Reversed Leash!

Bad One-Handed Launch Grip!

This grip is unsuitable for one-handed launching in gusty or strong winds. This is a common mistake and can easily cause you to loose control of the kite during the launch. If you hold the end of the bar with one hand and the kite powers up, it will steer towards the side you are holding. This position offers no leverage to steer the kite back down. This often results in the kite rainbowing across the wind window, lofting the rider unexpectedly. You might get away with this in light wind with a big heavy kite, but not in strong wind. Also if you fall over during the launch you might pull the bar, or steer the kite into a power-loop!

Good One-Handed Launch Grip!

This grip is the best for one-handed launching in gusty or strong winds. This is safest way to maintain control of the kite during the launch. If you hold the middle of the bar with one hand and the kite powers up, it will not steer to one side. This position offers the best leverage to steer the kite back down. This prevents the kite rainbowing across the wind window. This position works in any wind with any kite, maybe offsetting slightly for heavy kites in light wind to offset the weight of the kite pulling down. Also if you fall over during the launch you might pull the bar, but you will not steer the kite accidentally!

Advanced One-Handed Riding Grip!

This grip is good for advanced riders using small kites in strong wind. The trim line passes between the index finger and the other fingers. It positions the hand very close to the center of the bar which has neutral steering. The bar is usually held with the upper (or back) hand because it gives a slight upward pressure on the bar, to counteract the downward force of gravity on the kite. This position is also used when doing small one handed wake style tricks, or riding unhooked & one-handed (advanced riders only).

Good Two-Handed Launch Grip!

This grip is the best two-handed grip for launching in gusty or strong winds. This is safest way to maintain control of a small kite during the launch. If you hold the middle of the bar with two hands you will avoid over-steering the kite. This position offers the most versatility, in case you need to take one hand off the bar to trim the kite or, pick up the board. This position works in any wind with any kite, maybe slightly wider grip for heavy kites or light wind. Also a great grip for riding in strong winds with the kite parked in one position.

The 3/4 Two-Handed Grip!

This moderate grip position is the best all round two-handed grip for riding in average conditions.  This position is also the best for turning and power-stroking the kite too.  Anytime you need to work the bar to sine the kite,  the 3/4 position is best.  Note how the hands are placed equal distance from the center.  This is also the position that intermediate rider should be attempting.  It has good leverage, without straining the arms.

The Wide Two-Handed Grip!

This wide grip position is good for beginners and for big kites in light wind. Big kites turn slower, need more control input, and require more leverage than other kites.  This position gives you the most leverage for powerstroking a big kite.  Beginners usually start in this position to train their muscles to work the arms independently, alternating pushing and pulling the bar.  If you need to let go of the bar, you must let go with both hands at the same time. If you need to release one hand, you should first bring your hands to the center of the bar.
(Note: Small people may not be able to do this position on a long bar without oversheeting the kite).

Crossed Grip!

This is a crossed grip, with the left hand on the right bar. There is no good reason to do this if you are in control of the kite. The only time you may want to do this is if you are losing control of the kite or if you only have one hand. We usually only see this done by poorly trained kiters, who don't know any better. It shows me they have a lack of technique and training. Crossing the grip like this in an emergency may cause you to get confused and pull when you meant to push causing an accident.

Underhand Grip!

This is an underhand grip, and it just looks plain goofy. Do not do this during launching. I would not recommend this to any student of any level because it confuses the muscle memory. There is no good reason to hold the bar this way. The only time you may want to do this is if you are trying to rest your muscles while riding. We usually only see this done by poorly trained kiters, or show offs. It shows me they have bad technique and no proper training.

Accidental Unhooking!

This is the chicken loop about to unhook. If you pull the bar too hard during light wind or when launching, the chicken loop can become partially unhooked. It looks like it is hooked in, but it is only being held in place by the chicken bone. When there is enough load on the kite, the chicken loop suddenly comes out and the rider usually loses control of the kite. We often only see this happen in light wind, when the rider oversheets the bar, or when the kite is trimmed too much. To avoid this keep the bar away from your body by extending your arms, powering up the kite with the trim, and leaning your upper body forward while launching.

Accidental Unhooking!

This picture they forgot to use the chicken bone. The function of the chicken bone is to prevent accidental unhooking. If the rider looses tension on the trim loop (chicken loop) it may fall out of the harness hook and load up the rider. If the rider becomes unhooked unexpectedly they might crash the kite, or let go of the bar. if you do unhook accidentally, what you do next depends on your situation and skill level. If in doubt, about what to do when you become unhooked unexpectedly during a launch, then just let go of the bar and abort the launch. If you want to ride without a chicken bone, keep tension on the chicken loop, by powering the kite, and extending your arms.

Reversed Steering!

This picture there are four fatal flaws! You should be able to spot them. Harness upside down, no kite leash, no chicken bone, and the bar is upside down. This type of bar must be rigged red on the left (like most bars). If you hold a kite bar upside down your kite will have reversed steering. That means when you pull left the kite goes right and vice versa. This usually results in a bad launch, lofting and a hard crash onto hard ground, people have been seriously injured when reverse steering has occurred. If you do not rig your bar red on the left, you need to get some more lessons.