Kiteboarding Tricks for Beginners: 10 Moves to Learn After You Can Ride

Kiteboarding gets addictive fast. Once you can ride upwind and get back to where you started, the question becomes: what next? This guide lists ten kiteboarding tricks for beginners in a sensible order of progression, with step-by-step tips for each. Learn them roughly in this order and each move will set you up for the next.

What is kiteboarding?

Kiteboarding is riding a board while being pulled by a steerable kite. It's the same sport as kitesurfing. "Kiteboarding" is the more common name in North America, "kitesurfing" in Europe. If you're brand new to it, start with our beginner’s guide to kite surfing before working on tricks.

Before you start: three skills you need

• Ride upwind in both directions. If you can't get back upwind, every trick costs you a walk back along the beach.
• Control the kite with one hand. Most tricks need a free hand for balance or a grab.
• Park the kite at 11 and 1 o'clock. Steady kite positioning is the foundation of every jump.

Pick the right conditions too: steady wind between about 15 and 20 knots, flat or small-chop water and plenty of empty space downwind. Wear a helmet and an impact vest. You will fall, and that's part of learning.

1. Riding toeside

Toeside means riding with your toes facing the kite and your back to it, using the toe edge of the board. It feels awkward at first, but it's essential for smooth transitions and opens up the rest of this list.

How to: ride heelside with moderate speed, keep the kite at about 11 or 1 o'clock, then twist your hips and shoulders toward the kite while shifting weight onto your toes. Keep your front knee bent and your hand on the bar centered.

2. Carving transition

A carving transition lets you change direction without stopping. It's the most useful move you'll learn.

How to: while riding, slowly bring the kite up toward 12 o'clock and lean back slightly to slow down. As the kite passes overhead, carve the board downwind through a wide arc, shift your weight to the new heel edge and steer the kite into the new direction. Dive it once to pick up speed.

3. Riding switch

Switch means riding with your other foot leading. Because a twin-tip is symmetrical, you're already doing it every time you change direction, but riding switch on purpose builds balance for spins and landings later.

How to: after a toeside turn, keep riding heelside in the new direction without swapping your feet. Start with short runs and gradually extend them.

4. The pop (ollie)

A pop is a small jump powered only by your board and legs, not the kite. It teaches you timing and edge control and becomes the foundation of freestyle riding.

How to: ride with good speed, edge hard upwind for a couple of meters, then release the edge while springing off your back foot, like an ollie on a skateboard. Keep the kite low and steady at 10 or 2 o'clock.

5. Your first kite jump

This is the trick most beginners dream about. Start small and build height gradually.

1. Build steady speed on a heelside edge.
2. Edge harder upwind to load up the lines.
3. Steer the kite smoothly from about 45 degrees toward 12 o'clock.
4. As the kite moves up, pop off the water by releasing your edge.
5. Keep the kite near 12 o'clock while you're in the air and keep your knees bent.
6. Before landing, steer the kite forward in your direction of travel.
7. Land with the board pointing slightly downwind and your knees soft.

The most common mistake is sending the kite too far behind 12 o'clock, which pulls you backward and down hard. Keep jumps small until your landings are consistent.

6. Board grab

Once you can jump comfortably, add a grab. It adds style and keeps your board under control in the air.

How to: jump as normal, pull your knees up toward your chest and reach down with your free hand to grab the board between your feet. Let go before landing. Bring the board to your hand, not your hand to the board.

7. Jump transition

A jump transition combines a jump with a change of direction. You take off in one direction and land riding the other way.

How to: take off as for a normal jump. At the peak, steer the kite across to the other side of the window, turn your hips and shoulders in the new direction and let the board follow. Land with the kite already pulling you in the new direction.

8. Back roll

The back roll is usually the first rotation riders learn. You rotate backward, against the direction you're riding.

How to: ride slightly upwind and take off from your edge with the kite steady at about 11 or 1 o'clock. Look over your back shoulder and let your head and shoulders lead the rotation. Keep the kite still. Spot your landing and let the board come back under you. Start by practicing the rotation without much height.

9. Front roll

In a front roll you rotate forward, in the direction you're traveling. It's a little less intuitive than the back roll because you can't see the landing as early.

How to: take off with moderate speed, look over your front shoulder and rotate with your hips and shoulders. Keep the bar close and the kite steady. As you come around, look for the water and bring the board underneath you.

10. Slide turn

A slide turn (or power slide) lets you skid the tail of the board around as you change direction, keeping your speed instead of stopping.

How to: ride with good speed, ease off your edge as you start the turn and let the tail slide across the water while you steer the kite overhead. Ride out in the new direction without losing momentum.

Common beginner mistakes

• Over-sheeting: pulling the bar in too hard while jumping, which stalls the kite. Keep the bar slightly out.
• Looking down: your body follows your eyes. Look where you want to go.
• Too much power: riding overpowered makes every trick harder and riskier. Size down or depower.
• Too little space: keep at least 50 meters of clear water and beach downwind before you try any jump.

What gear do you need for tricks?

Your normal freeride setup is perfect for every trick on this list. A slightly smaller twin-tip helps with pop and control, and a well-fitting harness makes long practice sessions more comfortable. See our kitesurfing equipment guide for sizing advice, and check the deals page if you're upgrading.