Greetings,

I'm hoping to start working on upwind turns. I've read the tutorials and I understand the theory, I'm just wondering if anyone has any advise based on their own experiences? Thanks as always..

Ummm. Good luck and practice.

I tried an upwind turn once but gave up after a few attempts. I don't think there's any reason to do one unless you are taking part in a race. Downwind is where it's at for me. :wee:

- comfortable buggy and kite speed, not too slow
- when you start get part way around and the kite is passing over head don't second guess what you are doing with the kite otherwise you'lll end up bailing out of the turn every time.
- be prepared to come out of the turn and doing a downward loop with the kite accelerating you out of the turn
- go for it!

I use upwind turns if I've been running beside someone and we reach the edge of the riding area and I'm on the upwind side and don't know what the other guy is going to do. I just pull the kite up overhead, edge upwind and (in this example wind is from my left, kite has been flying on my right) pull the kite overhead. When you reach the point where you are heading straight upwind, just keep turning the buggy and keep pressure on the right handle to keep the kite turning overhead. When you reach the completion of your turn, the kite should be heading into the power and you accelerate away. Learn this trick in moderate winds but reasonably well powered so you can have some speed to carry into the turn. You have to have a feel for how much to tell the kite to turn because you don't want the kite to do a loop right behind you low in the window. My son Wexler learned to do these and didn't even know it was "a thing" to learn. I didn't know it was something useful till dean jordan mentioned them one time. I don't think I've ever failed to do one after trying that first one at dean's prodding.

I'm going to set up a stationary camera next time out and get shots of upwind turns and suicide jibes from the end of the run for a good perspective.

i'll look up a movie i've made making an upwind single-handend while filming with the other hand.
but now it is time to go work.

Since I have not buggied with anyone else in over 4 years, I just do downwind turns. I will try upwind next time I get a chance. I have never thought about them before.

I watched the guys at SOBB doing them and they look so graceful and efficient. I tried a few times and ended up ejecting but I'll get 'em. I think for me I was sending the kite too far around and not at the right heading yet to absorb the power or ride it through.

I think....if I 'knew' I'd probably be here offering my 2¢ on how I do it ; )

Did you read this tutorial? Pretty well written. See video w/ it.

http://popeyethewelder.com/informational/tack-upwind-turn

The video in that tutorial really shows how simple it is.

Quote:

Originally posted by skimtwashington Did you read this tutorial? Pretty well written . http://popeyethewelder.com/informational/tack-upwind-turn

Corrected link, for those that just gotta click things...

That's my post on the upwind turn, it should help you out a ton. It is easiest to practice this the upwind turn by just walking it through without the buggy. Then when you are comfy with that, give it a go.

link fixed.

Nice piece Kent.

Thanks a lot guys, loads of interesting info there. Im surprised and relieved as to how many aren't hugely concerned with this maneuver. Im guessing like myself, once the kites up and buggys rollin most folks want to want to take advantage and have fun rather than go through drills. That said, that video really does make it look doable, hopefully if the wind is cooperating this weekend, ill give it a go..

When you're trying to beat your buddy to the shipwreck and upwind turn will gain you ground like mad. Maybe I can convince D to give me some 1-on-1 coaching when we're down there.

Quote:

Originally posted by macboy When you're trying to beat your buddy to the shipwreck and upwind turn will gain you ground like mad. Maybe I can convince D to give me some 1-on-1 coaching when we're down there.

My thoughts exactly... It seems slower than a downwind turn but the ground you make up makes up for it.

Once you get the feel for the upwind turn, it really becomes a non-issue and is super easy to implement. You don't gain a lot of speed during the turn, but because of the position of the kite and buggy when you come out, you can power up very quickly.

I watch guys do it out at Sunset when I'm there and I'm so jealous. The last time I buggyed I tried it a couple times but didn't really commit. I'll keep trying when I go out there next time. Eli and Sunset Jim seem to do it best, out of the guys I've seen do it anyway.

Upwind turns are where it's at if you're trying to get upwind fast, which is almost always the case at Sunset lol.