what I found is the small breaking waves that were ok when standing up, when you’re in the water ready to start break over your head and cause you to lose concentration, I found myself preoccupied with the next wave. When I tried to get going I’d end up twisting and losing my direction of board and kite would end up going off and dragging me like a tea bag through all those little waves. After 1 or two I’d come up for air just to see the kite crash ha. I’ve no board experience and it shows. I can fly the kite ok on the land. Of course I’m not proficient at all as only had 1 day flying it so far prior. Combing board and kite to start in the water with small waves breaking over your head is a bigger chalkenge than it looks that’s for sure. I’m sure it clicks at some point.

[trexinvert]

I guess you kinda keep your knees bent like in water skiing. One point, to keep your knees bent and holding requires strength, so our student may have some problems in that area.