Kiteboarding | How to Fall, Avoid Injury, and Get Back Up

Hey guys, Blake from MACKite here. Excited to be back making videos again after taking a break due to a torn ACL and meniscus, which happened snow skiing. Recovery is going well, and I'm starting to walk again without crutches.
In this video, I'll be covering one of the most important parts of kiteboarding, which is how to fall. It's one of those things you don't think about because most of the time, you are so focused on the trick and landing it. It's inevitable that you are going to fall. There is no one in the sport of kiting that has never fallen. It's part of learning and progressing. However, if you learn how to do it properly, you can save yourself from getting injured.
The most important takeaway from this video is to remember, "If you ever feel like you're going to fall, get small." This lowers your center of gravity and prevents you from whiplash and hard impacts.
The rest of the tips are in the video, and I really hope they help you out. Don't want to end up like me!
Thanks for watching,
Blake
Thank you for sharing the kiteboarding and wing foiling stoke with us! 🤙🏽 Please join us in the comments section and get a conversation started. We’re always happy to help!
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[@JimBoatman-wk9hx]

Thanks so much for your advice and all the fantastic instruction videos, I find them the best quality of anything on the internet. Your flow/style is unsurpassed and I sincerely hope you stay in good health and find good success with your future endeavors .

[@Sharpiesailor31]

Glad your on the mend and mobile. Yep, I’m 60 years old and finally doing single and double back rolls and single front-rolls as of this year, so I’m stoked. I try to always wear a helmet and impact vest on those gnarly sessions. Tried a mega loop kind of spontaneously a while back and got the kite around but forgot to push the bar out, so landed super hard, but survived. It’s always humbling to learn the truth about this sport.

[@MACkiteboarding]

That's amazing to hear that you're still progressing in your kiteboarding skills, and congratulations on landing your first single and double back rolls and single front rolls this year! It's always inspiring to see riders of all ages continuing to push their limits and try new things. Safety should always be a top priority in kiteboarding, so it's great that you're wearing a helmet and impact vest during those gnarly sessions. Mega loops can be intense maneuvers and it's important to take the time to learn the proper technique and build up the skills and confidence gradually. We agree that kiteboarding can be a humbling sport, and it's important to approach it with respect and caution. Keep up the great work and we wish you many more successful sessions in the future! 🤙🏽 Good winds! -Aaron

[@olsenadventures]

Hey there, thank you! Feels great to be on the mend. That's amazing, makes me happy to hear that you are getting those dialed in and doing things you probably never thought you could do. By far the most important thing to do when looping besides fully committing. There is always something new to learn in this sport and that's what makes it so great! -Blake

[@vinifons]

Thanks for this very important content!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you for sharing the stoke with us, my friend! 🤙🏽 Good winds to you. -Aaron

[@Pete_R63]

Oh man, sorry to hear! I always say, "It's not the years, it's the mileage!" I know I have a lot of miles of hard road and abuse on my body. I had a skydiving buddy that broke his leg and had it in a cast for nine and a half months but still managed to jump and land on one foot so I can relate to your stories of trying to do workarounds. I'll be there in KW in about 10 days for the month of May! I'm kind of right down the street from you and I'l be bringing a carload of toys. If you want to get out in the water, I am bringing my sea scooters. Grab a mask and snorkel and get pulled through the water! I'll also have a big ass inflatable wing foil board setup. You can sit and foil! I'll be biking past your place several times a day so I might have to stop by. Heal fast! I know from too many experiences that being injured sucks. But through it all, Life is Good. Cheers mate and hope to see you soon.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you for your kind words and support! 🤙🏽 It sounds like you have a lot of fun activities planned for your trip to KW. It's great to hear that you have a positive outlook on life despite the challenges that come with injuries. Thank you again for your message, and I wish you a fantastic trip to the Keys. Good winds! -Aaron

[@kst157]

Wishing you all the very best and a full recovery. Really admire your approach and outlook and seeing positives in everything - many could learn this from you. Super information and helpful, it’s sincerely appreciated, thanks. :)

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you so much for your kind words and well wishes! We truly appreciate your support and encouragement. We believe that having a positive outlook can make all the difference, especially when facing challenges or setbacks. It's important to focus on the things we can control and find the silver lining in every situation. We're glad to hear that you find our information and content helpful, and we're always here to answer any questions or provide support whenever you need it. Thanks again for your comment, and we wish you all the best as well! 🤙🏽 Good winds! -Aaron

[@olsenadventures]

Hey KST, thank you! I am happy to hear you enjoy the videos and the positive message. Want to help as much as I can either about life or the sport of kiting. Hope to catch a session with you!!!

[@javier2surf]

Hey Blake, watch your videos from MacKite all the time. I have bought a bunch of stuff from you guys over the years. Your story really struck me. I have been kiting about 10 years, never an injury - live in Alaska - was skiing in the backcountry last spring and had a big wreck on skis. Popped the ACL, tore my meniscus, small break in the fibula. I had surgery in Colorado last year. I am almost 1 year out from surgery, patella tendon graft. Last year was really tough in so many ways - couldn't walk for 8-10 weeks. I have been wingfoiling so far just a few months back and was able to buzz around, but have not put a kite in the air for quite some time. I am aiming for June of this year. Feel strong enough, think I am just getting over the mental part. I WISH YOU TREMENDOUS SUCCESS IN GETTING BACK!! Let me know how your transition back into the water and kiting goes, I am in the exact same shoes!!!!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Hi there, thanks for watching our videos and for sharing your own story with us! We're sorry to hear about your injury and the challenges you faced during your recovery, but we're glad to hear that you're feeling strong and are getting back into the water. Transitioning back to kiting after an injury can certainly be a mental challenge, but it's important to take things at your own pace and listen to your body. It sounds like you're on the right track and have been able to get back into wingfoiling, which is great progress. We wish you all the best as you continue your recovery and get back into kiting. It's always inspiring to hear stories of resilience and determination in the face of adversity, and we're sure you'll be back to riding the waves in no time! Thanks again for your comment, and keep us updated on your progress. 🤙🏽 Good winds! -Aaron

[@olsenadventures]

Hey Javier, it's an honor to hear from everyone that watches the videos and have enjoyed them over the years. It's been a learning process in making these just as it was learning to kite. Hoping to get better each video and session and enjoy the ride. I'm sorry to hear about your knee injury, that sounds like a really rough one. We are on a similar path and after 15 weeks since injury and 6 since surgery I am finally able to walk and bike again. Feels incredible and is one of the best feelings in the world. Really makes you appreciate the little things in life. Wing foiling is a great way to ease back into it and I'm hoping by 7-9 months I will be strong enough to get out kiting again. Appreciate your message and will keep you posted. All the best! -Blake

[@krasik15]

Good tips! Love the channel, wish u fast recovery!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you for your kind words and for watching our channel! We're glad to hear that you find our tips helpful, and we're always here to provide support and answer any questions you may have. We appreciate your well wishes for a fast recovery, and we're working hard to get Blake back to full health as soon as possible. It's inspiring to see the support and positivity of the kiteboarding community, and we're grateful to be a part of it. Thanks again for your comment, and we wish you all the best in your kiteboarding adventures! 🤙🏽 Good winds! -Aaron

[@olsenadventures]

Thank you Lukas, much appreciated!!! Blake

[@Sam.constable]

Yesss!!! Blake!!!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you for sharing the stoke with us, my friend! 🤙🏽 Good winds to you. -Aaron

[@olsenadventures]

Thank you Sam!!! All the best man -Blake

[@bronzafox]

Great video!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you, my friend. 🤙🏽 Glad to hear that this has helped you to learn and progress! -Aaron

[@olsenadventures]

Cheers Bronza, great seeing you back out on the water! Look forward to working on a video together. Make sure you take it easy on that knee!

[@markusbroyles1884]

Blake looking quite a bit older now ~ Filling out to the mature man ~ cutting through the gnarly injury phase with much pain and still positive about it all. Life is good... just think... you could be trudging through mud up to your knees running from gunfire in the cold. Instead he gets to have a kiteboarder's lifestyle and enjoy sunny beach towns and remote locations of great beauty with friends.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you for your comment and for your kind words of support. Yes, recovering from an injury can certainly be a challenging and painful process, but it's important to keep a positive attitude and focus on the things we can control. We're grateful to have the opportunity to be part of the kiteboarding community and enjoy the many amazing locations and experiences that come with the sport. And while injuries and setbacks can be frustrating, they can also be valuable learning experiences that help us grow and become stronger. Thanks again for your comment, and we wish you all the best in your own kiteboarding adventures! 🤙🏽 Good winds! -Aaron

[@olsenadventures]

Hey Markus, thank you. Just turned 30 and I am excited to get older and wiser. It's definitely been a tough learning experience but staying positive and looking on the bright side. The most important part of recovery is keeping a positive mindset and putting in the work. Anytime I feel down, I close my eye and just as you say envision myself in a war torn or impoverished place and I can't feel sorry for myself. Very grateful and wish you all the best! -Blake

[@notyouraveragewindsurfer]

Get better soon ❤

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you so much for your kind words and well wishes! We appreciate your support and encouragement, and we're working hard to get Blake back to full health as soon as possible. It's always inspiring to see the support and kindness of the kiteboarding community, and we're grateful for the positive energy you're sending our way. Thanks again for your comment, and we wish you all the best in your own kiteboarding adventures! 🤙🏽 Good winds! -Aaron

[@olsenadventures]

Thank you! 😁

[@d.z.2550]

Man when do you get a break from injuries?! Wish you the best and a good recovery 🤙

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you for sharing the stoke with us, my friend! 🤙🏽 Right?! The dude shreds hard. Good winds to you. -Aaron

[@olsenadventures]

I am hoping to stop that trend after this last one 😂 Seems like every year or so I go to the doctor for some sort of trauma. Appreciate you and hope to catch you on the water! -Blake

[@cyberanswer]

Sorry to hear of your pain but glad you're recovering well. In shallow water I tend to land flat on my back like a starfish after once I took it on my legs and snapped my tibia & couldn't roll as kite was at 45. But had I have pulled the safety could I have rolled forward? I took the landing but as my legs were pinned the momentum snapped an ankle. So now landing on my back has saved me most times but sometimes I get severe pain in the lower back. My carbon harness made a big difference as against the soft-shell. In skateboarding you want to go horizontal by pushing the land away and rolling. At this point you can become small. How can this be applied to kiting when accidentally landing on land or shallow water? I pray for your fast recovery & improved knowledge and visualisation of protection measure through the dictation of such while helping of others. Christ Yeshua bless you Blake.

[@MACkiteboarding]

Thank you for your kind words and thoughtful message. 🤙🏽 I'm sorry to hear about your injury, and I hope you're recovering well. When it comes to landing in shallow water, it's important to always prioritize safety and try to roll with the impact as much as possible. Good wind to you, my friend. -Aaron

[@cyberanswer]

@@MACkiteboarding No I said it once happened to me 8 yrs ago. Can you pull the safety and roll?

[@olsenadventures]

Hey there, glad to hear that you have recovered and gotten past that injury. I broke my tibia as well ten years ago and it's a tough one. You want to be careful about pulling the safety mid air, especially in shallow water. It's better to try to get the kite up to 12 if possible, worst case scenario is to eject if you know you're going to fall. Tucking and rolling just like in any sport is the best way to fall. If you ever feel like you're going to fall, get small. If you're tall then you're probably going to fall. There is more leverage with your body when it is straight which makes the whiplash all the more intense. Thank you for your message, wish you all the best! Blake

[@cyberanswer]

@@olsenadventures Great advice. Additionally, on a beach, I should try pulling the safety to see if I can roll while the kite is falling? Then I'll know what my options are. That should get some looks from the girls! :)

[@Nilz4FR]

Nr. 1 tip: Warm up!!!!

[@MACkiteboarding]

Good call, my friend. 🤙🏽 Good winds to you. -Aaron

[@olsenadventures]

That is very true as well! You don't want those brittle bones. Have been there before and it really makes a difference.