This video is not meant to replace professional kiteboarding instruction. We strongly suggest that everyone interested in kiteboarding start by taking a lesson.
Once you have your kite flying skills dialed in, you’re ready to try getting up on the board. Many new kiteboarders make the mistake of trying the board too soon. Remember, if you’re having trouble flying the kite without a board, adding the board is going to make things much more difficult. Before you think about trying to get up on a board, you need to be able to easily fly your kite with one hand.
Once you are ready, grab your board and walk into at least knee deep water. Throughout this process, focus your attention on flying the kite first and the board second. If there are small waves, walk out or body drag past them.
With your kite high in the window, sit back in the water and hold your board downwind. Push your hips up towards the surface of the water, bend your knees, and begin by placing one foot in a foot strap. Once one foot is in, bring the other foot up and place it in its strap. With both feet in the straps, make sure your board is perpendicular to your kite’s pull and bend your knees.
Dive the kite into the power zone and let the kite do the work of pulling you out of the water. Keep your knees bent and don’t pull in with your arms. Once the board is on top of the water, you can straighten your legs, shift your weight to your back foot, and ride away.
Rider: Mike Sysavat/Airborne Kiteboarding