Guide to kitesurfing transitions: what they are and how to perform them

Transition in kitesurfing is one of the basic sailing techniques and one of the great goals of any beginner approaching the sport. It allows great freedom of movement on the chosen stretch of water and is also a fundamental part of the safety of the discipline. Then later, once the basic technique of transition has been mastered, the manoeuvre has a practically infinite series of variations that are even more of an expression of style, an absolute source of enjoyment and expand the possibilities of sailing with any type of kite and board in practically all weather conditions.

So let's take a look in this guide at what kitesurfing manoeuvre transitions consist of, when and how they are performed, and the various types in which they decline in their most advanced forms.

What is meant by transition in kitesurfing 

Transition in kitesurfing is nothing more than a simple, fluid, controlled and non-stop change of direction technique on the part of the rider. In practice, the manoeuvre allows the rider to continue sailing with a reversal of direction. As can be guessed, the transition is a fundamental step in basic kitesurfing technique because it allows the rider to move freely, turn back after a long ride, make use of all the space in a spot, but above all it allows the rider to ride upwind and not lose water in the upwind ride by means of a zigzag path.

Other equally important advantages of the kiteboarding turning technique are that it allows you to avoid obstacles, such as boats, rocks, swimmers and other riders that may be found along the way; it allows you to change edge of pace, thus resting the muscles you use along one edge and using those needed to complete the reverse edge. Finally, it is a basic manoeuvre that allows the development of other fundamental techniques, such as slowing the speed of the glide, stopping completely or performing jumps, spins and other aerial manoeuvres.

A key element of basic kitesurfing technique 

Knowing how to make a correct and complete transition is a fundamental step in learning to kitesurf and for the progression of technique, a real watershed, together with mastery of the upwind, between an absolute beginner and a rider who is beginning to conquer his autonomy in sailing. But when does the time come to learn to change direction? Actually, the first rudiments of transitions are learnt even before you put the board to your feet, i.e. in the phase of learning the “body drag” technique with which you sail by exploiting the pull of the kite well positioned in the wind window and dragging your body through the water. At some point even during “body drag”, you have to change direction and return to the starting point. And even without a board, you learn to understand the basic technique of transition, especially controlling the kite.

Getting on the board the whole manoeuvre of changing direction is naturally more complex, but the principle is practically the same. Once you are able to travel long distances with the board in glide and stop in a controlled manner, it is time to learn how to perform the actual transition.

How to make the transition: the basic technique 

Let's look at the right technique for closing a basic transition with a twintip board. Like any manoeuvre in this discipline, it is a sequence of movements in which the key factors are the movement of the kite, body position in the transitions and the rider's gaze. When sailing in a classic “heelside” stance, i.e. with both heels of the feet pushing on the windward side of the board, the moment you decide to make the transition, look towards the direction of the wind behind you. This will rotate your front shoulder and consequently your whole torso towards the wind. It is also very important to push with your back heel and direct the “noise” of the board almost completely into the wind. In this way you will slow down, which is crucial for a successful and controlled change of direction.

In the meantime, recall the kite and point it towards the 12 o'clock (Zenith) wind window. In this manoeuvre it is important that the kite moves along the edge of the wind window, i.e. in a neutral position. Otherwise it could generate more power than desired, bringing you forward and disrupting your “heelside” trim.

The key factors: timing, coordination and safety 

When the kite reaches 12 o'clock, pull the bar a little to support your weight and avoid sinking. Then turn your head in the new direction without looking at the kite and shift your weight from the back leg to the front leg in the new direction. At that point send the kite back into power as you do in a normal waterstart, but with less vigour as you are already standing on the board. Timing, coordination and lack of hesitation are important for an effective change of direction.

A final note concerns safety. Changing direction when kiteboarding requires awareness of other people around you. If you do not check who is around you, you could cause an accident. It is always important to look over our shoulders before making the transition to check that no one is following us or that any kite is above us when we decide to turn. Personal protective equipment such as helmets and impact vests are also essential.

Types of advanced kitesurfing transitions 

Once the basic transition technique has been mastered, one can move on to more advanced and high-performance kitesurfing transitions that include different board set-ups, for example in “toeside” and “blind”, or particular kite movements such as “downloop” and “loop”, and then move on to “aerial” changes of direction in which one performs jumps, spins (“backroll” and “frontroll”, “grab”) and other tricks that add style and variety to the manoeuvre in a virtually infinite repertoire of rotations.

Progression of kitesurfing technique and fun

Transitions in kiteboarding are an essential component for any rider. With practice and the right technique, as well as complete and quality kitesurfing equipment to help you learn, you can improve your skills and make your sessions more fun and stylish. Don't forget to practise constantly and have fun while exploring kitesurfing change of direction techniques.

Photo Credits

Photo 1: CORE

Photo 2: DUOTONE

Photo 3: NAISH

Photo 4: CORE

Photo 5: RRD