Learning how to strapless jibe (gybe) when you are riding a surf board is one of the basics you need to know if you want to feel comfortable and be ready to go surfing in the waves.
It is this kind of essential trick that you MUST master to make the most of your strapless sessions.
So just for you we have grabbed the strapless queen Kari Schibevaag who is here to teach you 4 different strapless jibe (gybe) techniques to turn you into a strapless addict just like her.
Basic Jibe and Turn
Start by flying the kite higher and slow down a bit.
Bring your back foot to the middle of the board and then closer and closer to the front foot. You will now be riding with both feet side by side which is an unstable position.
Transfer your weight to the foot you brought forward, then take the other foot and swing it back.
Get back to a comfortable riding position with both feet . You are now riding toe side.
To turn you start with the kite. Turn the kite in the direction of the turn, then carve the board around so you are ending up riding heel- side again. Turn the kite and then the board.
Keep your stance and fly the kite into the power zone to get some speed again.
You can progress this move by doing a down loop with your kite instead of passing it overhead, just make sure it is on the edge of the window and you bring the kite straight back up again whilst going a bit more downwind to absorb the extra power generated.
Basic Turn and Jibe
Turn your kite in the direction of the turn, then carve the board around, changing your stance form heel-side to toe-side. Remember turn the kite first and then the board.
While riding toe-side, bring you rear foot forward and position it close to the front foot. You are now riding with both feet side by side, which is an unstable position.
Transfer you weight to the foot you just brought forward, then take the other foot and swing it back. Place it where you feel stable in a comfortable riding position.
Adjust your stance and fly the kite in the new direction to generate power and get going on your new tack.
Advanced Jibe
Start with flying the kite higher and slow down.
Carve your board upwind. The tip of the board is turning upwind.
When you have the kite on the top of the window and feel a small lift up from the kite, kick the board around behind you with your front foot. Continue to steer the kite to the other side of the window slowly and (this flying makes you weightless for a short time and this is the time to do it) transfer your body position back the other way.
This is not a rotation, it is just a turning of the head and hips and a momentary release of your feet from the board.
When the tip of the board has changes to the otter directions try to place you front foot (the one that is closer to the tip now) on the board . Transfer also the weight to the front foot. At the same time also get the back foot on the board.
Fly the kite into power and adjust your stance to a comfortable riding position.
Remember this jibe needs to be done when the kite is on the top of the window and on its way to to the other side. This makes you weightless in the air and you have time to kick the board to the other direction. All has to be done fast but with no speed and calm, it is not a violent move.
Sitting Jibe
Start with flying the kite higher and slow down.
Bring your back foot to the middle of the board and then closer and closer to the front foot. You will now be riding with both feet side by side which is an unstable position.
Get lower and lower with you bum and sit down.
Turn your kite in the direction of the turn, then carve the board around
Put your kite up and pull the bar to get up again. Use the pull of the kite to get up.
Adjust your stance and fly the kite in the new direction to generate power and get on your new tack.
Written by Kari Schibevaag
Follow Kari on Facebook: Kari Schibevaag, Instagram: @karischibevaag & Official: Kariland.
