Waterstart: master the art of getting on the kite board | Photo: PKRA/Toby Bromwich

The board start, also known as waterstart, is one of the most important moments in kiteboarding. Learn how to master the art of getting up on the kiteboard.

The kiteboard waterstart requires time and training, but you'll rapidly learn how to angle your feet before being pulled by a kite.

Kite Waterstart 101

ISAF's "Beginners Guide to Kiteboarding" summarizes the board's water start in 10 simple key points:

  1. Bring your kite to the 12-hour position and keep it there while controlling it with your preferred hand. Hold the board with the other hand;
  2. Position the board in front of you and insert one foot at a time into the straps as quickly as you can;
  3. Put both hands back on the bar while keeping the kite at a 12-hour position;
  4. Now steer the kite in the opposite direction that you plan to go (12.30 or 11.30);
  5. Then dive the kite quickly in the direction you want to travel to generate power;
  6. As the kite starts to create power, keep your center of gravity low and get a sense of the amount of pull from the kite;
  7. Once you feel in control, begin to stand up and point the board downwind towards the kite;
  8. Now keep the kite moving up and down in a sine wave pattern;
  9. Start applying pressure to the heel side of the board, and as you begin to generate speed, direct the board across the wind rather than downwind;
  10. Once you have control over the power and speed of the kite, fly it slowly to the 12-hour position to stop. Then, sit back in the water and try the same routine in the opposite direction;

The "Beginners Guide to Kiteboarding" is one of the best kiteboarding books of all time.

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