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The printable steps are at the bottom of this blog  Learning to sit on the foil is one of the first tricks everyone wants to learn. It's not that intimidating, it looks awesome and its really fun to try and incorporate this into transitions later on Step 1 – Practice getting low  This isn't a trick you want to just dive into. You'll want to work your way into it progressively. You can start by building muscle memory and squatting while riding. Simple bring your knees to your ch …

Foiling has changed everything. With so many applications, we find ourselves practicing a lot of crossover sports.Wakefoiling included. One of the most fun aspects of the sport is the freedom of just riding the foil be that on a wave or behind the boat. We decided it would be fun to do a tutorial on how to do this. In case you're new to foiling, we did a video on learning to foil behind the boat. You can check that our here.  If you're watching this, there is a good chance you already kno …

While not incredibly exciting, trimming your kite is important. It is imperative if you unhook, and it does help you jump better when your kite is set up correctly. Let's be honest, no one likes it when their kite isn't flying right!  Most importantly, a properly trimmed kite will prevent back stalling.  Step One: Find Some Space Find somewhere safe to park your kite, ideally over water or a large beach. You don't want any obstacles downwind of you or solid objects that you might …

The Butter Slide is hands down the easiest trick I’ll ever teach you. Just remember to come into this with good seed and power. The rest will sort its self out.  Once you learn the butter slide, try to incorporate into tricks you already know like transition or even front rolls! Step One Start Small Come in with good speed on your heel side edge, kite at 45. Ride slightly downwind lean back your your tail and put most of your weight on the back foot. At the same time, pull up with y …

If you can do a transition and jump, then you are ready for this trick! 4 Printable Steps for the Beach Step One: Start Small The smaller you go at first, the easier this trick is. It should feel similar to a regular transition except your doing it a few inches or feet off the water. This is going to help you build a good foundation to progress this trick into bigger variations that require more height and time.  Step Two: Pop Hard & Early  You will want to stomp your back f …

If you can do a backroll and you know how to pop toe-side, then you are ready for this trick!   4 Printable Steps for the Beach Step One: Pop Harder You are going to want to edge a little harder so that you can pop harder.  Fly your kite a bit higher (around 11 - 1 o'clock) for this as well. This will help offer you a little more time in the air to finish that full 180* rotation into a back roll.  Make a tight, arching, smooth, carving turn and pull in on your bar right a …

Yes, These are the rules...but you should know that not every kiter follows them or knows what they are!   If you see someone who doesn’t seem to know what they are doing, just kindly inform them of what you have learned from this video.  Safety is Key!  Don’t expect other kiters to get out of your way.  You can tell by watching their kite movement as they approach you, if they are going to give you respect or not.  If you have any questions, give us a call …

This is Blake Olson here at Smathers Beach in Key West, Florida. I'm about to teach you how to do your first starts on a kiteboard. Ben, the person behind the camera, is going to be demonstrating as he's learning. Here are five simple steps for a successful waterstart.  5 Steps to a Waterstart  1) Fly the Kite with One Hand  The first thing you need to do is to practice flying the kite with one hand while holding the board in your other hand. Be sure to grab the bar in the middl …

This week we thought it would be fun to teach you something a little unconventional. While it's not your typical trick tip, giving a piggyback ride with your kite can be pretty fun!  This is a great way to share the stoke with anyone! If you have any questions, give us a call 800.622.4655  Printable Steps for the Beach   Step 1 Be Comfortable You're going to get close!  Be confident and comfortable in your skill level before taking anyone out with you.  Make sure yo …

Breakdown for two really fun pop grabs that every kiteboarder needs to know: The Mute Grab and the Nose Grab. These are simple grabs that are easily improved and tweaked out as you progress. If you have any questions, give us a call 800 622 4655 We're going to keep these short and sweet. Use these steps to visualize the trick in your mind. If you can see it, you can do it! Printable Steps for the Beach Tips for getting started: Use your thumb for more control on the bar when riding one hande …

Learning to Foil Behind the Boat What's the easiest way to learn how to hydrofoil? Starting behind a boat! Learning behind the boat allows you to fully focus on the foiling itself, rather than worrying about the kite. It's essentially the trainer kite for foiling. This controlled environment allows you to understand how foils operate based on small adjustments.  Before You Hit the Water You can foil behind a multitude of different watercraft, from a wakeboard boat to a jetski to a po …

Excellent flatwater trick to start expanding out of your comfort zone all while incorporating other more basic trick skills   We're going to keep these short and sweet. Use these steps to visualize the trick in your mind. If you can see it, you can do it!  Printable Steps for the Beach Step 1 Ride Powered. Have a sufficient amount of power to ride while not being overpowered (which will end up pulling you off of your edge if you are). This also works best in flat/slick water, a …

Living in Key West Florida has it’s perks. You know, perks like kiteboarding off  of a friends boat in shallow blue water. In Episode four Blake gives you five simple tips for learning how to pop to blind. Believe it or not, riding blind is a simple progression you can learn once you are adept at riding toe side in both directions. It’s a cornerstone to spice up the landing in literally any trick you can imagine. Best of all you can learn to do it hooked in or unhooked! We're …

Hey Guys, Blake here!  This week, were going to cover one of the first tricks you can learn in kiteboarding and one that you can use to add style to your transitions. The Toeside Transition with a pop to toeside, a smooth carve and a downloop. The aim of this progression is to add some serious style and energy to your transitions so pay attention, print of the written steps found at the bottom of this blog and practice!  When to Start Riding Toeside Once you're riding up …

Today we are going to be learning a really fun, scary and feel good trick. This trick takes it to the next level in kiteboarding, and whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced rider this is a trick you should learn someday. The feeling of going up and then flying horizontally through the air is something you can’t do in any other board sport. It gives you a pure and ultimate adrenaline rush and it’s what pushes the limits in our sport of kiteboarding. I’m sure you& …