Once you have the hang of riding strapless the next step is going to the air. The is the first 'trick' you can learn on your surfboard and opens the door to many other aerial tricks. Board control is essential, and keeping the wind on the bottom of your board will hold it to your feet, get the wind on the top of the board and say goodbye.
When learning the basic strapless air, be careful if the board slips out from under you and lands fins side up. Plastic fins get surprisingly sharp when you come at them with speed.
A strong board is recommended as landing from heights have snapped many boards. Ideally a kite surfboard, our a regular surfboard with a few extra layers of glass to strengthen the deck are idea.
Trick Steps
1
Come in with loads of pace, kite at 45, aim for a kicker
2
Send the Kite to 12 as you are hitting the kicker, carving upwind as you do so
3
When the kite begins to pull, initiate your chop hop by putting pressure on the tail of the board which will get that tip into the air- much like an Ollie on a skateboard
4
As you leave the water, tuck your knees up to ensure that the board comes with you
5
Keep the board on your feet by putting it into the wind. Make sure you kick that tail out nice and early to ensure it doesnt fly away. This takes a bit of practice but you'll get there. Taking your back hand off the bar will help you do this as it provides you with a greater range of rotation
6
At the apex of your jump, sheet out a little and get that kite diving down again in the direction that you want to ride- keeping your board into the wind at all times
7
Just before your land, extent your legs again and use your feet to get the board back underneath you and aiming downwind
8
Land downwind with the kite powered and ride off! Awesome
