Power Strokes

Let's talk about throttling up that engine...

 

When you are floating in the water with the board on your feet, you must dive the kite into the powerzone in order to create enough power to lift your out of the water. This action is called a power stroke. The powerstroke is the initial dive of the kite to generate the necessary power to achieve a waterstart. There are three types of powerstrokes. Low, Medium, and High.

 

Check it out!

 

In the below example, we will go over the power stroke as if you will be riding to the right. going to the left is the same but the numbers on the wind window will change. Study the figure below after reading each section and visualize yourself performing the power stroke.

 

 

Low Power Stroke (high winds):

 

The low powerstroke is used for high winds and should be the starting point for every kiter when performing the water start. It is not wise to try a medium or high powerstroke first because it could result in too much power and pull you out of the water. Start with the Low power stroke and work your way up slowly until you find the perfect amount of power.

 

• Start with the kite at 12 o’clock.

• Slowly fly the kite on the edge of the window to 11.

• When the kite reaches 11, steer the kite hard towards 3 o'clock

• When the kite reaches 3 o'clock, counter steer the kite to stop it at the desired and fly it back to 12 o'clock.

 

Medium Power Stroke (moderate winds):

 

The medium powerstroke is the most commonly used power stroke and is most likely what you will need to perform in order to have enough power to come out of the water. Each time we progress from low to high the power increases but you must also increase the amount you steer, and counter steer the kite.

 

• Start with the kite at 12 o’clock.

• Slowly fly the kite on the edge of the window to 10.

• When the kite reaches 10, steer the kite hard towards 4 o'clock

• When the kite reaches 4 o'clock, counter steer the kite to stop at the desired position and fly it back to 11 o'clock.

 

High Power Stroke (Light Winds):

 

The high power stroke is seldom used. This should only be used in very light winds. The reasons is because you are flying the kite very close to the power zone which is going to produce a large amount of power. If you were to do this in moderate to high winds then you would be pulled out of the water and will fly through the air. Because the wind is light and the kite has to move such great distances, you should be the most aggressive with your steering when using this power stroke.

 

• Start with the kite at 12 o’clock.

• Slowly fly the kite on the edge of the window to 9.

• When the kite reaches 9, steer the kite hard towards 5 o'clock

• When the kite reaches 5 o'clock, counter steer the kite  to stop at the desired position and fly it back to 10 o'clock.

 

Pro Tips:

• Be precise and intentional with your movements.

• Anticipate the kites movements so that you are countersteering early to stop it exactly where you want it.

• When counter steering at the desired location, i.e. 3 o'clock, that is the exact moment you will sheet in slowly and stand up for your waterstart.

• Keep counter steering the kite up so that you can “sign” the kite, (do another powerstroke) if necessary to get yourself up on a plane.

Next Step:

 

Now that you can generate the correct amount of power with the kiteboarding kite, let' move onto the infamous waterstart!