Kitesurfing techniques: Down Loop Transitions
If you’re reading this we’re assuming you already know how to do a standard transition – if you don’t you might want to have a look at our previous post explaining how to perfect your transitions first.
How hard is a down loop transition?
As intimidating, nerve racking or out of reach many think the down loop transition is, it is actually relatively easy and safe to learn as long as you are underpowered while learning.
The key is to be underpowered while learning
Important Note: ‘Underpowered’ in this case means ‘DON’T BE POWERED UP AT ANY TIME!¨ so when learning a down loop transition you must choose a smaller kite size than you usually would for the wind conditions. Don’t just use the depower strap while flying the kite you would normally use; you will still have too much power in the kite to learn this trick safely.
How much smaller should my kite be?
You must choose a kite size that will give you maximum 6 out of 10 power in the prevailing wind conditions while learning this stylish transition. Later you can progress to more power but while learning the move your safety is paramount.
Weight transfer during a down loop transition
Similar to normal transitions you will be aiming for butter smooth edging by loading your weight correctly from your back hip and leg to your front hip and leg, which will within a second become your new back hip and leg as you complete the turn. If you haven’t mastered this technique we recommend you perfect your normal transitions before moving on to down loop transitions.
Initial kite movement for down loop transitions
To make a down loop turn you need to position the kite at 1:15 or 10:45 and dive the kite counter intuitively by pulling down sharply on your forward hand relative to your body center. If you are riding right foot forward then pull the bar into a sharp and aggressive twist motion with your right forward hand, the furthest hand away from your center of body, and vice versa, if you are riding left foot forward then pull the bar into a sharp and aggressive twist motion with your left forward hand away from your center.
That feels weird. And scary
The first few times you try this it will feel and look like the Kite will slam down into the water. That’s part of the adrenaline rush and fun of this tricky turn. And, well, if you don’t turn aggressively enough your kite will crash into the water! 😀
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