Kitesurfing: How to Ride Toeside
Kitesurfing is a thrilling water sport that combines the power of a kite and the skills of surfing or wakeboarding. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, learning how to ride toeside is a great skill to add to your kitesurfing repertoire. Riding toeside is when you ride with your board perpendicular to the wind direction, allowing you to ride in the opposite direction from your usual stance. It opens up a whole new world of tricks and maneuvers, and also helps you gain more control and stability over your kite and board. In this blog post, we will walk you through the steps to ride toeside like a pro!
1. Master your regular riding stance: Before attempting to ride toeside, it is important to have a strong foundation in your regular riding stance. Make sure you are comfortable riding both upwind and downwind, as these skills will come in handy when you transition to toeside. Practice your turns, jumps, and control of the kite in various wind conditions to build up your confidence and control.
2. Prepare yourself physically and mentally: Riding toeside requires some adjustments in your stance and body position, so it’s important to prepare yourself physically and mentally. Strengthen your legs and core muscles through regular exercise and stretching. Get comfortable with shifting your weight and balance while riding, as this will help you maintain control while riding toeside.
3. Change your stance: To ride toeside, you’ll need to change your stance by switching the position of your feet on the board. If you are riding with your left foot forward in regular stance, you’ll need to switch to riding with your right foot forward in toeside stance (and vice versa). Take your time to practice this switch on land or in shallow water until you feel comfortable and natural.
4. Begin by riding on your non-dominant side: To ease into riding toeside, start by riding on your non-dominant side. This means riding with your non-dominant foot forward and the board pointing downwind. This will help you get a feel for the toeside position and allow you to gradually adjust to the change in stance.
5. Maintain a balanced body position: While riding toeside, it’s important to maintain a balanced body position to stay in control. Keep your weight centered over the board and slightly lower your body position to maintain stability. Lean your upper body slightly forward to maintain balance and keep your kite at a consistent angle.
6. Practice the transition: To switch from regular stance to toeside, you’ll need to practice the transition. Start by riding in your regular stance, then initiate the transition by turning your kite up and slightly to the opposite side. As the kite starts to pull you, shift your weight and bring your back foot forward to switch your stance. Stay focused and keep your kite at a steady angle to maintain control throughout the transition.
7. Take it slow and be patient: Riding toeside can feel challenging at first, so don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to get the hang of it. Take it slow and practice regularly to build up your skills and confidence. Gradually increase your speed and try different tricks and maneuvers in your toeside stance.
Now that you have learned the basics of riding toeside, it’s time to put your skills to the test! Join us at AUSKites, Melbourne’s premier kitesurfing school, and experience the thrill of kitesurfing in the beautiful waters of Melbourne. Our experienced instructors will guide you every step of the way, helping you master the art of riding toeside and taking your kitesurfing skills to new heights. Book your kitesurfing lesson with AUSKites today and start riding toeside like a pro! Learn to Kitesurf Learn to Kitesurf in Melbourne HERE!
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