Whether you are a beginner or a novice kitesurfer, it is only natural to want to improve your technique to progress. Kitesurfing is an extreme sport that offers a great feeling of freedom. By controlling the sail, the kitesurfer will take off and play on the wind strength to steer and ride the waves.
But to increase your level and go from beginner to advanced quickly, it is important to go step by step. Here are 5 tips to improve your kiteboarding technique in no time.
Tip 1: Invest in good equipment
As kitesurfing is an extreme sport, it is important to have all the necessary equipment for the practice of the sport, but also for its safety. You will need a good quality board and kite, a strong harness, a helmet and a waistcoat. In addition, a neoprene wetsuit is highly recommended, especially if you are swimming in fairly cold water. Finally, it will also protect you from sunburn in summer.
Tip 2: Take lessons adapted to your level
Often, if you take lessons when you start kitesurfing, once you’ve learned the basics, it’s common to leave the schools and practice on your own. However, there are lessons for every level. Taking advice from a professional is the assurance to progress quickly in the practice of kitesurfing and to be accompanied to gain in technique. Moreover, your instructor will be able to suggest you different spots from those you practice, make you discover a new environment and invite you to leave your comfort zone. Don’t go without such a valuable ally.
Tip 3: Be inspired by the best
Just as a child learns by watching and observing his parents, you too can become a better kiteboarder by taking inspiration from the sport’s biggest names. Watch videos of the professionals or better yet, go to their spots and watch them perform the tricks. Imagine yourself in their shoes and the feeling you might get. Thanks to the internet, you have access to an almost infinite amount of information. Watch tutorials and try to reproduce them by following the coach’s instructions. Better yet, get a pro to coach you if you can.
Tip 4: Prepare your body and mind
Kitesurfing requires a certain discipline to excel in this sport. Having a winning mindset can only be beneficial. Always remember that the most successful kiteboarders have had many failures in the first place. So don’t give up when you feel stuck in your progress. Find another angle of attack and keep going! Physical preparation is extremely positive, both for the mind and the body. By challenging yourself, taking on new challenges and strengthening yourself physically and mentally, you will improve your performance and significantly reduce the risk of injury.
Tip 5: Video tape yourself to analyse your movements and improve
Do you know why there are mirrors in weight rooms? So that athletes can watch themselves, not playing the big man, but their movements. A movement, when correctly executed, avoids injuries and above all allows you to progress. Since you cannot install mirrors in the water, consider filming your training sessions. By viewing them afterwards, you can identify areas to work on and prepare your next workout accordingly. By identifying and correcting your mistakes, you are sure to make progress. Set goals for each session.
Bonus tip: have fun at every moment
Kitesurfing is a sport that allows you to escape from your everyday life, to literally take the high ground and free your body and mind. To progress, you must do what you love. Kitesurfing should remain a moment of pleasure and relaxation without becoming a constraint in order to reach a specific objective. Don’t forget to talk, exchange and share your passion, even when you are not harnessed to your kite. Get out of your comfort zone and strengthen your motivation by doing the extreme sport that thrills your soul and spirit.