How to avoid "Draggy Butt" syndrome.
Draggy butt, the poor riding form that so often stays with a kiteboarder if never corrected, is when a kiteboarder rides in a squatting position, using their lower back and leg muscles rather than abdominal muscles to harness the power of the kite. Not only does it look bad, but draggy butt form is hard on your body. When you bend forward, your lower back and legs are being worked unnecessarily, making for a very sore next-day. Kiteboard harnesses exist so that you can lean back into the back of the harness and take in some of the kite's power.Here are some tips on how to improve your riding form to avoid draggy butt and kite like with grace and power.
1. Tuck it!
This is not a ballet class, but it works. When you tuck your rear, it forces you to lean back and straight. This will take pressure off your lower back and thighs.
2. Edge your board
Many riders try to control their kite too much, sheeting in and out frequently, and micro-managing their chicken loop and straps. Focus more on leaning back and edging your board. Practice putting pressure on your back foot to edge and go upwind. Then, try releasing that pressure, standing up straight, and flattening your board out on the water. You will find that you can make your board do a lot of the work that your kite does, without having to touch any of the straps or control systems on your kite.
3. Don't ride overpowered
A misconception with today's super depower-capable kites is that you can go out on a bigger kite and still depower and ride fine. That might work, but it does allow for the most efficient use of your muscles. When a rider is overpowered and fully sheeted in (depower strap pulled all the way in, bar pushed out), one's body will tend to bend forward to reach the bar, putting strain on your lower back. Take out the right size kite.
Traffic School: Maneuvering Your Kite in Busy Waters
This is a skill that requires solid kite-flying skills and time on the water. When you are kiteboarding in an area with lots of other kiters, it can be intimidating to work your way around everyone else without freaking out that your lines are going to cross with someone elses.First of all, always be aware of your surroundings and other kiters on the water. Always look the other way before you transition. Never jump or manuever directly upwind of another kiteboarder.
A good rule of thumb of kiting in traffic is this:
Upwind: Kite up.
When you are passing upwind of a kiter, bring your kite up in the wind window to allow for the downwind kiter to pass "underneath" you.
Downwind: Kite down.
When you are passing downwind of another kiter, bring your kite down in the wind window, closer to the water, so that the upwind kiter can pass "above" you.
As a beginner, you may find it more difficult to place your kite in a particular are of the wind window, but it is good practice to fly your kite in all areas of the wind window so that you know your kite's flying characteristics.
What if you're heading straight toward another kiteboarder coming toward you?
Aah, good question. The best thing to do is motion your intention to go downwind of the other kiter, thus allowing that kiter coming toward you to continue on their path or kite upwind
