Main category: kitesurfing holidays
Subcategory: kitesurfing holidays portugal
How to Body drag for the first times
what and when do we use this technique?
Main category: kitesurfing holidays
Subcategory: kitesurfing holidays portugal
what and when do we use this technique?
In this post we will talk about the body drag in and out. This is the first body drag you should , master. First, we will start by explaining why and when to do it, then we will show you the objective of this exercise and after the main problems you will encounter and how to fix them. In the end, I will show you the key points to do this body drag correctly. I hope it is helpful for your upcoming lessons.
“I believe that with simple steps a safer experience with Kitesurfing is easily achievable. Safety first.”
– Tiago Rocha, Owner & Founder of Kookproof
To do this exercise, you should make sure to keep the kite in a static position between 10-11 or 1-2 depending on the direction you want to go. For this exercise make sure to have your body in a swimming position. Hold the bar with both hands and use the kite to keep pulling you and so you don’t sink. Once you go a bit away from the beach make the kite go to 12 to change side always by the edge of the wind window, pushing the bar when the kite reaches 12 and keep the kite in the position that brings you returning to the beach.
Some schools tell you to start by doing eight figures on your first body drag. If you think about it you never actually do it when you ride, besides that this is the most potent body drag as you will pass the kite in the power zone being pulled downwind fast. This is a body drag you don’t even need to do unless you want to feel the full force of the kite for excitement purposes as its much fun to do it. So if this is the first body drag you are asked to perform it is possible that this power burst scares you a bit. This is not needed so you shouldn’t be asked to do it. If you are seeking strong sensations, this is a fun one.
After you can master going in and out of the water, it’s time to do it in a directional way trying to go upwind. This is done so you can reach your board faster every time you fall. It’s an especially vital skill to master as you will perform it every time you go kiting.
As before, you should also keep the kite between 10-12 or 1-2 to (45-degree position) get pulled in the direction you want to go. However, now you should control the kite with your backhand on the bar and use your front hand to stretch it and use it has a keel to direct your body to the direction you want to go. In this exercise, you should go perpendicular to the kite trying to hold the water as much as possible to get apparent wind generated so that you can go upwind. Try to make your body stay as stiff as possible to make it more efficient for you to go upwind. Once you have good kite control, you can even use your front hand to kind of swim by pulling more water and going faster upwind. To go better upwind it’s essential that you don’t change direction all the time but also that you do not get pulled every time you do. To change direction make sure to get the kite going up slowly always in the edge of the wind window and depower entirely by pushing the bar up when the kite is passing 12, rotate your body to the opposite direction, keep the kite at 45 and change hands to grab back with the backhand.
If this exercise is done correctly, you can quickly get back to your board to restart your riding session. Every time you miss the next exercises, you should return to this one to make sure you get back to the start point.
Now it’s time to introduce the board and use it to go upwind and to get used to maneuvering the kite and the board as you will now need to control the kite while you also use the board.
Repeat the previous exercise of going upwind but now your front hand, holds on the back footstrap and you place your elbow on the heelside of the board to use the whole board as keel helping you to go upwind even better. Once you need to change, direction things get a bit harder as you need to control the kite and also change the board from one side to the other. The body drag with board exercise allows you to practice and master the kite control. Remember that once the kite is passing 12, there is some small time to move the board from one side to the other. When coming back use the same technic of grabbing the footstrap and elbow on the heel side of the board and kite at 45 to come back the same way. Once you can do this, it’s time to put the board on the feet.
The exercise is very similar to the previous one, and you should keep the kite at 45 degrees (between 10-11 or 1-2, depending on direction) and holding on the foot strap and elbow on the heel side push the front of the board so it get ‘s perpendicular to the direction you are going. This way the board will be in front of you. At this time you should lean back and place the foot that is further away from you in the footstrap. This way you have 2 contact points one from your hand and another from your foot. Now you can push the board with your hand and place the other foot on the place you had your hand. during this whole exercise the kite should be kept at 45 degrees. Once you have successfully placed both feet in the board, you can now make sure to keep the board parallel to the kite and perpendicular to the lines to make sure you keep control of your direction, and you avoid unwanted rotation.
Portugal is a destination that has deserved the attention of a fast growing number of travellers, which can be explained by the enthusiastic discovery of some of the most well kept Portuguese secrets. We are about to disclose one of those secrets, located in the northern littoral of this small south-western European country, with its 850km of Atlantic coastline, warm weather, and kind people. Set your adventure mode on, pack your summer clothes and jump on to the next plane to Portugal.
This well kept secret is called Esposende, a small fishing town located 45 kilometres north from the city of Porto. The natural features of Esposende gives this spot a uniqueness in all Europe for the practice of a great range of both on-land and nautical sports.
If you have a strong drive for intense moments and are open to building up some lifelong friendships outside your everyday life, you have all the good reasons to try this destination.
From the endless beach days, improving your kitesurf skills or learning new ones, to having dinner in the best local restaurants discovering the amazing Portuguese flavours. Toping that up with a night in the local renowned night clubs around, such as Pacha and Bib’Ofir, you have all the ingredients for some awesome vacations.
Hello, we are Kook Proof! We offer a range of camps, activities and accommodation for all levels, all ages, and all genders!
Join us in Esposende, Portugal and progress while enjoying amazing surf lifestyle and the local culture together with riders from all over the world. No matter your style or level, here is something for you. We take great pride in our professional staff and we will do our outmost to make you feel like home during your vacation.
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