robinsonpr - 12-11-2014 at 11:19 AM
I managed to get out on my board again today, for the 2nd time with my new Peak (learning to landboard). Starting off was better following some of
the advice on this forum!
I went back and forth across the field a good 20 times, pretty much holding my ground even though the wind was sub 10mph. However while riding I was
aware of my stance. Regardless of my direction of travel my weight seemed to be more on my back leg, and I noticed my back leg was quite bent while
my front leg was much straighter.
Is this stance normal or am I all wrong here?
I am not good at leaning back into the harness yet so I don't know if it's because I was trying to lean back so pushing against my front foot to do
so. It almost felt like I had to adopt that stance to stop the kite pulling me over the front of the board.
Any stance comments!?
PHREERIDER - 12-11-2014 at 12:23 PM
yes the bent rear leg and straight forward leg is what you want ...it helps rotate hips in direction of travel
HEAD back , sitting down on ur azzzz is much easier than face planting if power drops ... power thru hips and knees, LOOK where you are going allow
shoulders to rotate around in same fashion.
in general, up wind travel you can really LEAN BACK ON IT.
down wind travel typically you are more upright on top of the board .
keep kite higher for good speed control using kite.
definitely add some power so u can start powersliding, a speed control element as well as transition element and looks full on cool aswell.
PHREERIDER - 12-11-2014 at 12:30 PM
shoulder width apart, maybe a fraction wider for some.
stance can be equal across board or like most, duck footed toes out a bit for heelside control of board, remember power from the hips and knees THRU
the board leaning back(somewhat of a sitting position) to give solid rip power to push board out and slide with control
robinsonpr - 12-11-2014 at 12:59 PM
Thanks Phreerider!!
So my basic stance, what felt most "natural" with the bent back leg was on the right track, that's a relief!
Power through hips and knees I think I am doing because it REALLY starting aching on my thighs.
I'm using a Mystic warrior waist/seat harness and the hook rides up quite a bit. Should I try to keep the harness low so the pull is more from groin
level than belly button level? (can't afford a PL Divine harness which some people have recommended. Was going to try a cheap climbing harness if I
spot a cheap one second hand)
My stance is probably quite wide. My board is a Kheo Flyer, seems quite long compared with some of the boards I've seen other people on. As my first
board I wanted something stable, and this came up for sale and seemed to fit the bill. The velcro bindings are on fixed posts, duck footed. I don't
think I can adjust them.
Power to push board out? That's for sliding right? I think I'll leave that for the time being, I'm only just getting the feel for traversing back
and forth 
First off I'm aiming to just get comfortable going back and forwards holding ground. Then I am going to work on going upwind a little. What should
come next!? Transitions??
My transitions at the moment have been to turn upwind a little to slow down while slowly taking the kite high, then across the zenith, and back down
into the power to go the other way. Most times I've stopped completely for a good few seconds while I sort out my position and kite and start again
going the other way. Doesn't feel very smooth but I guess it will come!!
PHREERIDER - 12-11-2014 at 02:22 PM
belly button height for harness is fine , all about the balance point you can work with it... without the harness in arm pits! or too low. a good
harness just makes it all come together, comfortable stable under load , which means its not twisting or riding up.
yes transitions --->, slightly carve up wind as kite rises to 12 (slowly) a slight momentary pause, LOOK the other way! move the kite in that
direction in smooth deliberate action sitting back to counter power thru the harness....and off you go in the new direction. just like on a swing .
adding speed, smooth timing and balance thru the transition just takes time and practice. as you advance add some sliding then some popping up
..keep it smooth balanced and good timing with kite action.
good speed control with the use of the kite ( forward and back high in the window ). heel pressure and board direction will also add to speed
control just practice at timing and keeping it smooth and keeping the lines tight.
robinsonpr - 13-11-2014 at 12:26 AM
Thanks buddy, great tips and looking forward to my next session!
I really want to get over my fear of arcs and try the Venom on the board but I think I'll stick to the Peak for now!
PHREERIDER - 13-11-2014 at 06:31 AM
the peak, i'm sure, is far more sensitive than the a V13, it would make things a whole lot easier with a bit more power, get some time on it man its
one nice magic bag.
robinsonpr - 13-11-2014 at 06:56 AM
Yeah it's the "bit more power" thing that worries me. Even in fairly low winds the Peak has me whizzing along, a lot faster than I'm comfortable with
if I'm honest. So a bit more power might be too much as I'm not fully versed in arc flying or controlling my board speed.
That and the fact that my wind at the moment frequently drops below 10mph, and my inexperience with arcs has seen me losing the kite at the zenith,
collapsing into the window then powering up and dragging me.
Bottom line, my broken thumb from getting caught out on the Synergy is still sore, a constant reminder!!
Bladerunner - 15-11-2014 at 12:12 PM
I have a Mystic harness and the spreader used to dig into my ribs. I got a Dakine spreader bar pad and it made ALL the difference, Money well spent.
shortlineflyer - 6-4-2015 at 09:25 AM
One of the best places to learn sliding is Wildwood on the hard pack sand. I learned to do it at my last WBB and it is alot of fun. I learned to slide
and on the same day I was doing slide transitions from toeside to heelside and vice versa. I still have not gotten sliding down on grass though. that
can be scary because you need alot of power for the wheels to break loose, atleast in my opinion. I think I will start air stuff at this ww