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November 15 2000 by Paul Harvey  

I've been kitesurfing for about 6 weeks now. I'm using an old surfboard with straps. I'm doing okay on my regular surfing side but not so good goofy. I was wondering if there are any unidirectional boards available that are designed to be ridden both heelside and toeside. Secondly, if this is so, would I be better off using handles and a backstrap so I could twist my body round more when riding on a toeside edge, rather than the harness and bar that I currently use.

The kite I'm using is a waterfoil. I find that it quite often luffs and also gets bogged on the edge of the wind window (maybe needs a tune up). I'm learning on the east coast of Oz where the surf is always significant in size and quite often stacking the kite means a swim back to shore because it's got waterlogged. Then I had a go on a Wipika 6.5. It's got about the same power but is heaps more responsive, easier to fly and doesn't luff. I love this kite but the only downside is relaunching in the surf. It can be a little difficult especially if the wind is on the light side. I was wondering if there are any kites that are a combo of the waterfoil and the wipika. Or basically a Wipika type kite that can be relaunched when it's upsidedown, that would be unreal.

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November 17 2000 by doomwheels

> I was wondering if there are any unidirectional boards available that are designed to be ridden both heelside and toeside.

in fact all unidirectional boards are made this way. the trick is to switch your stance on the board before/during/after your turn.
the boards have 3 straps (2 in the forward position). if you are not intersted in buying a board, perhaps you can set up some new strap positions on your board if you know how. personally, i ride wakeboards and just love it.
while you are learning to turn on the board, you will hit the water a few times. make sure you are good at deep water starts before you get too far from shore.

>would I be better off using handles and a backstrap so I could twist my body round more when riding on a toeside edge, rather than the harness and bar that I currently use?

a good bar is your best bet. your stance on the board will mostly be facing the kite, but even while riding toeside, the bar should not creat a problem. perhaps your hook up or harness is too short.
i only use handles in light winds when extra control of the kite is necessary. a back strap is never a good idea as it puts you in a bad position for getting on the edge of the board. a lower hook up point is optimal for keeping the power down low so you can get on your edge and hold your reach in the water. people using a chest harness (or backstrap) cant quite power up against the kite enough and often drift downwind.

>I was wondering if there are any kites that are a combo of the waterfoil and the wipika. Or basically a Wipika type kite that can be relaunched when it's upsidedown, that would be unreal.

there have been many advances in board and bar technology, but the kite designers are still struggling to find the right formula. the wipika style is well recognized, but nevertheless a low performance kite. some of the quad foils offer great performance and easy water launch ability, but can be too radical to concentrate on anything other than the kite.
the best thing to do is try as many kites as you can and use the one that feels right (expecting that as soon as you sink 1000 bucks into one, somone will then introduce that perfect kite!).

good luck!
bc