How to Progress Your Kiteloops with Down Loop Transitions

How to Progress Your Kiteloops with Down Loop Transitions

Ready to take your kiteloops to the next level? If you’ve already worked through the basics in review of our intro to kitelooping, you’re ready to explore down loops—one of the best ways to build confidence, smooth out transitions, and unlock more advanced riding.

This guide breaks down the core techniques for down loop transitions, covering how to stay in control, manage bar spin, and commit fully to the movement.

Whether you’re riding in Tampa Bay’s steady winds or preparing for your next session, these tips will help you loop with power, control, and style.

What is a Down Loop in Kiteboarding?

A down loop is a specific type of kite loop where the kite continues in the same direction as your riding path. Instead of changing directions like a standard kiteloop, the down loop keeps the kite moving forward, helping you maintain momentum through transitions or after a jump.

Down loops, also called forward loops, are an essential skill for progressing as a kiteboarder. They allow you to build confidence with power management, smooth out transitions, and unlock more advanced tricks.

Aaron explains:
“A down loop is all about flow. It’s the move that keeps you moving instead of fighting the kite.”

When Should You Start Practicing Down Loops?

Before you start practicing down loops, you need a solid foundation. If you haven’t mastered the skills from reviewing our intro to kitelooping, you’re not ready yet.

Make sure you can:

• Ride confidently with spun lines
  

• Perform clean heel-to-toe transitions
  

• Control the kite during basic loops

These are the building blocks. Once you’re solid on Part 1, you’re ready to progress to down loops.

How to Ride with Twisted Kite Lines

When you loop the kite, your lines will twist. This is normal—and learning to ride comfortably with spun lines is critical for down loops.

Aaron explains:
“Don’t panic when the bar’s spun. Find the color on the left—red or yellow—and know you’re still in control.”

The process is simple:

• Spin the bar and end with your color on the left.
  

• If you’re unsure, try spinning the bar one way—if it makes the tangle worse, reverse it.
  

• Or let go of the bar briefly—when under load, it often unspins itself.

Stay focused on kite control first, line untangling second.

How to Transition Using a Down Loop

A down loop transition is a powerful, flowing way to change direction while keeping speed. Here’s how to do it:

1. Start with a Smooth Heel-to-Toe Transition: Ride in comfortably, carve heel to toe, and shift your weight forward.
   

2. Board First, Kite Second: Focus on the board first—slide into the transition—then initiate the loop.
   

3. Pull the Trigger—Full Commitment: Once your board is turning, pull the back hand slightly up, then the front hand hard to initiate the loop.
   

4. Follow the Kite: If the kite pulls hard, point your board downwind and go with it.
   

5. Ride It Out: Don’t fight it—absorb the pull, then edge back once you regain control.

Aaron’s tip:
“If you think you’re going to crash, you will. Stay confident, stay committed.”

For more advanced tips, check out Elite’s kiteboarding tips and tricks.

Why Full Commitment Matters in Down Loop Transitions

Down loops work because of commitment. If you hesitate—half-pull the bar or second-guess the loop—you create a stall that leads to crashes or unexpected pulls.

Aaron emphasizes:
“Loops are all about commitment. You hesitate, you crash.”

Here’s why full commitment is critical:

• A strong, full pull creates a smooth, controlled loop.
  

• Half-pulls lead to wide, slow loops with unpredictable power.
  

• Mental hesitation turns into physical mistakes—stay focused and ride it out.

Confidence is key. Trust your training, pull with purpose, and follow through.

How to Loop Your Kite During a Transition

A down loop transition is all about timing and technique. Here’s how to do it right:

1. Lift the Kite Slightly
   Use your back hand to guide the kite higher—this keeps it in the power zone and ready for the loop.
   

2. Initiate the Loop with Your Front Hand
   Pull hard with your front hand to steer the kite down and across. The more deliberate the pull, the cleaner the loop.
   

3. Time the Pull with Your Carve
   Start the loop as you begin your heel-to-toe carve. Board and kite should move together.
   

4. Follow the Power
   If the kite pulls you hard, point your board downwind. Let the kite’s energy pull you through the transition.

Aaron’s advice:
“The kite moves first, then you go with it. Don’t try to fight the pull—use it to flow through the transition.”

What to Do If Your Kite Crashes During a Loop

Crashing happens—especially when you’re learning down loops. The key is to stay calm and recover.

Here’s how to handle it:

• Don’t Panic: Focus on control, not the mistake.
  

• Point Your Board Downwind: Let the board follow the pull. This helps you stay balanced and keeps the kite from diving uncontrollably.
  

• Recover the Kite: Let the lines tension back up and steer the kite gently back up.
  

• Reset and Try Again: A crash isn’t a failure—it’s part of learning.
  

Aaron’s reminder:
“If you crash, don’t brace for impact. Ride it out, stay loose, and recover.”

How to Use a Down Loop After Landing a Jump

Adding a down loop after a jump is a natural progression—and it smooths out your landings with flow and style.

Start small. As you approach the landing, pull a controlled down loop just before you touch down. This keeps the kite moving and prevents it from stalling at the edge of the window.

As you get comfortable, you can loop earlier, higher, and with more commitment.

Aaron explains:
“Once you’re confident with small down loops, start pulling them earlier in the air. You’ll feel the kite catch you on the way down—that’s when it clicks.”

It’s a building block for bigger, more powerful tricks.

Down Loop vs Transition Loop: What’s the Difference?

While both down loops and transition loops involve looping the kite, they serve different purposes:

• Down Loop: The kite loops forward in the same direction as your original travel. It’s used for maintaining speed and flow, especially after a jump or during a powered turn.
  

• Transition Loop: The kite loops across the window to change direction. It’s a more aggressive move that shifts your momentum from one tack to the other.

In short:

• Down loops keep you moving forward.
  

• Transition loops help you switch directions.

Understanding the difference helps you use the right tool for the right moment.

Pro Tips for Mastering Down Loops with Control

Down loops are about flow—but flow comes from control. Here’s how to build it:

• Lock Your Core: Engage your core muscles and stay compact. Don’t go loose or soft mid-loop.
  

• Bend Your Knees: Stay low for balance and shock absorption.
  

• Keep Your Shoulders Level: This helps maintain a steady carve through the transition.
  

• Point the Board Downwind: If you get pulled hard, follow the kite—don’t fight it.
  

• Commit Fully: Partial pulls cause crashes. Go all in.

Aaron’s tip:
“Don’t turn into a noodle. Be a rock—dense, compact, and in control.”

Want hands-on coaching to master your down loops? Book a kiteboarding lesson in Tampa Bay with Elite Watersports and get real-time feedback on your technique.

Where to Learn Advanced Kiteboarding in Tampa Bay

Progressing to advanced moves like down loops takes more than practice—it takes guidance, feedback, and safe conditions. That’s where Elite Watersports comes in.

Located in Tampa Bay, Elite Watersports offers:

• Expert coaching for intermediate and advanced riders
  

• Shallow water and steady winds for safe progression
  

• A community of stoked riders and instructors who help you level up faster

Ready to learn down loops, transition loops, and beyond? Book your kiteboarding lesson in Tampa Bay today.

For more progression tips, visit Elite’s kiteboarding tips and tricks blog. And don’t miss Part 3 in this series—coming soon, we’ll cover back loops to take your riding even higher.

Written by Ryan "Rygo" Goloversic:  

Rygo is a globally recognized kiteboarder, digital marketing expert and an advocate for wakestyle kiteboarding. An avid waterman, he's passionate and knowledgeable about all things watersports from wing foil to wake. When he's not writing articles, you can catch him competing on the KPLxGKA world tour or grinding it out in the gym.