Rules for Wave Riding
Posted: Fri Mar 13, 2009 3:35 pmAs Utahans, we are used to flat water, chop, and occassional swell. However, we don't have true breaking waves. When you travel, you may find good waves. Here is some info to help you enjoy them and avoid getting roughed up by unhappy locals.
1. Observe the kiters on the water. See how they ride the waves and take note if there is a rotation.
2. If possible talk to a local concerning not only about the rules for the waves, but also to find out if there are any obstacles. Coral heads are common in tropical locales and are as sharp as razors.
3. Don't ride back and forth in the break zone. Riders go downwind when they are riding a wave. So, if you are buzzing back and forth in the break water, you will be in their way.
4. Follow the rotation. You can ride the waves, but you need to take your turn.
5. Don't jump in the surf zone. What really ticks other riders off is when a rider jumps in the surf zone and then does a yard sale and the entire rotation grinds to a halt. If you want to boost, go far away from the rotation and no one will mind.
6. Pick your wave carefully. This is the toughest part for a flatlander. We have no idea which ways are good and which ones stink. At first, don't try to ride the wave. Ride right in front of it and avoid the turbulent white water. The ideal is to pick a fat wave that you can slide down and cut back up several times, not a steep wave that is about to close out and tumble you.
7. Use the kite to your advantage. You can ride 20 waves for every one a surfer can catch. Use the kite to adjust your speed to catch the wave. If it is a closeout, zoom out in front.
8. Don't steal a wave from a surfer. Give the surfers first right to a wave and give thm plenty of distance.
Riding waves takes time to learn, but can really add to your kiteboarding experience.
1. Observe the kiters on the water. See how they ride the waves and take note if there is a rotation.
2. If possible talk to a local concerning not only about the rules for the waves, but also to find out if there are any obstacles. Coral heads are common in tropical locales and are as sharp as razors.
3. Don't ride back and forth in the break zone. Riders go downwind when they are riding a wave. So, if you are buzzing back and forth in the break water, you will be in their way.
4. Follow the rotation. You can ride the waves, but you need to take your turn.
5. Don't jump in the surf zone. What really ticks other riders off is when a rider jumps in the surf zone and then does a yard sale and the entire rotation grinds to a halt. If you want to boost, go far away from the rotation and no one will mind.
6. Pick your wave carefully. This is the toughest part for a flatlander. We have no idea which ways are good and which ones stink. At first, don't try to ride the wave. Ride right in front of it and avoid the turbulent white water. The ideal is to pick a fat wave that you can slide down and cut back up several times, not a steep wave that is about to close out and tumble you.
7. Use the kite to your advantage. You can ride 20 waves for every one a surfer can catch. Use the kite to adjust your speed to catch the wave. If it is a closeout, zoom out in front.
8. Don't steal a wave from a surfer. Give the surfers first right to a wave and give thm plenty of distance.
Riding waves takes time to learn, but can really add to your kiteboarding experience.