How to Do a Heli Loop in Kiteboarding (Beginner to Intermediate Guide)

Why Learn the Heli Loop?

If you’re comfortable with jumping and ready to expand your kite control in the air, the heli loop is one of the most rewarding tricks to add to your progression path. It’s not just about style—it’s a practical technique that helps you slow your descent, stabilize your landings, and lay the groundwork for more advanced loop variations.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to do a heli loop in kiteboarding using a step-by-step method designed for real-world conditions—whether you're riding in Tampa Bay, Clearwater, or any flatwater spot with clean wind.

We’ll cover:

• What makes a heli loop different from other kite loops
  

• Exact kite positioning for control and lift
  

• Common mistakes (and how to fix them)
  

• Local tips for learning safely and landing confidently

This tutorial is based on the coaching techniques we use every day at Elite Watersports—so you’re getting tested, proven instruction from the water up.

 

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What Is a Heli Loop in Kiteboarding?

A heli loop (short for helicopter loop) is a kiteboarding technique where the kite loops directly above your head, rather than out in front of you. Unlike a powered kiteloop that pulls you aggressively across the water, the heli loop is a more vertical, controlled loop—designed to slow your descent and allow you to land softly from higher jumps.

Imagine your body as a pendulum. When you boost into the air and the kite swings over to 2 o’clock, you begin to float. Then, by steering the kite back to 12 o’clock and initiating a tight loop just above your head, you slow your momentum and regain directional control before landing. That’s the heli loop.

“When done correctly, a heli loop feels like you’re descending in slow motion—vertical, controlled, and cushioned,” says Aaron

How It’s Different from a Kiteloop

• Kiteloop: The kite loops low and out front, generating aggressive pull and speed.
  

• Heli Loop: The kite loops tight above your head, used to manage descent and add style/control—not raw power.

This makes heli loops a smart next step for intermediate riders who have mastered jumps and are looking to expand their kite handling without risking massive yank-style loops.

If you’re not yet comfortable with air control or kite movement during jumps, check out our foundational post:

Learn More About Kite Control and Jumping Basics Here

 

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Is a Heli Loop Safe for Beginners?

A heli loop might sound intimidating at first, but when learned properly, it’s one of the safest and most useful loop variations a progressing kiteboarder can add to their skillset.

The key? Timing and altitude—not aggression. Unlike traditional kiteloops that require speed and commit-heavy movement, heli loops are typically performed from moderate-height boosts with the kite maintained in a high, stable position.

Why Heli Loops Are Beginner-Friendly (with the Right Prep):

• The kite loops above you, not in front, reducing the chance of getting pulled uncontrollably.
  

• It teaches better kite awareness, which helps in landing, transitions, and more advanced tricks.
  

• When practiced in steady winds and shallow water, heli loops offer a forgiving environment to learn real-time kite response.

That said, this is not a first-week trick. You should already be able to:

• Ride comfortably upwind
  

• Jump and land with control
  

• Move the kite with purpose at the apex of a jump

If you’re unsure about your readiness or kite movement in the air, the best next step is personalized coaching. Our kiteboarding lesson program in St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay is built around safe progression in ideal learning conditions.

Looking for self-paced learning first? You’ll find structured skill-builders in our kiteboarding tips and tricks blog.

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Kite Positioning: How to Control Altitude and Direction

One of the most important parts of learning a heli loop isn’t the loop itself—it’s how you position your kite throughout the jump. Kite positioning controls everything from how high you boost, to how fast (or slow) you descend.

Aaron explains it best: “Think of yourself as a pendulum. Wherever the kite goes, your body follows underneath.”

Here’s how to control that movement with purpose:

1. Start the Boost: Send the Kite to 2 o’clock

As you ride (let’s say, left foot forward), send the kite from 11 o’clock to about 2 o’clock. This gives you upward lift and the sensation of float. It’s not a huge yank—just enough to boost and hover.

2. Redirect Back to 11 o’clock at the Apex

As you reach the peak of your jump, steer the kite back in the original direction you were traveling—toward 11 o’clock. This begins to re-engage forward motion and swing your body under the kite.

Local tip: In areas like Fort De Soto or Treasure Island, where the water stays shallow and flat, this moment is easier to manage and control.

3. Tag 12 o’clock and Pause

Just as the kite reaches 11, quickly redirect it to 12 o’clock—but don’t loop yet. Pause for a moment. This neutralizes your forward motion and begins your vertical descent.

The longer you hold at 12, the slower your descent will be. This is the key “float and reset” moment heli loops are known for.

4. Initiate the Loop Above You (Not Forward)

After the pause, execute a tight back loop at 12. This completes the heli loop—keeping the kite above your head as you come down. You’ll feel a smooth, vertical drop with gentle lift at the finish.

Visualization Aid

Think of the kite’s movement like this:
11 → 2 (boost) → 11 (redirect) → 12 (pause) → back loop

Each step serves a purpose—lift, float, swing, stabilize, descend.

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Step-by-Step: How to Execute a Heli Loop

Now that you understand the theory and kite control behind the heli loop, let’s walk through it in real-world steps. This method is ideal for beginner-to-intermediate riders in Tampa Bay, Fort De Soto, or any flatwater spot with steady wind.

How to Do a Heli Loop Kiteboarding – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Approach with Speed and Control
Ride on your dominant tack (e.g., left foot forward) with moderate speed and the kite positioned at around 11 o’clock.

Step 2: Send the Kite to 2 o’clock and Pop Off the Water
Gently steer the kite to 2 o’clock to initiate your boost. Use a controlled edge release to jump into the air—aim for 10 to 15 feet of height. No need to go huge right away.

Step 3: Redirect the Kite Back to 11 o’clock
As you reach your apex, send the kite back to 11 o’clock (the original direction of travel). This begins your forward swing and realigns your body under the kite.

Step 4: Tag 12 o’clock and Pause
As the kite reaches 11, steer it to 12 o’clock and pause for just under a second. This “hover moment” slows your momentum and stabilizes your descent.

Step 5: Loop the Kite with a Tight Back Loop
After the pause, initiate a controlled back loop with the kite directly overhead. Avoid looping it out front like a kiteloop. The goal is vertical lift, not horizontal pull.

Step 6: Spot Your Landing and Touch Down Softly
As the loop completes, keep your eyes on the landing zone and direct your board nose downwind. Absorb the impact with soft knees and ride out clean.

Pro Tip: You don’t need to force power into the loop—just initiate it with enough tension to bring the kite around cleanly.

Want to see it in action? Watch the full tutorial in our Elite Watersports heli loop video and follow along frame-by-frame.

 

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Common Mistakes When Learning Heli Loops

Even experienced kiteboarders struggle with heli loops at first—not because the move is difficult, but because small errors in timing or positioning make a big difference.

Here are the most common mistakes we see in lessons around St. Petersburg and Clearwater, and how to correct them before they become habits.

1. Looping Too Low or Too Late

What happens: Riders initiate the loop after they've started descending, or loop with the kite already dropping too low.
Fix it: Initiate the loop just after pausing at 12 o’clock, while the kite is still high and your body hasn’t fully dropped. Loop early, loop overhead.

2. Skipping the 12 O’clock Pause

What happens: The rider redirects from 2 to 11 and immediately loops, missing the slowdown phase.
Fix it: Pause at 12—even half a second will slow your descent and reduce forward speed. The pause is what separates a heli loop from a kiteloop.

3. Pulling Too Hard on the Loop

What happens: Overpowering the loop yanks the rider off balance or sends the kite too far downwind.
Fix it: Keep bar input tight but measured. Let the kite move with control—not brute force. Small bar movements = smoother landings.

4. Looping the Kite Forward Instead of Back

What happens: Instead of a controlled back loop above the rider, the kite loops forward, causing aggressive pull.
Fix it: Ensure your loop direction is a tight back loop, not a dive out front. Think “spin above me,” not “drag me forward.”

5. Trying Too Soon Without Jump Fundamentals

What happens: Riders attempt heli loops before they’ve mastered stable jumps and kite timing, leading to frustration and poor landings.
Fix it: Go back to basics. Revisit jumps, landings, and downwind board control first. Need help? Check out our kiteboarding tips and tricks blog for foundational guides.

 

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How Heli Loops Improve Your Kiteboarding Control

While heli loops may seem like a niche move, they’re actually a powerful tool for building better kite control, landing precision, and aerial awareness—especially if you're riding in light to moderate conditions like those found in Tampa Bay or Fort De Soto.

Here’s how adding heli loops to your sessions will elevate your riding beyond the trick itself:

1. Better Control in the Air

Executing a heli loop teaches you to manage your kite’s position throughout a jump—especially when you're off the water. This gives you more confidence and control in variable wind conditions, or when attempting new tricks that require longer hang time.

2. Softer, More Stable Landings

By using the pause at 12 o’clock and looping above your head, you reduce forward momentum and descend more vertically. This means softer landings with less chance of catching an edge or over-rotating—especially useful in shallow water zones.

3. Improved Timing and Bar Input

Heli loops demand precise kite steering without over-pulling. This kind of finesse transfers directly into other areas of riding, from transitions and backrolls to jump-to-toeside tricks and hooked-in rotations.

4. Builds a Foundation for Advanced Loops

Once you’ve dialed in heli loops, you're better prepared for more aggressive loop variations like late loops, kite loop board-offs, and even megaloops—with safer technique and more kite intuition.

Looking to level up other aspects of your control and jump strategy? You might also like:
How to Land Jumps and Transition Better in Kiteboarding

 

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What Skills Should You Master Before Trying Heli Loops?

Heli loops are a smart progression move—but only if you’ve built the right foundation. Attempting one too early can lead to frustration or injury. So how do you know when you’re ready?

Here’s a simple checklist of skills to have under your harness before launching into heli loops:

Confident Upwind Riding

You should be able to hold your edge, steer smoothly, and maintain line tension across a range of wind strengths. This is non-negotiable—no trick progression without it.

Basic Jumps and Controlled Landings

If you’re already boosting and landing consistently, you’re halfway there. Aim for controlled jumps in the 10–15 ft range before layering in heli loop movements.

Comfortable Moving the Kite While Airborne

Heli loops require kite redirection at the apex of your jump, so practice small mid-air kite movements during basic jumps to build confidence.

Bar Control and Kite Awareness

Understand how small bar inputs affect the kite’s position—especially when transitioning from 2 o’clock to 12. Looping the kite should be purposeful, not panicked.

Understanding of Wind Window

You should know how your kite behaves in different zones (e.g., low vs. high, side vs. center) and how to manage power during a loop attempt.

If you’re missing a few of these, don’t sweat it. Our kiteboarding tips and tricks blog offers deep dives into each foundational skill—and our coaching team can help fill in the gaps.

Want to learn faster and safer? Our local lessons in Tampa Bay and St. Pete give you hands-on heli loop coaching in the most rider-friendly waters around.

 

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Where to Learn Kiteboarding Heli Loops Safely (Tampa & Beyond)

Mastering the heli loop isn’t just about technique—it’s about choosing the right environment and getting expert guidance when it counts. Fortunately, riders in the Tampa Bay area have access to some of the best progression spots in Florida.

Why Tampa Bay Is Ideal for Learning Heli Loops:

• Flat water conditions at Fort De Soto and Treasure Island give riders a stable surface for clean landings.
  

• Consistent wind through spring and fall offers reliable sessions without overpowering gusts.
  

• Shallow water zones reduce risk during first attempts—and make it easier to reset and try again.

Get Pro Coaching at Elite Watersports

Our team at Elite Watersports has helped hundreds of riders progress from basic jumps to heli loops and beyond. Whether you're just starting with loops or looking to refine timing and altitude control, we offer:

• Personalized one-on-one lessons
  

• Real-time feedback and video coaching
  

• Gear tuned specifically for your progression
  

• Local insight into wind patterns and safe zones

Ready to Learn the Heli Loop?

Whether you’re looking to float your landings, refine your aerial control, or take the next big step in your kiteboarding progression, the heli loop is a foundational skill you’ll come back to again and again.

But like every great kite trick—it’s all about how you learn it.

If you’re ready to master the heli loop with confidence and safety:

Book a lesson with Elite Watersports and get hands-on coaching in Tampa Bay’s best training spots.

Prefer to go at your own pace? Explore our full kiteboarding tutorials and skill-building guides.

Your next level is just one good loop away.

 

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FAQ: Heli Loops in Kiteboarding

Do I need to know how to kiteloop before trying a heli loop?

No. In fact, heli loops are often learned before powered kiteloops. Because the kite loops directly above your head rather than in front of you, they’re less aggressive and safer for riders with basic jump and kite control skills.

What wind speed is best for practicing heli loops?

Aim for steady, moderate wind in the 16–22 knot range. Light wind won’t give you enough lift, and gusty or overpowered conditions can throw off your kite positioning. Flatwater spots like Fort De Soto are ideal.

Should I use a trainer kite for learning heli loops?

Not necessary. Heli loops should be practiced on your regular kiteboarding setup once you’re confident with jumps and kite steering. A trainer kite won’t simulate the altitude or bar pressure required.

How high should I jump before attempting a heli loop?

You don’t need extreme height to start—10 to 15 feet is enough. The key is not how high you go, but how well you can control the kite through the 11 → 12 → loop sequence.