Being able to change direction is the final stage that will see you move from being a beginner to an intermediate kiteboarder. This transition is often referred to as a sliding turn, though you may find your body initially ends up dropping backwards into the water. Understanding the correct movement of the kite, in sync with your weight shift, will have you staying dry and speeding off in the new direction without delay.

Below we have an excerpt from ‘Change of Direction: Sliding Turns’ video, part of the Kiteboarding Beginner Collection. This is the full Key Elements: Kite & Bar section, which will show you the two key stages for the kite movement:

Summary of the Key Elements for the Kite & Bar:

Entry – Kite Up

  • Bring the kite up slowly to 12
  • Extend your back leg
  • Aim to slow the board, and take weight off the board as you stop

Exit – Kite Down

  • Anticipate the board stopping
  • Dive the kite down into the power zone in the new direction
  • Twist your body so it is facing the new direction, with your back leg bent and ready to engage the heelside edge against the power of the kite.

This kite movement is simple but the timing with your board, legs, head and shoulders can take a bit of practice. Check out the full Change of Direction video to get the Key Elements for your body and use the Common Mistakes chapter to find any tricky issues that you need help with.

Once you have this nailed you’ll be ready to start having a go at your first kiteboarding tricks…