Learning to ride upwind on a kiteboard is an important step towards independent riding. It means travelling diagonally against the wind by balancing kite pull, board speed and edge. The skill develops gradually, but a few clear cues can help you understand what is holding you back.
The key cue
Keep enough speed for the board to glide, then gradually increase edge pressure while turning your body towards your upwind direction. If the board slows or sinks, ease the edge and regain a more across-wind course.
Body position for riding upwind
Your stance should help you resist the pull without folding towards the kite. Keep your hips open, torso relatively upright and shoulders aligned with your direction of travel. The harness carries much of the pull; keep your arms relaxed and use them mainly to steer the bar.
- Look: focus on where you want to travel, not your feet.
- Legs: keep one leg longer and the other relaxed to control the board, without locking your knees.
- Board: progressively press your heel edge, while keeping enough of the board on the water to maintain speed.
- Kite: aim for steady, manageable pull. The suitable height and power depend on wind, kite and rider size.
Build the skill in three stages
- Build speed. After your waterstart, first ride across the wind and find a comfortable, stable course.
- Engage the edge gradually. Press through your heels without turning the board fully into the wind. Keep enough speed to plane.
- Hold a steady course. Keep the kite pull consistent, look upwind and make small corrections instead of abrupt movements.
Common mistakes that cause downwind drift
- Edging too hard: the board slows and sinks instead of travelling upwind.
- Looking at your feet: your shoulders close and your weight becomes unbalanced.
- Stiff arms and shoulders: you react to every pull instead of steering smoothly.
- Not enough speed: pointing too high before establishing a stable edge often kills your planing speed.
- Changing everything at once: adjust one thing first and notice how it affects your course.
Choose suitable conditions
Your upwind ability also depends on equipment, wind strength and direction, water state and experience. Practise in a clear area that suits your level, check right-of-way rules and leave room to return to shore. At Sakalava Bay, accessible areas and depth vary with the tide, so ask locally before heading out.
If you keep drifting, return to kite-control or body-drag exercises appropriate for your level. A coach can help identify whether speed, edging, stance or power is the main issue. Review our guide to the kiteboard waterstart or learn about private kitesurf lessons at Sakalava.
Frequently asked questions
Why am I drifting downwind?
Common causes include edging too early and losing speed, an unbalanced stance or unsuitable kite power. Work on one adjustment at a time with an instructor and in a safe area.
Where should I position the kite to ride upwind?
There is no single angle that works for every rider and condition. Keep the kite stable and powered enough to move, without making unnecessary large steering movements.
Do I need to edge very hard to go upwind?
No. Gradual edging helps convert pull into upwind travel, but edging too hard can slow the board. Build controlled speed first, then increase edge pressure progressively.
What should I do if I cannot ride upwind?
Do not keep riding if you are moving away from a safe area. Return to shore using the techniques you were taught, recover your board as instructed and ask for help if needed.
Want to improve your upwind riding?
A coach can help identify the stance or adjustment to work on, based on your level and the conditions.
Discuss my goal