Understanding the Wind Window

Before you can control your kite, you need to understand how the wind window works.

Imagine standing with your back to the wind. The entire area in front of you, within the reach of your kite lines, is called the wind window.

The wind window can be divided into three areas:

1. The Edge of the Wind Window

At the edge of the wind window, the kite generates the least amount of power. If you let go of the bar without activating your safety system, the kite will move towards the edge of the wind window.

2. The Soft Zone

The soft zone is located between the edge of the wind window and the power zone. For example, when riding, we fly the kite in the soft zone. You don't need to actively steer it into this position, as the kite will naturally settle there more or less on its own.

3. The Power Zone

The power zone is located further forward in the wind window. This is where the kite can generate the most power. Later on, we'll use this area, for example during a power dive, to generate speed when water starting.

For beginners, it's important to understand where the power zone is and avoid flying the kite through this area uncontrollably.

By the way, the size of the wind window is not always the same. In steady, stronger winds, the kite can use a larger area in front of you. In very light winds, the usable area becomes smaller.

1. Flying Exercise: Finding the Sweet Spot on the Bar

Before you start moving the kite around the wind window, you should develop a feel for the sweet spot on your bar.

You can power up and depower your kite using the bar:

• Powering up: Pull the bar towards you to increase the kite's power.

• Depowering: Push the bar away from you to reduce the kite's power.

The sweet spot is the point where you first feel a steady, noticeable resistance on the bar.

This point changes depending on the wind conditions. In stronger winds, the sweet spot may be further away from you, while in lighter winds, it may be closer.

Your task is to feel where the sweet spot is and hold the bar in that position. Try to keep the kite as stable as possible at 12 o'clock.

Take your time with this exercise. Developing a good feel for the sweet spot is an important foundation for overall kite control.

2. Flying Exercise: Moving the Kite Along the Edge of the Wind Window

Once you can confidently control the kite at 12 o'clock and feel the sweet spot, you can start moving it from left to right along the edge of the wind window.

First, slowly steer the kite from 12 o'clock to around 1:30. Try to keep it stable in this position.

This is harder than it sounds because the kite naturally wants to fly further down. Use small, controlled steering inputs on the upper side of the bar to keep it in position.

Once you can hold this position confidently, slowly let the kite fly further down until it is just above the water's surface.

Then slowly steer it back up to 12 o'clock and repeat the exercise on the other side.

Make sure you keep the kite powered correctly by maintaining the sweet spot on the bar throughout the exercise.

3. Flying Exercise: Landing the Kite on the Water

The next exercise is learning how to land your kite on the water in a controlled way.

To do this, slowly and carefully steer the kite down along the edge of the wind window until it touches the water.

As soon as the kite is on the water, let go of the bar COMPLETELY.

When the kite lands correctly, it will normally stay at the edge of the wind window. In this position, it generates less power and is ready for you to relaunch it.

4. Flying Exercise: Relaunching the Kite from the Water

Once your kite is lying in the correct starting position at the edge of the wind window, you can relaunch it. This process is called a water relaunch.

Here's how it works:

1. DO NOT grab the control bar

As long as the kite is lying on the water, do NOT grab the control bar. Only grab the bar again once the kite is back in the air.

2. Relaunch the kite

Gently pull on the upper steering line and slowly steer the kite back up towards 12 o'clock.

IMPORTANT: Slow and steady is the key here!

3. Grab the control bar

Once the kite has reached 12 o'clock, first release the steering line. Then grab the control bar with both hands.

Final Thoughts

Good kite control takes practice. The better you can feel the sweet spot and judge your kite's position, the easier the next steps in your kitesurfing journey will become.

Remember: These lessons provide you with theoretical knowledge and are designed to complement your practical training. Always learn to handle your kite under the supervision of a qualified kitesurfing instructor. Incorrectly launching, landing or water relaunching a kite can be dangerous.