How to do a transition in kitesurfing!
- Emely Freja Petersen
- May 30
- 2 min read
Turning is an essential skill for any kitesurfer. In this guide, I will go through the basic steps to perform a transition. You're also welcome to watch my explanation in the video below. A transition is when you change direction — for example, riding to the right and then switching to ride to the left.
This article is written by 2x Danish Champion & 2x Turkish Champion in kitesurfing, Emely. Emely also has extensive teaching experience with beginners and advanced riders from all over the world. She now runs her own kitesurf travel agency, OceanSoul, which offers kitesurfing trips around the world.
When am I ready to try a transition in kitesurfing?
You can ride confidently in both directions without crashing the kite or losing balance.
You have good board control and can ride upwind.
You can do controlled stops and waterstarts with ease.
You feel comfortable with kite movement and can fly the kite smoothly during turns.
You're curious and ready to experiment! It’s okay if your first transitions aren’t perfect — the key is to start trying in a safe and playful way.
How do I do a transition in kitesurfing?
Learn how to stop: Edge the board upwind and put pressure on your back leg. Steer the kite to 12 o’clock and push the bar away. Lean back slightly and keep the kite at 12 o’clock.
If you want to transition, do the same as when you want to stop — but when the kite reaches 12 o’clock, distribute your weight evenly between both legs.
Pull the bar in slightly until you feel the kite lift you through the harness, then make a power stroke to the opposite side.
It’s not enough to simply steer the kite to the other side — you need to pause briefly at 12 o’clock, then do a proper power stroke in the new direction. Resist with your legs to stay balanced.
Now shift your body position so it aligns with the new direction you want to ride.
Common Mistakes I Often See My Students Make When Learning to Do a Transition
You’re too slow and push the bar too far away from you, causing you to sink into the water.
You move the kite too quickly to 12 o’clock and pull the bar in too fast and too hard — this will make you jump.
You forget to resist with your legs and end up getting pulled over the front of the board.
Tips:
Find your sweet spot and keep tension in the kite. Remember, your sweet spot changes depending on the wind conditions.
Practice in calm and steady conditions.
Learning new things takes time! Be patient — and most importantly, have fun while learning something new!
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