Kite Boarding Door County
Tomorrow looks windy! North winds at 20+ means the crew will be riding near Horseshoe Island up here, and at Red River down in Southern Door.
Wednesday is looking good in Baileys Harbor with 20+ from the South/Southwest. Beginners at Anclam Beach, Intermediates and Advanced riders will be hitting the waves at Ridges Park.
For intermediate Kiters looking to expand their wind range, the best bang for your buck is to get a strapless surfboard. A good used 6’3 tri fin goes for around $300 and will get you up and riding in much lighter wind than what you need for a twin tip. The added buoyancy, surface area, waterline and bigger fins all combine to give you earlier planning and easier upwind performance. Compared to buying a 16m kite for $2000 just so you can mow the lawn on a twin tip, a surfboard is a real bargain. And riding strapless is much easier than you think… when you water start put your feet on the rail like it’s a big twin tip (with your feet equally spaced nose and tail). Use the water pressure created by the kite’s pull to hold the board against your feet. After you pop up you can move your front foot back a few inches. Even small swells and chop waves are fun to carve on with a surfboard.
For jumping strapless, Ollie up the wave face, then press on your toes to expose the bottom of the board to the wind which will keep the board pressed to your feet – rotate your front hip and foot downwind for a soft landing.
Remember, it’s a lot easier to get surf skills dialed in flat water before heading out into real waves.
Steven demonstrates strapless air with grab
