My legs are too tired - am I doing something wrong?

[andikite]

Plummet mentioned the 'poo' stance that a lot of beginners have - butt down and both legs bent like squatting. that would be very tiring. maybe you can get someone to take a picture of you that you can analyze.

I don't think I have both legs bent, I am pretty sure the front knee is locked, but I know the back one is bent quite a bit. Is that normal, or is it possible to still edge upwind with both knees locked? He also mentioned leaning back more to get the legs extended more. I am on seat harness now (but also have a waist harness that was giving me issues my first few sessions)... maybe the waist harness would make it easier to lean back and extend more, since it pulls from slightly higher on the body?

I will try to get some photos soon to analyze.

Yes, front knee locked and back one belt is normal riding. Maybe you did long paths with no transitions charging the same leg too time. Chopy conditions may be the reason also... Check good your riding stance.

[wedge]

Hey vojtech,

Sorry, it seems like every time a question gets asked here, the answers can cost a lot of money!

I'm 60+, maybe 20lbs over weight, seat harness, mako, and my favorite stance is leaned way into the harness, like almost hanging in it like a mountain climber, butt maybe skimming the water. Lots of fun, no leg problems. I keep my foot pads at 90 degrees to the board. When I started they were in a little more of a duck stance, toes pointed out. That tweaked my knees a bit. Better with everything lined up.

or - maybe you're just riding tense. Like when you first learn to ski or snowboard. 10 minutes and legs are shot. Once you learn and can relax, you can go all day.

Good Luck!

[BudhaNl]

What the hell, thread dug up from 2010

[Havre]

What the hell, thread dug up from 2010

New user that probably have read through all the old treads before he/she found something interesting

















(that is not meant as an insult - just a joke)

[kct]

Same question here. I think I'm in pretty good shape but damn does my back leg get tired pushing through all the chop. Probably has something to do with beginner stance.

[FLandOBX]

Same question here. I think I'm in pretty good shape but damn does my back leg get tired pushing through all the chop. Probably has something to do with beginner stance.

You're probably just using new muscles. Once you're kiting consistently, those muscles will get resilient. You might also try some different boards as you gain experience. Some boards handle chop better than others. It definitely helps to stay in good shape, so keep up the good work in that regard.

[windrider1]

Most knee and leg knee problems are cause by your stance on the board or just the board itself. try switching around the bindings, put them closer together or wider apart or the adjust V angle . And see if it goes away. Also be sure to fly the correct size for the wind speed ex smaller board in higher winds . Make sure its a board with a good rocker. I had this issue with certain boards that usually would be fixed by adjusting my bindings or ditching the board altogether for another one . If youre new this is pretty common to kite with a little by too much tension on your legs ,which can cause soreness after a while just try to relax more along with some simple leg exercises or stretching before kiting . But im pretty sure adjusting the stance on the bindings will help alot.

[Herman]

KCT, your post suggests that you are a relative newbie and probably using your muscles too much in the same way over a session Might be time to change your mindset regarding stance. Your stance should be varying all the time imho unless you are locked in holding down heavy power. I suggest you try a couple of exercises.

When reasonably powered leave the kite parked and just concentrate on controlling the board to maintain a constant speed. This will require you to constantly vary your stance, in the lulls you will be edging less and putting more weight forward. Similarly when slowed by a piece of chop you will have to bear away etc.

Secondly, try beating with your feet evenly weighted and compare the feeling to your normal stance. Then on different points of sail see how much weight you can put on the front foot before you feel you are in danger of catching the leading edge. (On a light wind TT with typical rocker at reasonable speed I can put most of my weight on the front foot.)

As a newbie don’t push these exercises just experiment within your comfort zone. In time it should enable you to just stand on the board relaxed as if you were just on the beach leaning against the kite taking a break, with practice you will even be able to hold your ground in a relaxed stance taking a break!

[Dave_5280]

What the hell, thread dug up from 2010

The OP is now about 70 years old!

[kct]

Thanks for the tips I'll give them a try next time we have wind. My board is a liquid force spacecraft I don't know how much of a difference that makes.

When I ride left foot forward I don't get too tired though I'm generally more comfortable that way thanks to 15 years of surfing. Riding switch might as well be a handstand.

I'm sure I can practice this away.