Kiteboarding a Directional Board for Beginners.

In this video, we will cover the basics of riding a directional kiteboarding board.
We will cover the top tips, plus for in-depth tutorials check out some other videos on our channel where we go into detail on each step.
Some of the main points of how to ride a directional board instead of a twin tip are:
- The basics of how to ride a directional board kitesurfing.
Firstly, What is a directional board. It may or may not have straps. One of the key differences is your Foot position for riding. You move your feet while riding. To turn the board, you need to position your feet. One foot at the back, and to the plane, you may need to adjust your weight forward more centred.
- One of the biggest differences is how you turn around. As a directional board It Goes only 1 way. To turn around you gybe of tack, or stop and turn the board around. You can switch your feet after or before your gybe. Gybing a directional board is easier than tacking. The strapless kite tack does tasks some time to learn. If you are used to riding one way, you might only do toeside 1-way, practice by gybing from your heels to your toeside, then switch your feet and then ride heel side until you are ready to turn around again, and then switch your feet again and gybe form your toeside, back to your heels.
- No straps. if strapless. (recommended)The water start. roll upon. Higher floating (sometimes even easier to learn on than a twin tip. It means more flexibility in where you stand (more comfortable session)You might need to slow, down, and move your kite a little higher as you
We hope you enjoyed Kiteboarding: Riding a Directional Board for Beginners (Kite Tutorial)
flukeskitesurfing.com/

[@stephenbarron8543]

Timing of this video is perfect for me. I plan on riding a directional board by the end of this summer. Also, since I began kiting a bit over two years ago, Fluke's channel has provided what I think is the best advice and tips in a well produced and informative way. I like other channels too, for diversity sake, but Fluke's stands out.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Oh perfect! Stoked the videos have helped mate! Hope it goes well for you strapless and if you get stuck, let us know with a comment ...any video suggestions as we are making heaps of new ones!

[@hencloud]

@@FlukesKitesurfing it’s not difficult - just the turning around is impossible…🤣

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

@@hencloud hahah

[@roswellreturn5788]

After much hesitation I started kitesurfing last year. After a couple of lessons swiched to a directional board. What a relief! More of a surf feeling .( I am 61 years old now and have been windsurfing for 20 + years). I completely agree with Luke. Just get on the board and go. Working on my gybes this season and maybe catch some air under my board! Appreciated your tutorials, helped me a lot. Many thanks!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Nice one Roswell!

[@vlaaady]

Makes me feel much better about a directional board! Thanks!!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Perfect! Glad to hear it!

[@jeromeserre]

Great video, thanks!

[@gustafherlenius2315]

Great stuff as always! Thank you!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Perfect thanks mate!

[@majusdom8141]

Exactly what I was waiting for. Very nice, thank u! Really like your channel!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Perfect! Happy to hear that Majus thanks!!

[@stefanog1_]

You 're the number one, great video.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Stefano!

[@davidfournier3355]

Your a stud! Wish I could take my first lessons with you, just a great soul of a person and easy going 😎

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks mate!

[@ilias2841]

Great Job Luke with this video very clear instruction, on land and on water demo! the sounds of the waves in the background make you want to go on a sesh ASAP :). I've had a directional for four years, and have never used it as I spend all my limited time on my TT, it's about time I get into this, love the idea of strapless and waves!

[@JamesLamb]

Ha! I'm in the same boat except I haven't gotten on mine because my usual spot has rock jetties and I don't want the new board to end up on the rocks when I crash. Also, there has been a shortage of good wind days this summer, so I've concentrated on improving with the twintip. The one time I was at a safer beach, I didn't want to carry both boards out. But the first day the wind was a bit weak and the directional board probably would have been better.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Ilian, yeah such a great spot! and yeah mate, strapless and waves is a lot of fun! Give it a go!

[@ilias2841]

@@JamesLamb : I think a lot of us are hesitant also to start over and loose a couple of sessions , until you get the jibe and tack dialed-in , in order to make serious progression on the strapless board. I think the surfing part unlocks so much potential. It really looks so cool . More over you can use smaller kite and go out in lighter wind + you develop better footwork to move to a foil …….

[@vaudou74]

i had a directionnal board ( no volum board 170/48,TT construction , unfortunatly stolen) with straps, like said, straps locks u in position (never learnt to jib,) on the other hand....u can go fast as your feet are in the straps and u can cut hard trhough the waves or jumbping over them (kinda like windsurfing)

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

yeah helps with getting locked in for sure!

[@kst157]

Great video & instructions, as always! 🪂

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thank you! Cheers KST!

[@A-fl1ln]

Danke 🙏

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

No problem :)

[@Grandjeles]

Best!!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks!

[@davidkerins]

Nice one Luke! Can you do a lesson on down loop gybes, both heel and toe side? And also strapless gybes and maintaining power and speed throughout?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey David, yeah actually the strapless gybe video will drop soon :) and here is one we made for the down loop if you haven't seen it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZ3TZX5jqaeCr5o Thanks for the suggestions!

[@stuartreeves6313]

Hi Luke, love your tutorials and please keep them coming. Could you please explain the difference in kite size selection between a twin tip and directional, I’m an experienced twin tip rider but not sure what kite to take out when using my directional strapless to avoid being overpowered. Maybe you could do a tutorial on this subject or answer directly. Thanks Stuart

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Thanks Stuart! yeah mate we do have some more to add :) To be honest you can ride the same size. the only difference is you need to be a bit more carful not to get lifted off the board. So, over chop etc you absorb a lot more with the legs than what is needed with a twin tip. That said, keeping an edge on a twin tip and strapless is almost the same in any conditions with the same kite size. all of that said, you can size down a bit due to the bigger volume of a strapless board if you want to. Hope that helps mate

[@normajeanvas9532]

Thanks for this!!! My plan is to get riding strapless and then attempt a foil:)

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Nice! You can do it!

[@gulliverdalton8680]

The main advice I give people learning strapless is get a bigger board to start. Some kinda of mini gun for surfing that’s got a bit of length and rocker that’s not poppy, therefore cuts though the chop so you don’t bounce of the board. Second thing is smaller kite as u don’t need such a big kite as u have a nice long board, and a smaller kite will position easier and won’t try and yank u of your board. Third is do downwinders and drop the size of the kite even smaller, as u don’t need enough power to go upwind, then u can really get a feel for working the board for power rather than hanging of the kite.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Ok nice one thanks for the insight mate :)

[@aurimasbulvydas1030]

Awesome films pal! Progressing slowly watching them! Is there any chance you would make a video on how to ride the surfboard fins forward as I need to go some distance from shore to get at least knee deep.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Nice glad its helping! Thanks for the suggestion, ill try and make something fro that in summer. That said if its actually knee deep you will be fine riding normal. If its ankle deep thats when i would turn the board around :)

[@aurimasbulvydas1030]

@@FlukesKitesurfing thanks for your reply and yes indeed it's like over a 100m till I get to knee deep water. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and helping us to progress 🙏☮️

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

@@aurimasbulvydas1030 ok sure yeah the way to do it is to pretend you're riding a twintip and just be far enough back that the fins arent catching. Hope it helps

[@aurimasbulvydas1030]

@@FlukesKitesurfing Cheers, I am going to try it. Greetings from Lithuania ✌️

[@pierrefourie7]

Hey Luke how’s things mate. I’m just learning to kite surf and at the kite control stage/ body drag. I want to buy a board and was wondering is it ok to start with a directional board as to a twin tip. Ps awesome instructions on the vids mate

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Pierre, great! Yes it is. Most instructors will say you shouldn't/can't but you can. The additional difficulty is if its strapless, you need greater kite control to not get pulled off the board. That said, its not difficult to start on a strapless board (even an old surfboard) and for a lot of people it also helps by being more buoyant and easier to edge upwind. Have fun!

[@bxjxxx]

Looking to ride the local waves more and try out a directional board. Would a performance foamie be an option to slash about in typically east coast 2-3 foot cross onshore? They seem light and safer but maybe the performance is too compromised?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

hey yeah the soft tops will be fine for just banging about in small waves. That said they are a bit heavy and not good for jumps... and i definitely perfect a epoxy board as you will find you end up jumping it :)

[@ferryprive]

I'm looking in to a directional as something different than TT and Foiling(not really my thing so i'm selling). I mainly ride on lakes with small waves and chops and think it could be a nice extra for the low wind days. Any tips on a board? Find it difficult to get non commercial tips😉. Thanks for the great video's, keep making them!

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Yeah its lots of fun so definitely worth it! We have a video for an overview for strapless boards with some tips here if it helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pX-vfKeIgrl9gqc Overall you can ride any board to start, even just an old surfboard. Take a look at the video and let me know if you have any more questions!

[@JamesLamb]

@@FlukesKitesurfing yeah, I bought an expensive hybrid thinking I'd get into foiling, but it seems I'll probably buy another kite before I spring for a foil. Meanwhile, I kinda wish I had just bought a used beater surfboard that I wouldn't have to worry about damaging.

[@antcramp]

what's the wind range with a directional board? seems like it would be great for light wind, maybe the same as foiling with that extra volume?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Antcamp, Yes it can really help with light wind when compared to a twintip. In light wind you willbe able to plane and stay up wind easier :) But its not nearly as efficient as a foil. I ride about 12+ knots on my strapless board and as low as 8 for me on a foil. That said, the most fun is still had when it gets above 20 knots just like a twintip. Hope that helps

[@JamesLamb]

The shop where I bought my board recommended starting with straps, maybe just because I'd be used to that from the twintip, and it could help me get my feet in the right place?

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey James, yeah you could.. but to be honest I wouldn't. If you are worried about foot placement just put your feet in between the screw holes for where the straps are meant to attach. That will give you a good idea. But really you will feel it out pretty fast regardless. Then as I mention in the video, play around with moving your back foot around for when you are going across the wind or turning

[@StanislavBeresnev]

I started with 3 straps (1 rear strap and 2 front straps), got myself familiar after my twintip - a couple of sessions, then removed rear strap (so my rear leg was free) tried a couple of times and finally removed all straps.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

@@StanislavBeresnev Nice :)

[@rafaelguilarte1891]

Hi Luke, I’m just beginning learning kitesurfing. Any recommendation where to buy the accessories ? Thanks

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Rafael, great to hear you are getting into it! We ride ocean rodeo gear. if you can find a dealer in your area for that then you wont have any issues with it :) Or simply look for a shop in your area as they will be able to help you with advice. You can also buy online, but if you havent already watch our other videos for buying your first kite setup part one and part two. Have fun out there!

[@rafaelguilarte1891]

@@FlukesKitesurfing great ! I’ll watch those videos! Thank you from NY !

[@samueltwaites5517]

Hi i was wondering if you could give some advice. I recently bought a 11.5m 2011 (i think) best kahoona kite And a 2012 9m fone most wanted bandit both with bars and lines. The kites themselves look structurally sound but im concerned about breaking lines or the chicken loop not working 'under preasure' they both work when tested. Should i replace them? And if so with what? Can i simply get new lines? Do i need to check anything else? Not a lot of people kite around me and the nearest kite shop is about 100miles away.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Hey Samuel, yes it may be possible to change the bar and lines with new ones. If they look old and worn, it's a good idea. You can look for newer versions in the same brand and email the dealer to make sure it will work. That would be the easiest, but also the most expensive. or you could look to use any bar for both kites. Its quite common to have 2 kites with 1 bar. There are a couple of things to consider when changing bar. 1. Line length. 2. safety release line. The way to check is to first run out the bar and lines and with the bar in the sheeted IN position, hold the lines and at the end and see if they are all the same length (within an inch or so) If they are, you're in luck as almost all kite brands now have their bars set to equal length lines. in that case you could then buy a new bar online that would work for both your kites. another thing to check is that when you release the safety, the kite flags on a single front line. If it does then again, thats what you want as almost all bars also now flag on a single safely line. if that all works out then he idea situation would be to buy a reputable brand bar new. You could get a deal on one online that is a couple of years old on closeout sale. then you know the bar wont let you down. Hope that helps

[@samueltwaites5517]

@@FlukesKitesurfing thanks so much for replying i will get right on with checking out line lengths and go feom there

[@peterlang840]

Thanks Flukes! Your video is instrucional and a big help for beginners on directional. How big is this board you were riding? (length, widht and volume)

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

Awesome :) Not sure of the volume, but it's 5'1" x 18" x 2" I actually shape in mm so the true dims are 1550 x 475 x 50mm. Hope it helps!

[@peterlang840]

@@FlukesKitesurfing Thanks!!! I'm planning to buy a Naish Skater. Wondering the 5'2" or 5'4" is better for me. I'm 5'10" and 174 lbs. Beginner on directional board. Riding choopy water or small waves most of the time.... What do you think? Which one works better for me? Thanks in advance for your valuable advice....

[@peterlang840]

Hi Luke, pls answer my previous text. Thanks,

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

@@peterlang840 Hey Peter, I would go with the 5'2 personally. if it was a pointy nose maybe the 5'4, but for a square nose shorter will be better :)

[@peterlang840]

@@FlukesKitesurfing thx Luke. I'm worried about the less width and not enough wolume on 5.2. Do you think it matters?

[@peterlang840]

sorry Luke for mistyping your name... :) ;)

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

haha no issue!

[@trexinvert]

Come on Luke "moving your feet" on a board and beginner doesn't go together. Unless, the beginner has a lot of surfing experience, or even an SUP. You cannot simply just move your feet like youare walking. When you lift your feet up like a beginner would you all the weight on the board is on the front and you fall down. There is a sliding or a heel/toe twist action(just like the chubby checker twisting dance). Never forget what a total beginner with no board experience on choppy water(is it ever flat and glass?) is thinking. This video is for kiteboarding intermediates/advanced, who doesn't need to concentrate on the kite but on his board/foot placement/turning.

[@FlukesKitesurfing]

hahah it takes practise for sure... but so does gybing, tacking and everything that I mention in this video! This one is not a tutorial, simply an overview of how it all works :)

[@trexinvert]

@@FlukesKitesurfing I'm just starved for any fresh content windsurfing. Keep on. You know what I'd really like to see and most people probably is just watch a raw beginner start from scratch. Maybe a few beginners like a young kid, teen, older, in shape, out of shape,...etc. Watch the learning process if that is possible. Thanks keep making videos.