Practice downloop in gusty winds

Practice downloop kite skiing

May 4, 2021 was another such day. A strong stormy wind raged across the Netherlands. Coincidentally I had time off and so I took the opportunity to continue my megaloop adventure. You know the blog Megaloop for kite surfers the same as a marathon for runners probably still. I want to build up these beautiful jumps and so I practiced the downloop today.

Get Familiar: Start with Downloops

In the meantime I do a downloop fairly easily with less wind. A kiteloop is even more difficult for me. I sometimes kiteloop and now also pull a loop in a transition with rotation. I have more and more confidence in it and am less often surprised by the kite or a hard landing.

It should be a matter of getting more familiar. And for that, starting with downloops is often heard advice. After a kiteloop or megaloop almost always comes a downloop or so-called heliloop. A downloop or heliloop, if executed properly, catches you and ensures that you do not descend too fast and end up on the water. They ensure that your kite ends up in a good position again.

Difference downloop with heliloop

A downloop is often used just before landing so that the kite is properly positioned in the wind window when landing. A donwloop is also often used for transition (rotation when turning) of the kite during landing. A heliloop is a rotation of the kite above you. This is used when the kite surfer rocks under the kite after a kiteloop or high jump. The kite is actually behind you (above 12 o'clock) and the heliloop ensures that the kite is well in the wind again.

Evaluation points of the day

At home on the couch I think again: “Why don't you just pull that kite in a kiteloop or megaloop? After all, it is only a 6 meter kite. So it goes around in a fraction of a second. ” Yet I am not yet that far on the water in strong, current wind. Fortunately my confidence has grown again today by practicing the downloop. When looking back at the images, I see that I have to land the kiteboard more upwind when landing. I can also send in the loops earlier and harder.

If you have any suggestions or tips after reading the blog, feel free to let us know.

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