Kite Loops are being discussed slightly more often now adays, this article should hopefully clear up the definitions of the Kite Loop and its variations. It must be said however that this is a very dangerous trick and we at KiteATB.co.uk would not advise anyone to attempt one, in any conditions. This is just for reference purposes.

A lot of people are confused as to what the term: "Kite Loop" refers to. In a normal jump the kite is sent back to the zenith or further then brought forward (or 'redirected') in the direction of initial travel. In a transition it usually continues its path across the top of the window, bringing the boarder down travelling the opposite direction than they started in. In the rough definition a Kite loop is when the kite is flown around in a reasonable circle shape, until it is spun so that it is facing towards the zenith before the boarder lands.

For those who want a deeper explanation as to the different types here are the following definitions as we see it:

Kite Spin: This is when during a jump the boarder turns the kite above them (at the zenith), not lowering it down into the window much at all.

Downturn: This is when the boarder does a jump and just before/as/after the landing takes place he/she downturns the kite under itself (this therefore is not really a kiteloop in the true essence of the term).

Kite Loop: This is when the kite is flown around in a circle similar to that of the Kite Spin, but is flown lower down in the window, however not below the boarder him/herself.

Downloop: This is when the kite is flown around in a circle similar to that of the Kite Spin, but is flown lower down in the window, specifically below the boarder him/herself (ie the kite is lower than the boarder)

This can be expanded further in a number of ways, for example continuing the kites path back the way over the zenith and under in a Kite Loop of some kind is likely to be easier as the kite has less distance to cover before it has done the full turn. Whereas if the kite is redirected forward and under it has slightly longer and will be traveling slightly slower around its loop because it has likely lost speed in the initial redirection.

Chris Caltrop (Pro kitesurfer) classifies them slightly deeper as well as Powered and Non-Powered Kite Loops. For example a Powered Kite Loop would be done with a fixed bridle kite. This would be harder as there are more horizontal forces acting on the boarder during the loop than a De-Powered Kite Loop during which the boarder could de-power kite during the point where most horizontal forces occur.

Once again on a final note: This is an extremely dangerous trick and breaks bones when Kitesurfers try them on water, imagine what it could do on land, if this doesn't put you off, consider that one of the Top UK KiteATB'ers who tried them is finally getting back into the sport after being out of it for about a year with a broken back after his kite Down Looped during an accident involving a bar end catching on his harness while mid jump.

This entry was posted on Sunday, August 20th, 2006 at 8:40 pm and is filed under Articles. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.