How to land your next trick?
If you're like me, a dedicated video watcher, you probably think most kite tricks look easy. Turns out, the people doing them are either incredibly talented or have put in a ridiculous number of hours. But hey, a little delusion never hurt anyone, right? Well, except maybe when you crash face-first into the water.
Some kiters are happy just doing their thing, sticking to the tricks they know and love. And guess what? That’s totally fine! But if you’re up for a challenge, I hope to inspire you to try something new—even if it’s just adding a tiny grab to your current moves. So, how do you land that next trick? A lot of trying, a lot of failing, and a lot of crashing.
Of course, there’s always that lucky person who lands a new trick on the first try. And if that’s you, congratulations—I kind of hate you.
Some tricks come easy, others... not so much
The truth is, some tricks will click after just a few tries, while others will make you question your life choices. But here’s the deal: it’s good to keep practicing the tricks you already have in your arsenal. Landing even a simple trick can boost your confidence, not to mention impress that cute person watching from the beach.
Step 1: Pick the right trick
First things first: pick a trick that builds on something you already know. If you’ve mastered a backroll, consider trying a double backroll, a backroll to toeside, or even a backroll transition. But don’t get too cocky—if you’ve just learned how to jump, maybe hold off on attempting a boogie loop right away.
Step 2: Study up
Next, decide on the trick you want to learn, and don’t just wing it! Watch tutorials. YouTube is filled with channels that break down tricks step-by-step, like Duotone Academy, Kitesurf College, or even individual experts like Steven Akkersdijk and Jake Kelsick. Trust me, it won’t take long to find a video that covers your next trick.
Step 3: Write down key points
Once you’ve found a tutorial, write down 3 to 5 key points that will help you remember the essential steps. Let’s be real: when you’re out on the water, you’re not going to remember every detail from that 10-minute video. Here’s an example for a roll tack:
Start like a normal tack.
Lift your back foot up.
Turn your back hip.
Push the nose downwind.
Keep it simple, and review these points before you hit the water.
Step 4: Visualize
Visualization is an underrated part of sports—or life, really. Studies show that imagining yourself successfully completing a task can actually help you achieve it faster. So, close your eyes, picture yourself nailing that trick, and feel free to move your body a bit while you’re at it. You’ll look a bit silly, but hey, you’re a kiter—you're used to that!
Step 5: Hit the water and try
Now it’s time to get out there! Give it three solid attempts on one side, and then mix it up—try another trick you already know or try the same trick on the other side. The idea is to keep things fresh and not burn yourself out on a single move.
If the trick feels intimidating, break it down. Practice just the takeoff, then maybe try the rotation while ditching the board, or attempt it slowly, close to the water. Whatever feels good for you—just make sure you commit!
Step 6: Get some feedback
If possible, use a GoPro or ask someone to film you. Sure, seeing yourself on video might be a bit of a reality check (you *thought* you looked cooler, right?), but it’s a fantastic way to analyze what you’re doing right and what you can improve. No camera? No worries! Ask a kite buddy or a fellow kiter to watch a few attempts and give feedback. Trust me, they’ll be happy to help—and they might just offer the tip you need to nail it.
Step 7: Celebrate your victory… and keep practicing
Eventually, you’ll land that trick! But remember, landing it once doesn’t mean you’ve mastered it. Keep practicing, and be kind to yourself on the days when it feels like you’ve forgotten everything you learned.
And that’s how you’re going to land your next trick. Keep trying, keep crashing, and most importantly—keep having fun. Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.
Now get out there and send it!
xox Berit