HOW TO - BOARD
Kite Landboarding Guide

A) With the kite above your head at the top of the window and board placed just in front of you

B) Step onto the board keeping an eye on the kite at all times. Place your leading foot into the footstrap followed by your trailing foot.

C) Lean back against the power of the kite and point your board slightly downwind (approximately 45°) - towards the kite.

Move the kite into the power window slowly and lean back with your knees bent.

You will slowly begin to start moving - as you continue moving across the beach - try dipping the kite further into the window and you will pick up more speed.

D) If there is too much pull steer towards the kite and bring the kite nearer to the top of the window.

E) If there is too little pull make the kite work moving it around the power zone.

STOPPING THE BOARD

A) To stop the board in safety, position yourself to more of a standing position and slow the kite down by flying it to the edge of the window.

B) Take the kite up to the top of the window and turn the board away from the kite. With the kite at the top of the window – you should eventually come to a stop.

TURNING THE BOARD

A) Steering the kite in a forward direction with the board on a cross-reach to the wind - start steering the kite up to the top of the edge of the window. The power will become less and you will start to lose speed.

B) Steer the kite to the top of the window and at the same time continue leaning back and begin sliding both sets of wheels as the kite begins turning in front of you.

C) As the kite begins to cross in front of you begin steering your current back wheels towards the kite making them the leading wheels – transfer your weight to the front set of wheels and begin boarding normally in the opposite direction. Start steering the kite over to the opposite side of the window you were previously flying in. The side which has now become your new travellling direction.

D) Allow the kite to begin going downwind again slightly and steer the kite into the power again. Be ready for the pull of the kite as the kite begins to power up again - keep your board going slightly downwind until you have control and lean back to resist the power.

This manoeuvre takes a lot of practice and there is a fine balance between slowing down on the turn and having enough speed for the turn but as with any manoeuvre - practice is all it takes.

POSITION ON THE BOARD

Posture is everything on a board wherever you move affects balance - keep this in mind and use to your advantage. Normal flying posture should be standing upright, knees bent and leaning slightly over the back wheels.

Caution:
It is advisable to always use a smaller kite when starting out or learning a new manoeuvre. Helmets are a minimum of protection and should always be worn even in the lightest of winds.

Insurance:
It is also advisable that you obtain third party insurance - available from the British Buggy Club (BBC).

30/04/2008 : A Guide To Flying Your Sports or Stunt Kite
14/08/2006 : LAUNCHING FOIL KITES
14/08/2006 : STARTING TO FLY
12/07/2006 : WHICH BOARD
14/08/2006 : HOW TO - BOARD
14/08/2006 : HOW TO - BUGGY
14/08/2006 : HOW TO - WIND WINDOW
14/08/2006 : HOW TO - SCUDDING
14/08/2006 : PARA PACKING
14/08/2006 : PLACES TO FLY
14/08/2006 : TIPS ON HOW TO USE MTB BOARD
29/12/2005 : Ozone Yakuza Review