BOARD HANDLE - How to put the board on the feet the right way

In this video, I'm sharing with you how to put the board on the feet using a no-handle kitesurfing technique. This is a much easier and faster way to put the board on the feet, and eliminates the need for the handle.
If you're new to kitesurfing and don't know how to put the board on the feet using a handle, watch this video and you'll be kitesurfing like a pro in no time! And don't forget to check out our other videos!
Thanks for watching!
The board handle was not intended for beginners to use and has been commonly misused by schools and beginners as a way to help put your feet in the board.
Kite students come in all sizes and shapes, but the process should remain the same in pedagogical terms independently of that. However, most students are not flexible enough to reach their feet while seating down. That is made even more complicated by putting a kite in their hands, equipping them with a life vest, and worst of all, a seat harness that restricts their movements.
Find out more at kookproof.com/how-tos/kitesur...
00:00 introduction
00:17 Other boards don’t have a handle
00:32 what was the board handle designed for
01:35 Same for all people
02:22 How should we do it??
03:04 full steps
04:40 make it easy
05:51 thanks
Good Vibes by MBB / mbbofficial
Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)
creativecommons.org/licenses/b...
Music promoted by Audio Library • Good Vibes - MBB (No C...
Outro Template made by Grabster - / grabstertv

[@GeckoCkCkCk]

Finally! The board handle held me back. When I was learning I tied a knotted rope to my handle because I wasn't flexible enough to reach it, and I did squats to improve flexibility. Holding the back foot strap I can thrust the board out in front of me and put the front foot in on an almost extended leg. Then push the the back of the board out and put a foot on it and in the foot strap. These are the same movements for getting up on a strapless board, holding on to the tail, front foot, then back foot. Abandoning the handle was a big progressive leap for me.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Great to hear your feedback. It's precisely why this is the best way to do it.

[@tanjameyer-treschan2620]

I am a beginner and was struggling with putting on the Board in desperate water or Waves. thus I searched for tips and found your Video. I saw the Video yesterday and had the Opportunity to try your Technique today. It worked so well, it really made my day! Trank you so much for Sharing this. Best regards, Tanja

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Glad I could help! Stoked that it made a diference

[@jimtalbot8466]

I wish you had this video a couple years ago! I fought with putting the board on while using the handle until I finally got frustrated and tried your method with success. I had to figure it out on my own though....thanks for the video!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Thanks for the feedback. I hope it helps more people to progress further and faster. Have you tried it in waves also? How long have you been kiting?

[@jimtalbot8466]

@@KookProofActivityCenter I've been trying to figure this out for about a year and a half. I have taken lessons with 4 schools now and I have finally found one that understands how to teach a 54 year old, not in great shape old guy. My first 3 sets of lessons were a waste of time and money. My goto guy now is in Frisco North Carolina ( Cape Hatteras Kiteboarding) I had greater progress with him in a couple of days than with the 3 others combined. I am headed back there for a couple of weeks this May and hopefully I can pull off the elusive "first rides"...

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Jim Talbot great to hear you found good instruction. I plan to address on some videos a few tips to find good instruction. I’m glad you are still stoked to Kiteboard. If you ever come to portugal it will be a pleasure to help you around. Age is for sure not a problem. It all comes down to make simple and easy steps that take you further.

[@mohamedsamir85]

@@KookProofActivityCenter hello sir iam dr mohamed samir from egypt . new in kite surfing iam having a hard time to learn kite surfing because i didnt have proper instrctor (didnt complete my corse he took the money and disappeared) and unfortunately i bought new gear that depleted all my budget . my gear is airush lithium progression 14 m seat harness bar board my weight is 140 kg 187 cm tall with back injury (herniated disc) and i insist to learn kite surfing. so pllllz do more tutorials. u dont know how much u r useful to me to learn kite surfing. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾 greetings from Egypt

[@Jollyroger4973]

That's pure gold. Thanks a lot! Using the board handle (and being not-so-flexible) was givin' me a hard time, during the kite course, and we (the instructor and I) spent too much time tryin' to find a way to just put the board on the feet. Thanks again!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Glad I could help. It was something a lot of my students struggled they got too tired before they could put the board on their feet, and so the waterstart was a problem because they didn’t have enough strength. Since I stopped using the handle, it has been a game changer.

[@bricecarpentier5817]

Can't agree more! I've been telling people this for ages, thanks Tiago!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Brice Carpentier thanks for the comment Brice.

[@erangoldstar81]

Thanks for the great tip! It changed my kiteboarding life :) after years of struggling with the handle...

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Glad it can help you out.

[@Kai-ze2rb]

great video, did this intuitively although my teacher constantly screamed - USE THE HANDLE :) Just ignored him on that point though...

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Kai cool. Glad it’s working out.

[@mishaz6030]

great advice, thanks!

[@Grandad-Gaming-Hub]

I'm a newbie and this makes so much more sense than trying to use the handle. I'm off to try it out 🤙🤙

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Let me know how it worked out.

[@TravellingLighter]

Thank you!! This is what I was missing all this time!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Happy to help!

[@matcolucic213]

Thanks for video,i wish I knew this before,was using handle constantly

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

If you are flexible enough, it can work too. A lot of people do use it. But it was never put there to be used for that reason and is not helping for putting the board on the feet.

[@SuperSkinable]

Thx man!! Really stupid instructors teached we backwards to take kite at 12, and only handle..ughhh. So easy now

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Glad I could help.

[@peterrowntree8]

I really like your tuition techniques. They are VERY practical and simple. I've always been using my handle...I'm going to try your technique, makes sense. Many thanks.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Thanks for the feedback. Much appreciated

[@iischia]

Super useful and looks really the best way!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Thanks. Hope it's useful and helps people find more comfort and manage to kite easily.

[@georgekuznetsov5458]

You are very good at explaning technics. Thanks!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Thanks a lot George. Glad to have you on the channel.

[@alexandrebinard5238]

this video make so many sens !!!! thanks a lot for this !!!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@leecambsuk2871]

found grabbing a foot strap far easier than trying to use the handle although quite happy to leave the kite parked at 12 while doing this. an additional tip i got from an instructor was to point your toes out once feet are in the straps to help lock your feet in.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

That helps to keep the foot locked in. It's more comfortable with the kite at 11, but 12 can Work too.

[@steveraine38]

I'll give this a try as I'm really inflexible too. Thanks

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

I have the same problem. Flexibility has gone

[@oliverolea9766]

you're an awesome teacher. I struggle with the water start and get twisted a lot, and this drains a lot of energy. So I will try this next time.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Hope it's helpful and that you manage it. Check also our water start video specially the start 3 as it is the next step.

[@higgybabes]

Brilliant! I'd been wondering why I was struggling. Those 2 tips about the kite position and not using the board handle are invaluable.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Glad it was helpfull.

[@M9Diry]

Why does every teacher I’ve had ( about 4 ) tell to use the handle ? They’ve all done the kitesurf training certificate: this technique needs to be taught to them in that course. Thanks god for KZbin and people like you

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

This is a recent technique. So maybe they haven’t realised it

[@bolt2008]

Great advice. Thanks from Brazil. Cumbuco - CE.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Glad you like it. All the best for you guys.

[@szymon.onl11]

Thank you!!

[@trevhadley2690]

Sounds good, this is something that I have been struggling with.. both kite at 12 and using the handle.. can't wait to try it out.. now praying for wind in Scotland

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Hope it helps you out. Let me know how it was.

[@giuliaponzio7206]

Great video and absolutely a topic that many schools do not cover

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for the feedback.

[@NewkitezoneIt]

As explained of Facebook too, the idea to use board handle in not experienced instructors too can drive in teaching troubles. This is my idea too since 10+years ago. Well done!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Thanks for your comment.

[@mohamedsamir85]

wts his fb acount name ?

[@mohamedsamir85]

name of his page plz?

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Mohamed Samir you can find our page in kookproof.com/camps-portugal/kitesurf-camp-portugal/

[@AdviseMyStyle]

Maaaaannnn!!! 🙌 You turned my nightmare into pleasure! I have “angled” hips and am waaayyy from flexible, so I just couldn’t do it. Tried your trick yesterday and it works like a charm. Thank you very much! 🤙

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

We are stoked to be part of your progression in some way. Keep on progressing.

[@antontselykovskiy7993]

Great video, thanks

[@alfredbraun9416]

thank you for the good idea ! I'll do it as you said 👍👍👍

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

That's awesome to hear! I'm glad I could help. Let me know how it goes!

[@JamesLamb]

Glad to see this! I spent my last 3-4 trips to the beach just body-dragging with the board, and a few times flying through the air when I try to switch direction and head back towards shore. While I'm messing around with the board in the water; concentrating on the board and switching hands, I lose control of the kite. I've also sprained my wrist trying to hang onto the board while the kite pulls me unexpectedly and the board catches in the water. All this flogging has made me nervous about having the board downwind and potentially having the kite drag me unexpectedly into the board. But this method is an easier transition from body-dragging with the board; the board staying fairly in the same position but angled downwind, so if there's an unexpected pull on the kite, the board will flow that direction rather than being perpendicular and catching in the water with your body flying over it; potentially snagging your harness or banging your knees.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Glad it helps. The reason this is better is exactly what you mention. The board is in the bodydrag position and so it's a natural progression as you continue to do the same. As you mention the board is not in front of you and your pull is constant and not changing making it a lot easier to put the board on the feet.

[@GijsvandeBruinhorst]

Awesome Mate!! Greetings from Amsterdam

[@ArinGhend]

THANK YOU TIAGO! Waterstarts got me so flustered when I couldn't even get my friggin feet into the loops, definitely trying this next time :O

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Glad it can help. I found this to be the thing that got people more frustrated and made them give up on kiting. And with this technique, it was so much easier they kept charging.

[@ArinGhend]

@@KookProofActivityCenter if I can’t hack it Myself, I might have to drop by 😂

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

It will be a pleasure even if you hack it.

[@barrymonteiro8893]

I had a frustrating lesson last summer and it had everything to do with this step of getting the board on my feet. I'm over 60 years old but have been active most of my life. Flexibility has never been a strong trait of mine. In a previous lesson (my first lesson) I managed to get up and ride although out of control. On this occasion, the conditions were very different. The wind was gusting up to 27 knots and was very inconsistent. The instructor had me learning on a 10m kite. The kite was so squirrelly I could hardly keep from sending it. I actually did a loop with it just trying to get the board on my feet. The only time I did manage to attempt a start, I overpowered the dive so much it launched me and strained my back. The instructor attempted to demonstrate how you could just thrust your heels up onto the board, and then wiggle your feet into the straps, but after being catapulted and fighting a kite I could barely control, I called it a day. During my first lesson I was using a 14m kite and it was very stable. The wind conditions were better too. Im hoping to get another round of lessons next month and will try your method. Holding the handle definitely doesn't work for me! Thank you for your videos! They are very helpful.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Thanks for your feedback. I hope it helps you to progress and you get going. All the best.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

It was by observing people that are less flexible that I started teaching it this way. I’m not as flexible as I used to be. And I realised all the equipment student have restrain mobility a bit.

[@Chris_PerthWA]

Great to share with friends who are new to kiteboarding

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Chris Hoath please do. It’s why I started making these videos.

[@hannes6116]

Thanks a cool tip!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Glad you liked the tip, now you can chase your dreams even better!

[@M9Diry]

I just had my third lesson today and finally it was time to get the board on. I do NOT expect this to be the step of struggle the most with. We were instructed to use the handle and I just found it so tricky just to hold the board in position and then to bend my legs enough to get a foot in the strap I’d feel like I’m suffocating. I spent most of the lesson trying and failing to do this. Once I got it on, I was able to standup and go for a few seconds relatively well

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Try this technique. I’m sure it will help you out.

[@1amJP]

YES - this makes so much sense🤩. I am pretty flexible but regardless, have the added support as a result of using the elbow on the board and keeping the kite between 10-11 / 13-14 is a game changer. MUCH easier! Such useful content and the production quality of the videos is not too shabby either! It's particularly trick with educational/water sports content! 👏🏼 Look forward to passing by and saying thank you in person next time I am in Portugal guys! Just subscribed - Christmas came very early this year🎅🏽🎁 Muito obgrigado Tiago e parabéns ao resto da equipe!!!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Thanks for the feedback. Looking forward to receiving you here. Check out also our Portuguese channel.

[@gabbianonero1dippolito43]

Bravo Tiago!!!👍👌👏👏👏🤙

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Obrigado

[@robinwozniak1051]

Thanks worked for me!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Glad it helped

[@TheCooGuR]

I will try this as I learned to water start using the board handle at 12 zenith .. thanks for sharing your knowledge & experience 😁

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Hope you find it helpful. Cheers

[@gustavosessa4375]

Great video! Will definitely try it!!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Let me know how ti went

[@gustavosessa4375]

@@KookProofActivityCenter pode deixar!! Aviso sim!

[@gustavosessa4375]

I tried. Using the straps are actually easier. Good tip!!

[@Vlapstone]

Great tips man!!!! Last weekend I've taken some lessons on water start and that was my frustration!!!!! I can surf and the like but could not manage to put the board on my feet easily!!! It was so frustrating that I could not get on the board! I'll try that out tomorrow and I'm sure I'll succeed this time!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Glad I could help. Let me know how it went

[@Vlapstone]

@@KookProofActivityCenter I certainly will... Cheers!!!

[@cjpui]

Very helpful video. I broke my board handle the first time I used it. It was a used board. I learned it's easier to use the strap than the handle.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Thanks for the comment

[@vinny61389]

A little late to this party. Tried this method yesterday, and damn it is pretty intuitive. Had great success to my surprise. I still find the handle helpful but that is probably just because I'm new and how I was taught. Thanks for the tip!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Glad you liked it.

[@RobinDaelman]

I love this tip! Thank you! Do yo have more videos on this topic? Br

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Yes i have one that is related with it. Check the one for waterstart.

[@BisdremisKostas]

Board handle: 1.Helps me carry my board balanced especially on strong winds 2. Helps me bodydrag with my board on hand faster more efficient 3 .Helps anyone who wants to recover my board on water while kiting ,since it doesn't woble around. 4 helps on old school tricks I use it since 2008 , I love it

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

1 it doesn’t balance the board at all; otherwise, all other board would have it. I also have a video showing that it’s not true that it helps to carry. 2. Not needed but it can help some people 3 a lot easier without the handle. I also have a video with it. 4 completely agree. It was put on the board in 2004-2005 for the board off tricks. But most common newbie thinks it’s to help put it on the feet. I have one for airstyle tricks.

[@NgeLuis]

Já vou um pouco tarde, mas concordo a 100% contigo ! I agree 100% with you !!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Obrigado

[@davidflusin5705]

100% agreed. Could you do a video on how to recover another kiter's kite and bring it back to the beach like you show in your intro?

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/a323noNnf62MhNU here it is

[@maikelsmit8261]

This way works best in flat water. In waves it's much easier with a handle. I don't fully agree with the kite position, most students are focussed way to much on the board and pull their hand on the bar way to much. Which in you case pulls the kite to the opposite site of the wind window or maybe pulling the kite in a loop. It's all about short instructions and focus on more then one spot. But that's my experience after 8 years of teaching kiteboarding. Nice and clear video men!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Many thanks for your reply, it means a lot to us. Thanks also for the compliment. I've been teaching since 2004 when I first did my IKO training. Before I showed some friends as there weren't as many schools. I traveled and taught in a lot of different conditions, and I had a school in Cape Verde for four years. It was actually in Cape Verde that we started to use this technique. In Cape Verde we where teaching in Kite beach and the wind is Side onshore almost onshore and has a lot of shore break. So we have to do a lot of body drag to get out of the shore break. But by the time the student managed to get the board on his feet using the handle he was back in the pounding waves. On the kite position, if you think about it, on the 12, any small pull will make you unbalanced as it will pull you in that direction and also by bending to reach the board the student might pull the bar harder. If the kite is at 10-11 (or 1-2), it still has to travel to 1-2 (or 10-11) to unbalance you, and before it reaches there, the student feels it. On 10-11 (or 1-2) the student has only to rest his hand on the bar to get the kite to stay around that side. It can still move the kite more than keeping it in 12. Try it out next time and let me know what problems you faced. If you can film, it would be great. Next February I'll be in Cape Verde and ill film this one on waves again.

[@flaviosanguigni8783]

Completely agree...I learned in the difficult way....but like this is so easy and fast especially when you lose the board far away from the safe point..

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Thanks for the feedback

[@almirmisimovic956]

Great video 👏

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Thanks

[@user-zn8sn2wr5p]

It makes sense ☺️. Hopefully I'm flexible enough person but it looks like more under control and I'd like to try it ☺️

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

let me know how it went

[@rolandbijl332]

I look at your video and are going to follow your advise. This because I am not flexible enough to grap the handel and make a waterstart.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Great. Let us know how it went and if you have any questions. Would love to get your experience on this.

[@Chris_PerthWA]

Excellent channel

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Thanks a lot for the feedback

[@ABESuperKiteDay]

If I see a student struggle to put a board on I give them 3 options. 1. Use your hand to put the board on. Like in this video. Or 2. Body balance then body drag into the board. This really helps some people that cant do 1. And finally 3. Jump onto the board. Never fails to get a laugh. Gives them inspiration too. Love these tutorials dude. Added to Top Tutorial playlist.😎👍

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

I didn't understand the 2nd option very well but loved the 3rd option. Thanks a lot for your feedback. Loved it.

[@ABESuperKiteDay]

Body balance is what I call taking your feet off the ground and pointing them downwind. Mastering this first is important before putting the board infront of you. It helps students stop rotating before the board start too. Once good at this then you can put the board infront of you a few meters then slowly drift into the board. This helps for students with short arms that cant reach a board and control the kite at the same time.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

@@ABESuperKiteDay Interesting tip. I'm redoing this video, and I'll add this tip on it if it's ok with you.

[@JamesLamb]

Now that I'm getting better at getting my feet in the straps and handling the board, I find I'm kind of doing a mix between letting the kite pull me and the board into the right position - like in your video - or the more traditional way of putting the kite at noon where everything is a bit more still. How choppy the water is makes a big difference. But definitely trying to use the board handle is more hassle than help! Seems the only time the handle is more useful is carrying the board on the beach.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Hi James, In choppy conditions the best is to do it a little bit higher but not 12. Even to carry the board the handle is not helpful, check out this other video about this topic kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ_TmZJpncaEqNk sorry for the audio it's one of the first videos. I'm going to remake these videos again as now i have better equipment to get them.

[@paulbrimstone1587]

Great advice. Though there is another method. Attach a windsurf harness loop to the handle. Then, no need to be flexible, it's easy to pull the board onto to your feet, and get the feet properly in the straps. I hope to adopt your method with more experience.

[@M9Diry]

Interesting ... I shall try this

[@DGUENOT]

Thank you for this video Board Handle I feel I need the board handle when the launch is wavy and deep. I pull the handle to push my feet in the bindings. It is compounded now that I am back in a cold country with full wetsuit including booties. Wetsuit that does not help my flexibility... I was thinking to have a higher handle height 6" from the board rather than 3" standard. Note that I learned with the kite in the water while I get my feet in the bindings. What do you think? Additionaly I think I lose too often the board and I am not sure how I should resolve that. Level wise, I ride, I turn with or without my butt in the water, I go upwind if I pay attention ...and I am a grand father . Thanks for your help

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Making the handle bigger can result in injury as you can get hurt by getting stuck in it. Try this technique and you will realize your feet go in the strap easy as the board is pushed in.

[@georgewarner4960]

I like what you say about putting in the foot furthest from you. I like to hold the near strap, put the foot in the far strap, and then push away and put the near foot on top of the board. Do not try to get it into the strap immediately, just put it on top of the board. Stabilize yourself and the kite for a few seconds.... and then put the foot into the strap. Dive the kite a little to help ram your feet into tight straps. Get stable again.... and then try the water start. If you rush the steps it is probably not going to work. good luck

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

George Warner yes it’s the same process with intermediate steps. The principle is the same. You are using the pull of the kite at the edge of the wind window to push the board against you. Glad you liked the video. Thanks for the feedback.

[@foadysfah]

Thanks for the tips! I always found it hard with the kite @12 so I'll try with kite at 11-1 and see how it goes. (I don't have a problem putting the board on, but I'm still struggling with the waterstarts). Also, what's the name for the trick @ 0:41 ? It looks awesome

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

I'm soon going to be putting the video for the water start with a very different way to do it. The trick you mention is the very old deadman. You invert yourself and let go of everything. Remember that before the kites didn't depower much. Now when you do it, you fall much faster. That is what the stopper in the central line was for, but it has been disappearing from the kites

[@foadysfah]

@@KookProofActivityCenter Thank you very much! I subscribed for that water start video, and looked up some deadman videos as well :) Keep these great videos coming!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Thanks for the support. The water start video is coming soon. 3 more body drag ones to be released, and the water start is the next one. I'm working on it now.

[@jimmyjames1411]

Hey i Saw this video a while back but it came up on my feed. I removed my board handle a month ago and it is not missed. I found that handles were too hard to grab onto while crouched. I found it much easier to just put foot in first, grab tail and slide other foot in. The handle was just silly

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

That was exactly what i found a few years ago, and that made me change the teaching process and think back to why they were put on the board in the first place. I also saw that this difficulty made people get exhausted and lose interest in the sport due to not being able to progress faster. They basically lost all energy trying to put the board on the feat instead of practicing riding.

[@ZPR2010]

I hope this can change my life on water... being a student I literally feel it will be impossible for me to handle the board by the handle and put my feet on straps, like my teacher keeps telling me to do... solution on classes has been letting him support the board for me. I’m not flexible at all... I’m so happy I’ve found a solution. Tks so much! Let’s see if I can make him teach me this way going forward... 🙏

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Try it and let me know. Otherwise you will have to have him help you all the time you want to go kitesurfing!😜

[@jeffreymachtig7750]

So this works well even with shore break or are you saying drag past break and then use your technique? I agree, sometimes getting the board on is tricky and strenuous and should be one of the easiest tasks. I look forward to trying this.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

For sure pass the shore break. You want a calm place to do this not the middle of the waves breaking. We had our school in Cape Verde for 4 years, and there we teach with shore break conditions and side onshore wind. So going past the shore break doing a body drag with the board in front of you is necessary before attempting this.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Please let me know how it went after you tried it.

[@keendnb]

I've been out 5 times now 3 were lessons. Where I sail the skills required are dealing with waves and shore break while keeping the kite in place and the board under control. I just get my back foot in anyway I can then wiggle the front foot in. I've managed to water start and sail away so far. The handle has uses but for me is not to get on the board.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Yes, the handle is perfect if you are doing board-off tricks, and some tricks are using the handle. To put it on the feet it's not needed as there are better ways.

[@Maxsnail]

I m agree

[@CaKiteboarding]

hello, good video, where is it taken? what beach, country? Beautiful

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Hi. This is filmed in Esposende in Portugal. Check out more here kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4WTepilg7N5Y7c

[@JamesLamb]

Watched your video again - key points I wasn't doing 1) use elbow to angle board in water; 2) two points pushing against board - hand an foot until second foot is in.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Yep those are important ones to help you out. Hope it’s working out now.

[@KiteBud]

Hi Tiago, I agree that a board handle isn't that useful for putting the board in the feet prior to water-start for the reasons you pointed out in the video, mainly that most student's aren't flexible enough to even reach the handle especially when wearing a life jacket. However, you don't mention anything about using the handle to carry the board in and out of the water, while walking on the beach or while body dragging with the board. Yes all of this can be done without a handle but it makes it that much easier with a handle especially when using larger and wide boards like the ones in your video. Even in your own video, we can see you using the board handle to enter the water with your board. You can teach students not to use the handle when putting their feet in the board prior to water starts, that's great. But I don't see the disadvantage of actually having a handle on the board in the first place. If you have a board handle: use it when you want and don't use it when you don't want it, simple.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Kite Bud I did use it because when on the board it’s right in the path of the place I want to hold. I’m putting another video covering the carrying of the Board as I believe that even for carrying the handle is not good. It is only one point of contact, and the wind unbalances it a lot more than having it under your arm holding on the rail and using the wind as a counter push.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Sorry for the audio, here is a video about transporting the board. Hope it makes my point of view clearer. As I said on several occasions. If you like using the handle use it. But consider other option and take your decision from your findings. kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZ_TmZJpncaEqNk

[@jimmyjames1411]

I’ll try to keep it at 1030-11 from now on. But what do you do if having kite at 10 pulls you off track as you walk? I have to keep the kite on water when I walk.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Jimmy JAMES not sure I understand your question. Do you mean how to carry the board with the kite while keeping it at 10-10:30? Not sure what you mean with off track? Can you rephrase the question?

[@1Dubroller]

I think hes saying when hes over powered walking with the kite at 10. I would suggest to put the bar in when the winds are not alot. When you get a gust. let the bar out to lose the pull. The kite will not race to the front of the window which gives you less pull. And can walk ezer in to the water. Play with the bar. Pull in and let out on gusts.

[@RyanPhallen]

I'm too fat to use a board handle to get it on my feet anyway 😂

[@jakke1975]

There are so many bad teachers out there, it's really sad. Everyone always says "Don't learn kiteboarding from youtube, take some lessons", but when you do get lessons, you hear all the things that are wrong and make it difficult for beginners to get a grip on things. Use the handle, keep your kite "safe" at 12, blah blah blah.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Lessons are essential as they facilitate someone with experience and the right gear for the conditions most of the time. But there is always space for learning, and youtube can be a good source. Always be critical. I don't assume i know it all, and I'll update if i see a good point. I used to teach using the handle as i saw it that way and followed everybody. But since it didn't work out correctly, i searched other options. I saw it first in an instructor course as it was the approach the candidate did, and even if it wasn't exactly like this, it got me thinking, and it's how i managed to evolve. I went to the physic part of it and tried it again and again and found out it was much better producing far better results. The problem is people often keep using the thing they learn, and they do not want to evolve. For me, the kite is always changing, so all can be challenged and improved. The things i found different are the ones I'm trying to pass also to the ex-students that i taught differently in the past. It's a great way to update content.

[@jakke1975]

@@KookProofActivityCenter 👍🏾 Yeah, lessons are a must and I like listening to different teachers... but there are a good few that aren't worth the money they ask. It's not because you're a good kiteboarder that you can also teach. I try to watch and listen to as many people as possible, there's always something to learn, even if you think you master a skillset.

[@kijetikimavi]

How do u do this in water u cannot stand... After a fall ?

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Y KHAN, your body drag back to the board, and you do the same thing. This is to be done in deep water

[@kijetikimavi]

@@KookProofActivityCenter Thank you... Great instruction...

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Thanks. Glad you like it.

[@djmax01]

This will be helpful since my board doesn't have a handle anymore

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

You don’t need it. Have fun

[@jimmyjames1411]

I use it for body dragging

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Jimmy JAMES 👍

[@janski30]

Im a newby. Now that you've told me this the wind won't blow for 6 weeks !!!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

It’s the eternal kiters' dilemma.

[@likesyngates]

Good advice not to keep the kite in zenith all the time while not kiting. Thanks!

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

If you do have it at the zenith, you are not kiting for sure.😉

[@kevingirard448]

I like the premise of this, although I am very adept at using the handle and never really had any trouble with that method. The one suggestion I would have is to maybe shorten the video. I feel it was a bit repetitive. More of the full screen shots of the technique. Just trying to help your videos improve.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Kevin Girard thanks a lot for the video input. It was the first one, and I feel the same thing you mentioned. The next one will be different.

[@alexandersavin1538]

I'll try to take board without kite first, by your method and than take a kite

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

OK, let me know how it was

[@badgbYouTube]

I wish I could reach the handle when starting off! Can't remember being able to even when I was much younger. Please have a handle on it if you want me to rescue it. I can rescue surfboards, but no handle just makes it a PITA.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

If you struggle with the rescue of the board if it doesn't have a handle check this link and let me know if it helps you. kookproof.com/how-tos/how-to-rescue-a-kiteboard/

[@badgbYouTube]

@@KookProofActivityCenter I've kited since 2004, I've rescued maybe a 50 - 100 boards. The ones without a handle are a PITA. Didn't say I couldn't.

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Kevan Berresford what does PITA means? Since I'm Portuguese, that says something very different from what you probably expect. For me, it's harder to use the handle as I don't use the handle for anything except board off moves. Grabbing in the rail is the same no matter what board you get and for me its a lot easier that having an unbalanced board.

[@badgbYouTube]

@@KookProofActivityCenter bfy.tw/MVs6

[@barrymonteiro8893]

@@KookProofActivityCenter I think PITA is an abbreviation for "Pain In The Ass"? Where are you in Portugal? I visited there years ago before I started kiting.

[@mohamedsamir85]

sir u dont know how that vid was useful to me . iam stuck at the water start stage and when iam having a hard time to put my feet into the foot straps. and when i put 1 feet inside 1 strap my body rotate .....its a hard time and hard statge note . iam a heavy tall rider (super heavy rider like 140kg😥)

[@mohamedsamir85]

with back injury

[@kiteaust]

So much easier using a peter Lynn charger for board lessons. It's a no brainier

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

That is why so many people use it!

[@kiteaust]

@@KookProofActivityCenter people don't use it because of instructions from people like you .. Have you actually tried teaching on twinskin ?

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Yes, I did. I started with that type of kites.

[@mohamedsamir85]

still waiting for new tutorials from the professor of kite surfing

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Mohamed Samir I didn’t forget, but I had ear surgery, and I still can’t go to the water. I’m posting videos every week but only of things I had previously recorded. First thing I’ll do is to film the water start technique once I can go to the water.

[@mohamedsamir85]

@@KookProofActivityCenter hope u get better soon u mighty instructor

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Already recovered almost completely. Lost a bit of hearing but it's improving slowly

[@mohamedsamir85]

@@KookProofActivityCenter did u rupture ur ear drum or what was the diagnosis. if u forgot iam a doctor

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Mohamed Samir, I had surfers ear. My ears were getting blocked by two balls that were growing inside the ear canal. When they fixed it, there was some damage to the inner ear due to the loud sound of the drilling. I think it's recovering but still not 100% yet. Still, need to fix the other one but want to improve entirely before. I'll try to make a video about it as it's a common problem for people that surf.

[@vinz9741]

:)

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Vinz thanks a lot .

[@qrdemole]

For me using the handle was easiest from the start. I guess it depends on a kiter. I'm not saying the video is wrong, but simply that maybe it is not 100% true for everyone

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

It physics but for sure for some people the handle works also. But try with a strapless surf board and you will use this technique for sure.

[@jamespirie2078]

You’re way is the only way I can get the board on my fee

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

Thanks for the feedback

[@cian4380]

I disagree, using the handle is very easy for me, you should do what works for you, there are no right or wrong methods as long as it works for you and works safely for you

[@KookProofActivityCenter]

I never said it was right or wrong. Some flexible people can use the handle but it’s not the best method. For a lot of people because they are not flexible they can’t even use the handle. Try it and you will see. But if it works for you use the handle no need to change if you can do it that way.