Down Looping

The technique of down looping a kite is one of the most overlooked skills there can be. Down looping is not to be confused with the more powerful, “Kite loop”. I think when people just hear the word “loop” they cringe, and the hair stands up on the back of they’re neck, from the memory or story of the accidental kite loop gone bad and the painful consequences. First lets explain the difference between the two.
Kite Loop A kite loop is performed by steering the kite from its normal position ( say 10:00 on port tack) up, then back, then down, then forward, back to it’s original position. Performing a kite loop sends the kite around 360 degrees.
Down loop Performing a “Down loop” requires the rider to start with the kite at a relatively high position ( say 11:00) and diving the kite down, and back, while jibing the board. Performing a Down loop, the kite only rotates 180 degrees.
While the kite loop is definitely a powerful, more advanced move, a down loop should be learned just as soon as you are able to jibe, or do a toe side turn. In fact down looping the kite is a perfect complement to a toe side turn. Most people while learning the toe side turn complain of a loss of power. Down looping the kite while performing the toe side turn gives a more steady pull from the kite through the turn.
Heres how it works: In a normal jibe we take the kite up, and over the top of the wind window. By doing so, the kite travels along the “Edge” of the wind window, decreasing the power until we dive it down the opposite side and recover the power. In a down loop, the kite moves through the power zone, not along the edge of the wind window, and so delivers a more steady pull through the turn.
Confused ?
It’s very simple here is how it’s done: Say you are on Port tack ( riding heel side with your left foot forward) take the kite up near the top, 11:00, then instead of sending the kite over the top and down the other side as in a normal jibe. Dive the kite down ( pulling on the left side of the bar, do not hesitate!) and as the kite dives, lean into your toe side turn. Hold the left side of the bar down until it climbs back up on the new starboard tack. You will be amazed at how easy this move is, and how useful it can be. When you are out riding and the wind starts to die, and you need to get back to shore…DOWN LOOP!
Here is a fun drill: Next time you’re doing a down winder, down loop your kite, and carve a toe side turn, then let the kite climb close to the top, and down loop it again, and do a heel side turn, then up to the top again, and down loop it , toe side turn, heel side turn, toe side turn, the kite will be making huge figure 8’s in the sky, it’s like water skiing through the cones on a slalom course!
Find the rhythm, Embrace the power