Kites by Windsong Kites, South Africa

Thanks to Flexifoil International for the use of their information
www.flexifoil.com

The Learning process

You don't have to be out on the water to learn the initial stages of this sport. Your first step is to become a safe and skillful power kite flyer. As the kites used for kite surfing are extremely powerful and potentially dangerous. Once you have achieved this, you will get a lot more out of the sport and will also enjoy a faster learning curve. Then you are free to do loops and get juge airs and take advantage of the incredible freedom and exhilaration that this sport has to offer. The learning process will vary from person to person due to individual skill levels, but Flexifoil recommends that the following basic stages of learning should be followed.

Fly a two-line power kite (like the Super 10 Flexifoil) on land - this is the best way to become aware of the power a kite can generate. Learn how to fly a power kite in light winds. Learn how to judge the wind, as this is critical while kite surfing.
Fly a two/ four - line traction kite on land - as above, learn how to fly in light winds. Traction kites (the kites you will be using for kite surfing) are available in two or four- line formats. A two-line kite set up on a bar is simpler to use, but ultimately you will have more control and "feel" of your kite with a four-line set up. It is advisable to learn how to fly both types of kite to enable you to choose your preferred set up. You should be able to launch, fly and land your kite while in control. You should also understand how the kite works and be able to set it up and take it down. When not in use or in preparation for a self-launch, the kite's trailing edge should be weighted down with sand.
Scud with a two/four line traction kite on the beach - this is where the fun begins. Use the power of the kite to drag you down the beach with your feed skidding over the sand. This is a really good way to learn how to balance while using the power of the kite. Do not try to resist the power, you will not win, and will end up on your face. Go with it!!!
Body surf with a two / four - line traction kite in the water. -use the power of the kite to pull you through the water on your front. This is an easy way to get used to flying the kite over water and is a traction activity in itself. If ever you come off your board, you will find yourself being dragged through the water in this way, so it is important to be able to control your kite in this situation.
Get used to flying a two/ four line traction kite in a harness - You will experience less freedom of arm movement and control, but you will be using a harness to kite-surf, so you will need to get used to it
Water start on your kite surf board - Lie on your back in the water, your feet in the footstraps with the board in front of you and the kite hovering directly above you. At first fly the kite back a little in the sky, then drive it forwards and down into the power zone. You will be lifted out of the water and propelled towards on the board. You need to know how to water start confidently as there will be times when you come off your board in deep water out at sea!!
Use the kite to create board speed and direction - Briefly keep the kite ahead of the board and "scoop" the sky with it. Eventually you will feel when you are doing it right and you will probably come off the board when you're not.
Go upwind this is crucial as it will enable you to come back to the same place on the beach where you started. If you lose ground downwind, it's a long walk back along the beach.
Gybe - if you are using a uni-directional kite surfboard, you need to swap your feet round on the board as you gybe, with your kite positioned correctly in the sky to keep your momentum round the turn. Practice, practice, practice 10. Do tricks and airs the possibilities are endless, its all down to your imagination, skill and nerve. Watch the pros and learn.