When your kite lands on the water in the power zone (downwind of you) and keeps pulling you — whether you pull the bar or not — it’s a tough but common situation, especially for beginners. Here's what you should do step by step:
✅ DO NOT PULL THE BAR IN THIS SITUATION
Pulling the bar powers up the kite, making it pull harder. This could drag you uncontrollably or make a water relaunch dangerous.
🧭 Situation Breakdown and Action Plan:
1. Kite is downwind, on water, pulling you
It’s likely in the center of the wind window — the most powerful zone.
If you pull the bar, it increases power — don’t do this unless you're controlling a relaunch safely.
2. What you should do:
✅ Let go of the bar (fully or partially):
Letting the bar out depowers the kite. It may not stop pulling completely, but it reduces power significantly.
✅ Swim or body drag slightly upwind or sideways:
Try to change your position relative to the kite to bring it toward the edge of the wind window (like 2:00 or 10:00). From there, it's much easier to relaunch without power dragging.
✅ Use one steering line to control kite position:
If the kite is on its belly in the water (leading edge down), pull gently on one back line (steering line) to tilt the kite and move it toward the edge.
✅ Wait for the kite to move to the edge of the window before attempting relaunch.
If the kite is uncontrollably pulling you:
💡 Tips to Avoid This in Future:
Practice controlled kite relaunch in light wind.
Don’t let the kite crash straight downwind.
Always keep the kite toward the edge of the window (10:00 or 2:00).