Body Drag and Water Start: Mastering the Two Make-or-Break Steps
Body Drag and Water Start: Mastering the Two Make-or-Break Steps — Body drag and water start are the two skills that decide whether you become an independent kiter in a week or struggle for months. This guide breaks down the technique, common mistakes and drills.
1. Why These Two Skills Matter Most
Body drag teaches you to control the kite in deep water, recover the board, and navigate without riding. Water start is the moment the kite pulls you onto the board for the first time. Together they unlock independent kitesurfing.
2. Body Drag Technique
Position kite at 11 or 1 oclock, body in arrow shape leaning slightly upwind, both arms straight on the bar, dive the kite into the power zone with progressive bar pull. Practice 30 minutes upwind in both directions until your shoulders ache.
3. Getting There
- Best for body drag: Flag Beach inside bay or Sotavento lagoon at low tide.
- Avoid open ocean for first body drags.
4. Water Start Technique
Lay board on feet, knees up, kite at 12 oclock. Send kite to 1 oclock with strong dive into the power zone, simultaneously extend legs and stand up edging downwind. Hold 5-10 seconds, then de-power and stop.
5. Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: pulling kite too hard - results in being yanked over the board. Mistake 2: not standing up fast enough - you sink. Mistake 3: edging too hard immediately - you lose power and fall back. Watch instructor demos before trying.
6. Recommended Nearby Spots to Practice
- Flag Beach inside bay - knee deep, side onshore.
- Sotavento lagoon - massive shallow area.
- Risco del Paso lagoon - smaller and quieter.
- Glass Beach - protected for first body drags.
7. Did you know...
The original water start technique was developed in 1998 by Robby Naish and the Hawaiian crew. It took 5 years to standardise. Today every IKO/VDWS school teaches the same exact sequence.
8. Quick Practical Tips
- Pre-stretch shoulders and hands before sessions.
- Helmet and impact vest are mandatory.
- Have an instructor watch your first 10 attempts.
- Film yourself - mistakes are easier to see on video.
- Take 30 sec rest between attempts to avoid exhaustion.
9. FAQ
How long to learn body drag?
Most students master body drag in 2-3 hours of in-water practice.
Why do I keep falling backward on water start?
You are pulling the bar too hard. Send the kite progressively and stand up before the full power hits.
Can I learn water start alone?
Not safely. Take a course with an IKO/VDWS instructor for proper progression.
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