Jumping a Kitboard Takes the Right Gear
For big air, your must have a progressive, fast turning kite with lift. Easy-to-fly freeride kites just won’t do it.
Look for Response and lift. You want kites that ride very close to the window’s edge, pulling straight up when jumping. Fast, forward flying kites with precise control will send you to huge heights. Once only found in high-aspect C-shaped kites (long and narrow razor like wings), big-air kites now come in more shapes and sizes. For hang time, you’ll want kites with more center surface area, like a progressive C (kites designed for performance and stability) or hybrid flat design (flat kites with fully supported leading edges and direct connect rear lines).
Second, your board needs good bite. Narrower shapes with larger fins & concave provide lateral resistance and allow more control at higher speeds. And, since speed is critical for loading the kite, you'll need a board that's comfortable riding fast on top of various waters. Some progressive higher end boards use controlled flex points for speed control. Even though they're shapes are short and fat, a board with well designed flex can comfortably ride as fast as the narrow chop busters.
Finally, a harness which lowers your gravity center helps maintain control. Seat harnesses make it easier to boost your kiteboarding jumps to the next level.
You Can Only Jump Your Kiteboard High with Strong Winds & Nig Ramps
To achieve new heights, you’ll need maximum load. First, look for 15+ knots steady wind. Clean kickers rolling parallel to wind with opposing currents help increase power.
The key for boosting is having the wind blowing perpendicular to wave direction. This allows you to hit the wave like a precise ramp, keeping your momentum under the kite, instead of penduluming in front or behind.
In between your kickers, the smoother the water, the easier to gain speed and keep your edge. Be sure to get out of the chop or you're have trouble smoothly gaining speed for takeoff.
Also, an opposing current helps with loading and popping. If current is flowing in other directions, you'll likely loose your edging and lose your load.
When it's really windy, it's safer and easier to jump with a smaller kite that is fully powered, rather than having a bigger kite that is fully depowered. So if you're lit up, you may find it hard to control your ascent and descent.
Kiteboarding Jumps Require Timing
Going big requires complete focus on your take off. Start by gaining speed and keeping your kite at 45 degrees. Keep hands wide on the bar so you’re kite will turn faster, generating more lift. Spotting a launch helps with timing. Small waves can double as visual aids and ramps.
Right before reaching your launch pad, start loading your edge and pulling the kite hard to 12. Timing is everything. You must take-off exactly when your kite hits high noon. For max lift, simultaneously pop off the water by pushing back into the wind off your trailing foot. Next, let the kite pull you up & forward while keeping your lead knee high and board in front. Make the jump lofty by pulling your bar in fully.
Avoid getting jerked around by keeping your kite directly overhead (it’s OK to look up). Upon descent, spot your landing and pull you kite back into power. Land with your board pointing in direction you’re going. Since your goal is smooth height, don’t worry much about landing until you’ve perfected launching.
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