Topic: Just Jump

Just Jump

To jump, you need to be in a powered up situation where you can lock the kite in at 10-11 vertically or making a small sine wave between 10 to 12o'clock degrees vertically. If you have to make a larger sine wave, you simply don't have enough power to jump.

• While moving on a beam reach very fast with the kite locked in at 10 o'clock vertically, turn the kite upward/backward to 12 - 1 vertically in the backward direction (the stronger the wind, the higher you can send the kite - i.e. closer to zenith). Once you have checked that the kite is moving toward the right direction, continue to look forward and move the board in the same direction (don't look at the kite as that will make you go down wind and loosen up all the line tension necessary for jumping). You must have the feeling of "I am going crazy" as you have sent the kite through the power zone while moving fast forward and not looking at the kite.
• Once you feel the line tension is strong enough (the same feeling when you are overpowered), flatten your board and extend your legs (simulating a very light jumping action) to jump. This will be your last contact with the water so it is also the time you may want to create any needed momentum to do the trick you want (table top, backward/forward loop/spin, etc.). When to release the edge and jump is dependent on how fast you are moving forward and the kite is moving backward. In the beginning it helps to start counting (one, two three, etc.) after you have sent the kite backward/upward. You will find the right time to release the edge after a couple of trials. If you release the edge too soon, you will slide down wind instead of jumping. If you release the edge too late the kite will probably yank you right out of your board.
• Immediately after being air born, move the kite forward to zenith (and then slightly forward) to create the "pendulum" effect to sustain your air time and prepare for landing.
• Do whatever trick you like to do (grab, table top, spin/loop, etc.).
• Try to move the board in front of you for landing. Flex your legs upon landing to absorb any shock. Move the kite forward/downward to get goin.

When you first learn flat water jumping, remember to keep your inputs small such that you don't over turn the kite which could lead to some drastic situations (too backward a jump or too fast a landing).