The bodydrag kitesurfing is learned as soon as we have controlled the use of the kite. That is why every beginner of this sport should enroll in a KITESURF course in TARIFA. The experts will teach you all the positions in which you should place your body according to the direction of the wind and the waves; let’s learn more about this.
What is bodydrag?
Bodydrag kitesurfing is one of the most important techniques of this sport. For those who want to be more than just a spectator, it is necessary that you not only know, but also practice the different bodydrag positions. In this way, to be able to do tricks, maneuvers and enjoy this discipline without taking any risk.
This exercise helps to make the power of the kite safer and more controlled. In addition, the rider learns to use the wind in their favor to reach a specific point that can be the land, the board or even move against the wind. All this is achieved if you know how to master the bodydrag.
What is bodydragging for?
The kitesurfing bodydrag technique helps the athlete to move better in the water. Through the bodydrag you can also recover the board, in case you get separated from it. So this technique is useful to solve any problem during kitesurfing.
Once you learn how to use the kite, the instructor will help you to position yourself well, and use your body to move the kite correctly and achieve a good glide in the water. That’s what this technique is all about and you should have a good control of it from the first day of the kitesurfing course.
Types of bodydrag
There are two types of bodydrag kitesurfing known as the downwind and upwind bodydrag. Both are differentiated by the movement of the athlete, which can be either upwind or downwind. In this way, the kiter will be able to move better in the water.
As for the downwind bodydrag, we are talking about the technique that allows moving downwind. With this technique, the aim is to let the wind take the direction, so that the athlete can move to a position downwind of the wind, i.e. forward.
Meanwhile, the upwind bodydrag is the one that moves upwind. With this one, you gird yourself or gain ground in the water. Of course, this type of technique is more complicated than the previous one, so it is necessary to ask for help from a trusted expert who can offer advice on how to bodydrag correctly.
How to bodydrag in kitesurfing
Before getting into the water and trying to do a kitesurfing bodydrag, it is important to have the basic knowledge of each of the techniques. Of course, the help of a professional will be important for you to control the kite well when doing these exercises.
Bodydrag downwind
The bodydrag downwind kitesurfing is the one that moves the kiter downwind. That is, this element is responsible for giving the direction and speed of movement. Here we will explain in detail how to do this technique:
- Hold the bar with both hands, separated from each other.
- Lie on your chest, while keeping the bar tightly gripped.
- The arms should be used to steer, without losing the stability of your body.
- Find the most comfortable spot for you.
- Fly the kite at a 45° angle, making smooth and small figures of eight.
- Maintain a constant force and speed.
- Increase the size of the shapes, thus accentuating the speed.
- To slow down, return the kite to 45°.
- Move fast and with power, making big turns.
Bodydrag upwind
Unlike the previous type of bodydrag kitesurfing, this technique is more difficult because it is done upwind. This technique is performed as follows:
- Position your kite at 12 o’clock, keeping the bar at a comfortable point for you.
- Point your body in the direction you want to move, and lie down on that side.
- Position the kite at 45°, allowing yourself to pull to the side and forward. Keeping a one-handed grip on your kite.
- Use your body as a keel and your arm as a rudder, to go in the direction you want.
- Always keep the bar at a comfortable point.
- While you are crawling, lean on the side of your body, keeping the bar balanced.
- Gird a little so you can reach the plank.
- Hold the bar with your hands and tense your body. It is important that your body is stiff and stretched.
- Paddle the kite at 45°, giving it enough power to move through the water.
- If you want to change position, you should reach your kite at 12 o’clock, and move smoothly to the other side.
Bodydrag with board
This technique is used to make displacement against the wind, but with a board. To do this bodydrag kitesurfing correctly, you have to follow the following steps:
Hold the handle or foot strap with one of your hands, and bring it over your chest or elbow.
Lean the board on the edge, to glide better over the water.
Locate a point on the beach that serves as a reference to orient yourself, so you don’t lose your way.
To improve any of the bodydrag kitesurfing techniques, it is important that you ask for help from a trusted professional who will give you a complete course with the basic principles of this sport. Courses can be private, semi-private or group.
I’m Sergio Turégano and I’ve been practicing kite for 10 years. Since I was little I was passionate about the sea and I started to jump into the water with boards since I can remember, I’ve tried body, surf and windsurf but kitesurfing is my passion. I was champion of the Kitesurf TT:R Open World Championship in 2017 and I have been runner-up of Spain in the Junior category. Now I dedicate my life to enjoy kitesurfing as much as I can and teach others how to practice this amazing sport in Tarifa. I love to write about it and share all my tricks, tips and secrets about the kite world.