5 Tricks for Beginners with J Kelsick

Sometimes the simple tricks can look the best!

Soon after riding along for the first time, most kiteboarders start wondering about whether they can try some little tricks. Just the basics, like grabs and some fun little carves. These often get skipped by the tutorials in favour of the more technical moves, so Jake Kelsick has gone right back to basics, with these five tricks for beginners.

Pro rider for Ozone and Tona, Jake Kelsick spends a lot of time at home in Antigua with his mate Andre Phillip. While Dre's settling back into a more refined lifestyle now and working on the brand Tona, Kelsick is pushing hard with his social media accounts and freeriding. Stylish moves and spectacular scenery are why companies like GoPro love him, and one browse through his Instagram feed is sure to leave you green with envy.

But on to the tricks!

Number 1: Riding Toeside.

The switch to toeside is one of the most versatile you can learn, and it leads to lots of cool stuff to do, even on causal rides. The key to riding toeside is keeping your speed up and maintaining tension in your kite lines. Do so by keeping pressure on your toes and holding that bar in close. You can even ride upwind when you get the technique right!

Number 2: Carving Turns

Leading from toeside riding, is the carving turn. It's as 'feel-good' as it is 'look-good', and there's nothing better than soaking your mates with a well timed spray. From Toe-side, flick your kite hard upwards and back behind you, at the same time rolling onto your heels and driving the board around 180 degree turn. Get your timing perfect to ride back the other way without losing speed, sending buckets of spray into the air.

Number 3: Popping and frontside 180's.

Every kiteboarder wants to jump, and it all starts with a little 'pop'. Use a wave as ramp, lift your kite and push off with your back foot. You will leave the water, glide along and land. Keep on your feet, and the kite going forwards. Spice up some low jumps by landing toeside, or throwing in a grab.

Number 4: Grabs

Starting in skateboarding and snowboarding, grabs are a natural progression when you're floating along in mid air, wondering what to do next. The list of grab styles are a mile long, but the first one you'll do is a Method. It's the easiest, with your front hand on the heel side of the board.

Number 5: Jumps and Aerial Transitions.

Now it's time to go a little higher, or turn that jump into a transition. Timing is the key to a big jump or 'boost'. Experiment with timing your pop with different kite heights and find what works best for you and your gear. Then, choose to direct the kite either forwards, or backwards to change direction.