THE WIND WINDOW
The number one piece of information every kiteboarder must understand.
Facts on The Wind Window
Where the kite is flown is known as ‘The Wind Window’. The Wind Window is in the shape of a quartered sphere and is the length of your kite’s lines. The position of the kite within this Wind Window is equated to the position of numbers on a clock; 12 o’clock is the center-most point where your kite is directly overhead.
Wind Window Terminology
Wind Window Edge: The upwind edge which is the maximum distance your kite can be from you. The length of your kite lines determines this.
Soft Zone: The area directly below the Wind Window Edge. Within this area, the kite is highly controllable and easily steered, creating moderate power.
Power Zone: The deepest point of the Wind Window. From within this area, the highest speeds are captured by force, directed downwind.
Basic Wind Direction Terminology
Windward: The Upwind direction from a point of reference.
Leeward: The Downwind direction from a point of reference.
Gaining Ground: When a rider moves upwind from a point of reference.
Losing Ground: When a rider moved downwind from a point of reference.
Offshore: When the wind direction comes from the shore toward the water.
Side-shore: When the wind direction is parallel to the shoreline.
Onshore: When the wind direction is blowing straight toward the shoreline.
Side-Onshore and Side-Offshore: When the wind directions are other than the main directions.
Basic Nautical Terminology
All terms are as perceived by a rider facing forward/the front.
Port: The Left side of a vessel; indicated by the color Red.
Starboard: The Right side of a vessel; indicated by the color Green.
Port Tack: Used to describe the alignment of a vessel with the wind; Port Tack means, in kiteboarding terms, the rider’s left hand is forward.
Starboard Tack: Used to describe the alignment of a vessel with the wind; Starboard Tack means, in kiteboarding terms, the rider’s right hand, is pointed forward.
The same principles applied in sailing go for kiteboarding also.
Looking to practice working in The Wind Window? With a Trainer Kite, with short lines, you’ll have the perfect tool to start to familiarize yourself with how the kite moves within The Wind Window. Understanding this prior to your first lesson will be very beneficial.