This tutorial explains the surface backroll transition.
Let’s start with the kite control, as this is probably quite different
to any kite control you’ve used. The key to staying on the surface,
and not jumping, is to drift the kite across 12 completely depowered.
Steer fairly firmly with the back hand.
Carve more and more upwind. Then start pushing the bar
out so the kite doesn’t stop you riding upwind. You then backroll and leave the kite to drift.
After rotating, the kite should be waiting on the new side.
You can then dive the kite to pick up speed in the new direction.
Let’s look at that riding the other way.
Now let’s look more closely. Ride in with good speed.
Steer the kite back. Lean over your heelside to turn upwind.
Start pushing the bar away so the kite won’t stop you riding further upwind.
Now you must turn rapidly. Rotate your upper body into the turn.
Lean heelside and pressure the trailing foot.
After rotating, the kite should be waiting on the new side.
You can then dive the kite to pick up speed in the new direction.
Let’s look at that riding the other way.
The key to this trick is to use a quick rotation while the kite is drifting to 12 fully depowered.
If you pull in the bar while turning fully upwind, the kite will resist your movement.
For variety, you can start heelside and exit toeside.
That’s a heel to toe tack. Or you can enter toeside and exit heelside.
That’s a toe to heel tack. Note, if the wind is light,
you could also drift the kite over 12, and then use a downloop to pick up speed more easily.
Thanks for watching and safe kiting.