The Wind Window

The WInd window is something that all kiters understand and master. If you are a beginner, spend some time to understand it and have it really clear since this is the theory for all that is going to happen in the next lessons.

Some students do not pay special attention to this part, since they think it is theoretical and boring. This is a huge mistake because if they do not have this super clear the will do mistakes once they have a real kite in their hands.

To make it simple:

• what is the wind window? the wind window is the space where your kite moves.
• What is this area? this zone is a 3D space, that is a quarter of a sphere.

Lets see it in the following drawing:

• What is the green area? the green area is called the edge of the window and is where the kite generates less power. In other words, if your kite is placed on this area you will feel less pull from it.
• What is the most powerful area then? It is the one placed right in front of you, it is called the power zone:

• What is where the kite lines meet? that is supposed to be you, or the rider.
• Can I place my kite out of the wind window? No, if you manage to do it the kite will fall off.
• Where is the wind window pointing to, oriented? That will depend on the wind direction, so once you get to the beach find out the wind direction, and after that imagine in your head what would be the wind window.

An another way to explain it:

In the power zone, the kite is more directly in contact with wind. At the edge, the wind “sees” only the semi-circular arc shape, and produces minimal pressure changes over the kite so the power is kept at bay. In the power zone, the kite’s wind profile is larger and pressure changes are more extreme, causing the kite to generate enough power to easily lift you off the ground, or drag you across a field. It is very important to first get lessons, or use a trainer kite (which is very small and generates minimal power in the middle of the power zone) to get used to the forces of the wind on the kite before going out with a kite that can generate enough power to lift you off the ground.

In CostaKite we will teach you all this things efficiently so that you get the most out of your kite course!!

Come and learn with us in Costa Rica!! Kiteboarding is our passion!!