STEP 5 Body Dragging

Body dragging is the act of being pulled through the water without assuming a standing position. This is usually done with kite surfers lying on their stomach while on water.

Straight

A good way to get familiar with the kite and the generated traction is Body Dragging

Before starting to body drag, hold the kite low to the water on one side of the wind window. Let yourself be dragged out to open water. Once out to open water, it is less dangerous to make a wrong turn. You will be far away from the beach and dangerous obstacles.

Pilot the kite from left to right through the wind window. First, try these exercises without hooking in. As you get more comfortable, you can pilot the kite faster from one side to another, moving your kite further down through the power zone.


Half the Wind Window

When you use only one side of the wind window, the kite will pull you sideways. You will use this technique when you go out riding with a Kite Surfing Board. Get used to piloting this way and it will help you out later. Position your body in such a way that you will be dragged on your side.

Feet in front

A good exercise to prepare yourself for the water start is to pilot the kite while keeping your feet in front of you.
For a water start, you’ll have to be able to keep your board in front of you while piloting the kite in the right position. The following exercise will help you gain that stability. Put your feet in front of you and slowly pilot the kite from one side to the other.

Hooked in

When you are comfortable doing all the exercises unhooked, practice doing them hooked in. Make sure that your safety systems work and that you know how to use them.

Upwind

When you start riding without a board leash, you will need to know how to recover your board if you lose it, for instance while jumping.
Stretch out one arm in front of you. Your arm and hand will function as a fin, preventing you from drifting downwind. Position your kite low to one side. Don’t pilot too low or the kite will lose its traction. Make your way upwind by switching direction every now and then. Slowly pilot your kite overhead or you will be dragged downwind again.


Those are the essential things you need to know about Body Dragging. Just remember to practice and perform this technique with caution.