Kitesurfing upwind: 5 techniques that work
Riding upwind in kitesurfing means you can get back to your starting point instead of drifting downwind. This isn't about kite size; it's all about your speed, body positioning, and the surface area of your board. Kite and wing equipment is in our Kitesurf and Wing Foil worlds.
Boosting high and landing tricks is impressive. Yet, most kitesurfers would be stoked just to ride out and return to their launch point without the dreaded walk of shame down the beach. Here are five adjustments that will make all the difference.
In summary
- When you're struggling to go upwind, the natural instinct is to grab a bigger kite. This is often a mistake: a larger kite pulls you more sideways and is harder to position at the edge of the wind window.
- The real gear upgrade for upwind performance is your board: opt for a larger twin-tip, a surfkite, or a foil.
- 90% of beginners try to edge upwind right from their waterstart. You need to bear away first to build speed.
- Position: weight on the back heel, front leg extended, eyes upwind.
- Riding offshore instead of hugging the beach changes everything, including your mindset.
Why you're not making upwind progress
Upwind performance requires converting the kite's pull into pressure on your edge, not just drift. Without board speed, you can't generate that pressure; you'll simply slide backward. That's why the solution is almost never "more power," but rather "more glide."
1. Change your board, not your kite
When the wind is light and going upwind gets tough, most riders reach for a bigger kite. This is often not the right move. Larger kites create more lateral pull, and this makes them harder to keep at the edge of the wind window. If you want to tweak your gear, the effective solution is to change your board. Consider a larger twin-tip, a surfkite, or a kite foil, which is the ultimate weapon in light wind.
2. Gain speed before edging
90% of beginners trying to go upwind make the same mistake: they try to edge upwind right from the waterstart. This is like trying to start a bike uphill. You need to bear away slightly first to build speed and get planing, then gradually head upwind.
3. Correct your body position
Put all your weight on the heel of your back foot, with your front leg extended to steer the board. Look upwind with your head; this naturally turns your torso and hips in the right direction. Don't pull too hard on the bar; just apply enough pressure to keep power in the kite without over-sheeting it.
4. Aim for a landmark and read the gusts
Pick an achievable target on the spot, like a tree, a house, or a boat. Then, adapt to the gusts: if the wind drops, go upwind a little less; if it strengthens, use that extra power to drive further upwind by pressing on the back of your board. The key is to maintain consistent glide at all times.
5. Move away from the shore
Riding too close to the beach and along it will always make you feel pressured to go upwind. Ride further offshore, or in crosswind conditions. You'll feel safer because you'll have more room in case of a fall or if the wind picks up. A good part of the problem is mental.
| Situation | Common reflex | What to do instead |
|---|---|---|
| Light wind, no upwind performance | Use a larger kite | Change boards: larger twin-tip, surfkite, or foil |
| Waterstart | Edge upwind immediately | Bear away first, gain speed, then progressively go upwind |
| Lack of pressure on the edge | Pull on the bar | Shift your weight to your back heel, extend your front leg, and keep the bar just sheeted in. |
| Gust | Getting overpowered and depowered. | Apply pressure to your back foot and drive further upwind during the gust. |
| A session along the beach. | Stay close to shore for reassurance. | Ride offshore or with a crosswind, where you have more room to maneuver. |
Before you try these tips, consider these points.
These techniques won't fix everything. It's better to know this before you push too hard:
- The body of water matters more than technique. The best conditions for learning are shallow, flat water spots. You can always get back to shore if you have a problem. Waves and choppy water make it much harder, so it's not the time to learn.
- These tips assume you've mastered the waterstart. If your waterstart isn't reliable yet, focusing on upwind performance won't help. You need more speed, not better edging technique.
- Your gear has its limits. A board that's too small for your body size in light wind won't go upwind, no matter your stance.
- A coaching session saves months. An instructor can spot in three runs what might take you a whole season to correct on your own. They can also provide the right gear for the day's conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I go upwind in kitesurfing?
Most of the time, it's because you lack speed. Without speed, your board won't engage its edge and will drift instead of going upwind. Bear away slightly to get gliding, then gradually work your way upwind. Don't try to edge immediately after your waterstart.
Do I need a bigger kite to go upwind better?
No, that's often counterproductive. A larger kite generates more lateral pull and doesn't sit as well at the edge of the wind window. The most effective gear for upwind performance is your board: a larger twin-tip, a surfkite, or a foil.
What body position should I use to go upwind?
Put all your weight on the heel of your back leg. Keep your front leg extended to steer the board. Look upwind to engage your torso and hips. The bar should remain just sheeted in; over-sheeting causes a loss of power instead of gaining it.
Which board goes upwind best?
The larger the surface area, the easier it is to go upwind at the same speed. In order: a large twin-tip, a surfkite, then the kite foil, which remains the absolute benchmark in light wind.
Where should I learn to go upwind?
Choose a shallow, flat body of water where you can stand and get back to shore if needed. Avoid waves and choppy water until you've mastered the technique.
What should I do in gusts?
Use them to your advantage. When the wind picks up, press on the back of your board and drive further upwind. When it weakens, go a little less upwind to maintain your glide. The goal is to never lose speed.
This article was reviewed and structured by the GlissEvolution team. It's based on our daily practice in the Bay of La Baule and advice published by Prokite Alby Rondina.
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