omg wrote: ↑Fri Jan 19, 2018 6:56 am
So, perhaps back to the topic about the kites after three pages of rambling whether or not onshore riding is waveriding or not. The topic starter is not quite getting much info on what kites to choose...
Looks like the bottom line is that onshore vs sideshore was, and still is, DEFINED in windsurfing. But no real answer on what that means in kiting, or rather it means different things to different styles/approaches to kitesurfing. This says something to the limitless options of riding that kitesurfing allows compared to windsurfing.
My own style is very much on the fringes of what any other kiter, that I kite with, is doing. This may mean that my answer is not here, though I have learned many more times what I expected. GraemeF had a pretty good explanation that does provide some connection to windsurfing sail design and my previous understanding.
The flaw in my original question would have to be that I did not specify how I ride or how I define wave riding. And that seems to be the debate.
My conclusion on this has to do with whether or not the rider is strapped or strapless (mentality). From a strapless perspective, simulating surfing is difficult with any kite in onshore conditions. From a strapped perspective, you are taking a completely different approach to how you are riding the waves because there are more options and no boundaries as to how you ride. Some overlap likely exists too.
Thanks for all of the input.