Windsurfing Kitesurfing
Waterstart
Starting from the water by letting the rig pull you onto the board — no uphauling, no beach launch.
Also known as: water start
The waterstart is the rite-of-passage move that separates intermediate from advanced.
Windsurfing waterstart: float on your back, position the sail across the wind, let it lift, point the board across the wind, and let the sail’s pull yank you upright onto the board. No more lifting the heavy rig out of the water by hand.
Kite waterstart: with the board on your feet and the kite parked at 11 or 1 o’clock, dip the kite hard to 10/2, let it pull you out of the water, and edge up onto your board.
Both rely on:
- Enough wind to generate lift
- Correct kite/sail position relative to wind direction
- Body position low and committed (people who try to stand too early get pulled face-first)
Drill it in shallow water until it’s automatic. Then deep-water sessions become possible.