proper body dynamics for downwind riding???

[coleman]

can someone explain to me what the proper way is to ride downwind with speed? i can turn off the wind but only very slowly and riding position is very much upright....

i see racers heading off the wind with a very aggressive body position. although i know they are using much bigger kites than most foilers would.

[Peter_Frank]

Speed speed speed and power is the key

Using bigger kites and faster hydrofoils and better technique - so if going sufficiently fast one can head even further downwind and still be apparent wind powered, thus having an "aggressive" stance as you say

You can also head much deeper downwind, more upright, at somewhat lower speed - which is what you do I can read, this is maybe sometimes just as fast in terms of VMG in fact.

PF

[coleman]

thanks, when you say better technique can you be more specific?

[davesails7]

To go downwind fast you need to get your speed up first and then carry that speed downwind. If you are going too fast, head downwind a bit more. If you are slowing down too much, head up a bit and then carry that speed back downwind.

Diving the kite aggressively or looping the kite is the best to get your speed up quickly.

Depower strap at full power and bar in helps (but not enough to stall the kite).

I don't think there is a certain body position you need to get into. When you're heading up more you're leaned over to windward more. When you're heading down you are more upright.

[coleman]

Gotcha! Thanks for the tips davesails!

[cglazier]

Start by going downwind. Now head slightly more upwind and your speed will increase. Lean back and edge hard. You can go more downwind faster now. If you are scared then you are doing it right. To reduce your speed head downwind.
With practise you get more comfortable with speed.
Always lean back against the power of the kite when going downwind. If you are upright then you are unstable and certainly very slow.
CG

[Mossy 757]

Getting powered up down wind is about the same skill set as creating apparent wind for an asymmetrical spinnaker. I say that because you can find tons of videos about creating apparent wind down wind for asymm boats but not for kitefoils. Same mindset...head down, speed up, head more down, balance that with speed, head down in puffs where you're powered, head up in lulls as apparent wind slows...constant balance that you're adjusting with heading, bar pressure/front line pressure, speed, wind shifts, puffs, waves, etc.

[coleman]

nice! these replies are why i love kiteforum....
thanks guys!

[ozchrisb]

If you are scared then you are doing it right.

So true!