There is a specific moment in every kitesurfer's journey that changes everything: the first time you disconnect from the water, hang suspended in the air, and land smoothly to ride away. It's the hook that turns casual kiters into lifelong addicts.
But the road to your first clean jump can be frustrating. You might feel like you're just getting yanked forward, or pendulum-swinging under the kite and splashing down hard. Don't worry—jumping is purely about timing and technique, not raw strength. Here at Surfpoint, our IKO instructors have helped hundreds of riders catch their first air on the flat waters of the Kalpitiya Lagoon. Here is how you do it.
Step 1: The Setup (Speed and Edge)
A common misconception is that the kite does 100% of the lifting. In reality, a good jump relies heavily on the tension you create with your board.
- Get moderate speed: You don't need to be flying at top speed, but you do need enough momentum to create tension in your lines.
- Keep the kite at 10 or 2 o'clock: Maintain your kite in a stable, slightly elevated position.
- Lock your edge: You must carve hard upwind. If you ride flat on the board, the kite will just pull you forward when you send it. Lean back, dig your heels down, and load that tension.
"Think of your board like the string of a bow. The harder you pull back (edge), the higher the arrow (you) will shoot when released." – Shan, IKO Instructor
Step 2: Sending the Kite
While holding your hard edge, steer the kite quickly and aggressively backward toward 12 o'clock (the zenith).
- Keep the bar pushed out slightly: Don't pull the bar in while you are steering the kite up. This chokes the kite and kills its speed. Let it fly fast.
- Maintain your edge: This is the hardest part. As the kite moves back, it will try to pull you off your edge. You must resist it! Lean back harder into the water.
Step 3: The Pop (Takeoff)
Just as the kite reaches 12 o'clock, you will feel a massive surge of upward pull. This is your moment.
- Pull the bar in: Pulling the bar gives the kite maximum power and initiates the lift.
- Release your edge and POP: Stomp down hard on your back foot and spring off the water. It’s exactly like jumping off a skateboard or jumping up on land.
Step 4: In the Air
Congratulations, you are flying! Now, you need to stay in control.
- Keep the bar pulled in: If you push the bar out, you will drop like a stone. Keep it pulled in to maintain your "parachute."
- Bring your knees up: Tucking your knees to your chest makes you more stable and balanced in the air. It also looks way cooler.
- Hold the kite at 12: Keep the kite parked directly overhead while you are floating.
Step 5: The Landing
What goes up must come down. Landing smoothly is all about redirecting the kite.
- Spot your landing: Look down at the water where you want to land. Do not look at the kite.
- Dive the kite forward: Just before you hit the water, aggressively steer the kite forward again into your direction of travel (toward 2 or 10 o'clock depending on your tack).
- Point your board downwind: Flatten your board and point the nose slightly downwind to absorb the impact and ride away smoothly.
Why Flat Water is Your Best Friend
Learning to jump in choppy ocean waves is extremely difficult because it's hard to hold a solid edge. This is why the Kalpitiya Lagoon is world-famous for progression. The buttery flat water allows you to lock in a perfect edge and focus entirely on your kite timing without getting bounced around.
If you're struggling to piece it all together, booking an advanced progression lesson with the Kalpitiya Kite School (partnered with Surfpoint) can shave weeks off your learning curve. Our instructors use waterproof radio helmets, so they can talk you through the exact timing while you are on the water.
Get out there, hold your edge, and send it!
