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In this episode we're going to be talking about what kiteboarding is, how you can get started, and how learning to kiteboard will impact your life and your travels.  What is kiteboarding  Kiting brings together a lot of different sports. From board sports, to watersports, to knowledge of wind. So if you're a snowboarder, a wakeboarder, a sailer, a para sailer, a surfer or even a skateboarder, you absolutely have what it takes to become a kite boarder. Even if you are none of those th …

Hey folks! In the latest installment of MACkite’s Ride With Blake series, Blake Olsen chats about how to ride upwind - a critical skill in the learning process of kiteboarding for beginners. Blake: Today’s lesson is on how to ride upwind. Once you get your first start, you end up going back and forth on the beach and you end up walking back up the beach, and that’s all part of the learning process. Everyone’s got to do it, so don’t worry about the walk of shame - w …

The Back roll hand drag is possibly the most stylish way to transition The last week in Key west has been epic. Exploring the islands with my kite, paddle boarding the mangroves and snorkeling the reef. The abundance of wildlife in the ocean never ceases to amaze me! For this week's blog I thought I would share five steps to nailing your first back roll hand drag transition. This is one of the most stylish ways you can transition with your kite. Like most kiteboarding tricks, th …

The inverted front roll is a slightly more advanced variation of the front roll.  The last few days in key West haven’t been that windy. In truth, it’s a much-needed break! I thought I would take a bike ride down to the White Street Pier and break down my favorite trick for you. The inverted front roll! One of the most fun aspects of our sport is taking these basic tricks and adding your own personal style to them.  This is an intermediate level trick, that said if you ca …

So, you've taken a kiteboarding lesson or two and you're ready to try your first water start. That's awesome! Welcome to a new reality, my friend! I have five great tips for you to remember when you're first starting out.  Tip One Learn to fly the kite in one hand. Kiteboarding is 80% flying the kite, so it's a no-brainer you should have some serious kite time under your belt. I recommend finding a clear area and just hanging out with a friend. Remember to keep your hand on the middle of …

Bit by the bug... I was bitten by the kiteboarding bug on a visit to Tarifa. I returned from Europe and decided to save up for my first kite. It took me all summer, but I managed to snag a 2009 Cabrinha Switchblade from MacKite when it went on sale at the end of the season. Even though everyone recommended buying a trainer kite, I didn't have any extra money to spend and thought it was something I had already outgrown. If I had only known back then what I know now!  The year of the trainer …

 Traveling, Kiting, and Working Around The World It sounds too good to be true, an unattainable adventure. Traveling full time, working remotely, and kiteboarding as much as you want?! How is that even possible? Relax… it is. My name is Crystal Veness, and I’m living the dream. I’ve been traveling full time for more than two years, with no home base and nothing but a kite bag, a carry-on suitcase, and a backpack in tow. This journey has spanned 5 continents, 19 countries …

MACkite's newest team rider Crystal Veness takes to the cable park to show you kiters what you're really missing out on - getting to score a session without the wind and setup necessary when you're kiting and the ability to practice your tricks in an easy, adaptable environment.  Check out Crystal and the gang taking the park by storm and getting taught a few pointers by the locals. Side note: ALWAYS wear your helmet at the cable park. Safety first, kids - you only get like six free conc …

Front Roll How-To: North Kiteboarding Academy The front roll is going to be your go-to, a base for more advanced tricks. On it's own, the front roll is fun and you can make it as varied as you'd like (with practice, of course). North Kiteboarding Academy has just released their how-to on the front roll, and it's incredibly simple. Front Roll Basics Place your hands at the center of the bar to avoid mis-steering. With your kite at 11 or 1-o'clock, initiate a short, aggressive carve and pop of …

Benefits of Adding A Surf-Specific Harness to Your Quiver Up until this last week, I was a firm believer that one harness was sufficient for any and all conditions. Having homed in on the Apex Select, that was my do-all harness. Leisurely cruise? Apex Select. Freestyle session? Apex Select. Slashing it up it the waves? Apex Select, although a little looser so it could rotate around my body. Hardcore wakestyle sesh? In my dreams I’m wearing the Apex Select.  But then came last wee …

I should lead into this one stating I am not a fitness professional. Just an enthusiastic kiteboarder and fitness buff. Always consult your doctor before beginning any fitness routine. It’s a common question asked by new and seasoned kiters alike. Am I in good enough shape to kiteboard? And the most common answer is a resounding yes! Kiteboarding is accessible to people of all ages and most fitness levels. I’ve known people in their 80’s practicing the sport. Now that …

How to Back-Roll Hand Drag (From Alby Rondina) Alby Rondina, from his YouTube Channel "Pro Kite Alby Rondina" has given the low-down on how to back-roll hand drag. This easy, yet fun move proves that old school can still be new school.  Rondina gives his seven steps on how to better back-roll hand drag (described below): 1. Know your best conditions - flat water (and using a larger kite) is better! 2. Know the back-roll transition (with and without the loop) before beginning your hand dr …

Memoirs of a Kiteboarder Yesterday morning, I had the chance to take my 2nd ever kiteboarding lesson. As a new member of MACkite’s team, I felt it would be a crime to not at least attempt the adrenaline-pumping, whirlwind sport. I’ve had my go at board sports over the years: wakeboarding, surfing, snowboarding, but I had never before challenged the beast of kiteboarding. After being securely hooked into my Dakine Chameleon harness. I could see the appeal. My eyes glazed over the …

Often times it's very easy to get set in your ways. You have a favorite restaurant, maybe a favorite musical genre. If you're really bad like me, you even have a favorite parking spot at all of your regular stops. Now imagine if you only ate Mexican and never experienced pizza in all its glory? Oh the horror!!!! Okay, all bad jokes aside, let me get to the point. In kiteboarding, like many sports, we often find a piece of equipment that we like and just stick with it, riding it out fo …

Check out this video from Progression.me for light-wind kiteboarding tips.