more strapless questions

tinyE · Since 21 Jan 2006 2004 Posts not really an XTreme Poster

I've been trying to make the move to remove the straps on my surfboard, but with the swell getting bigger, I find that sometimes my kite pulls me right up off my board as I'm going over a wave that's getting ready to break (sharper top point).

I've tried pointing downwind a bit, but that's not always possible, especially if the wave is breaking left on a N wind.

So, what is the trick? If I get pulled off the board at this point, I usually end up in (or very close to) the washing machine, and am really hosed if an outside set comes in.

How do I get over the waves without straps? Is it to lower the kite? Do I chicken jibe it just for a second to let the wave break and hurry over it? etc?

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

poke yer nose through it ,
keep yer kite low
ride it like a teter toter

barfly · Since 31 Mar 2005 1216 Posts Portland BRACKISH

I rig down a size. I don't like to be as powered strapless as with straps. Shlogging is pretty easy strapless and once you get on a wave, and the wave has some juice (smaller sloppier surf generally means you need a big enough board to ride that kind of wave), you can surf it or trim it down the line. Just my opinion. You are going out for a surf rather than a "kite".

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Yeah, keep the kite low and don't go too fast. Also, not being overpowered is key. I find baring off downwind can help sometimes or slowing down and edging upwind (cutting thru the wave top on your edge) can help too. Basically edging thru the top allows you to cut thru some of the lip so you don't get tossed as high.

Finally, work on boosting a bit strapless off some small waves/chop. This has helped me a lot for being comfortable riding over waves strapless. Now if I go fast and catch a bit of air it's no big deal because I can ride away from it. Being able to go faster also gets you into fewer sketchy situations. The last resort is always to chicken jibe and run.

blowhard · Since 26 Dec 2005 2027 Posts Windward

Most of my port gybes are with a little boost off the top of the shore break.
Just give the board a shove downwind as it drops down the back of the wave you can land on it

Hein · Since 08 Mar 2005 1314 Posts Possessed

If you are unhooked you can pull your bar down (to your knees even) as you jibe onto the wave/swell. Then let your kite gradually float up as you start your ride. I do this so I can get lower on my board as well. There are many ways to de-power a kite without sheeting. Think of ways you can stall the airflow to reduce the lift. Not being lit is somewhat of a prerequisite.