kazi wrote:Yeah, I'm sure something is wrong with my technique.
BTW the kite I use most is my 15m Envy and occasionally the 12m. I can keep up with most everyone going upwind while ridding it's just when trolling for sharks that I seem to get nowhere.
As I've been mulling it over and thinking about my technique I've had a couple of realizations.
I’ve been using exclusively my board short (seat) harness with a Dynabar. Previously when I body dragged I could feel the pressure on my arms and legs especially when body dragging. With my current setup the attachment pivot point is lower and I feel almost no pressure on my legs. A matter of fact straightening my legs does nothing; I feel no pressure at all. I think Peter had it right in that perhaps I'm over pointing the window and just dragging downwind. This setup has been great for my back and I thought that since I could flatten my body out (more in a swimming position) when body dragging that it would help. Perhaps it does but if my technique is fail because I'm over pointing and flattening out prevents leverage then I can't exactly blame the Envy anymore now can I?
Think you nailed it yourself
Using a seat harness is no disadvantage though - maybe even better as the body is in better "balance" actually. Only if used to one type for a long time, and changing - it might just take a while to get it optimized the first times, but typically no biggie...
The reason you dont feel any "pressure" is because you overpoint (my guess), so you dont get any body lift, and a stalled body wont give any pressure
So if you go more sideways (in your mind at least, aim for sideways), you will get more speed also, besides more lift and upwind.
Straightening your body in a perfect line or curve is not that important - you can bodydrag even with a crumbled body and spread legs and without your arm in front of you - as long as you aim for going sideways instead of pointing towards your board.
It will make it a bit faster if done with the right posture yes, but not needed for going upwind with reasonably speed.
You can also hold the lower arm in the water with your palm of your hand in 45 degree "up" towards the heaven (NOT the board), so you will get your head lifted up above the water - can be very pleasant.
The more speed the more lift and your head is free, and you go better upwind
Just a hint - very nice when it is winter and icy water so you dont want your head submerged too much (I hardly ever use a hood)
Just found something I wrote in 2010, being a "spoiled" engineer, I was curious:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=2365988
Peter