What Is the Kitesurf Water Start Step?

The kitesurf water start step is the most crucial transition in learning kitesurfing. It’s the movement that takes you from floating in the water to standing and gliding on your board.
This step combines coordination, timing, and balance between your kite control and board position.
Without mastering the kitesurf water start step, you can’t move forward into riding smoothly or changing direction.

During this moment, you use the kite’s power to pull you up from the water while keeping your board steady under your feet.
It sounds simple, but it requires patience, control, and practice — especially for beginners learning in windy spots like Essaouira, Morocco.

Preparation Before the Kitesurf Water Start Step

Before attempting the kitesurf water start step, ensure that you’re comfortable flying the kite and body dragging through the water.
You should also know how to relaunch your kite if it falls. These basics are essential for safety and confidence.

Check Your Equipment

• Make sure your kite is properly inflated and all lines are untangled.
• Adjust your harness so it fits snugly and evenly distributes the pull.
• Choose the right board for your weight and skill — larger boards make the water start easier.

Understand the Wind Window

Knowing where your kite’s power zone lies is critical. For the water start, you’ll be moving the kite between 10 and 2 o’clock positions to generate a smooth lift and pull.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Kitesurf Water Start Step

Step 1: Position Your Body and Board

Sit back in the water with your legs bent and your board in front of you.
Keep your knees close to your chest, and hold the kite bar with one hand while adjusting your board with the other.
The board should face slightly downwind for a smoother start.

Step 2: Set Your Kite at the Edge of the Wind Window

Position the kite at either 11 o’clock or 1 o’clock. This neutral position allows you to prepare without pulling too much power.
Make sure your body is relaxed and floating with the kite slightly tensioning the lines.

Step 3: Dive the Kite to Generate Power

Step 4: Stand Up Smoothly on the Board

As you feel the pull, extend your front leg while keeping your back leg bent.
This helps maintain balance and avoid overloading the board.
The power from the kite will help you rise — avoid pulling the bar too hard or you’ll stall the kite.

Step 5: Maintain Your Direction

Once standing, steer the kite gently upward and keep riding downwind.
Shift your weight slightly to your back foot and maintain a steady pull on the bar.
You’ve now completed the kitesurf water start step successfully!

Common Mistakes in the Kitesurf Water Start Step

• Pulling the bar too much: causes the kite to lose speed and power.
• Wrong board angle: keeping the board perpendicular to the wind increases drag.
• Looking down: always look where you want to go, not at your feet.
• Poor timing: diving the kite too early or too late will result in losing balance.

Avoiding these mistakes takes time and repetition. Every beginner struggles at first — the secret is to practice the motion gradually until it feels natural.

Safety Tips for the Kitesurf Water Start Step

Kitesurfing can be safe and fun if you follow proper precautions.
Always practice the kitesurf water start step in supervised areas or with certified instructors.

• Never practice alone, especially in strong or gusty winds.
• Wear a life jacket and helmet at all times.
• Learn how to perform a quick release on your harness.
• Check weather forecasts before entering the water.

Learning the Kitesurf Water Start Step in Essaouira

The coastal city of Essaouira in Morocco is one of the world’s top spots for learning kitesurfing.
Its consistent wind, flat water lagoons, and professional schools make it ideal for mastering your kitesurf water start step.
Many beginners choose Essaouira because of its safety, warm weather, and supportive kitesurfing community.

Local schools like KiteWorldWide Morocco or ION Club Essaouira offer lessons specifically designed for beginners.
You’ll get one-on-one guidance to perfect your body position, kite control, and timing for a flawless start.

Final Tips and Practice Routine

Practice makes perfect when it comes to the kitesurf water start step.
Spend time on dry land simulating the movement before heading into the water.
Focus on timing your kite movement with your board push-off.

Record your sessions or ask an instructor to give you feedback.
Most importantly, stay patient and enjoy the learning process. Once you master the kitesurf water start step, you’ll open the door to real riding, carving, and jumping!