The entire area where a kite can move is called the wind window. The wind window has the shape of a quarter cube and its size is defined by the length of the kite’s lines.
Wind window edge
ls the upwind edge of the wind window, i.e. the maximum position the kite can fly towards the wind.
Kite positions
The possible positions ofa kite along the wind window edge are described sing the numbers on a dial of a watch.
The kite at 12 o’clock, directly above the pilot, is also called the zenith.
Soft zone
ls located directly downwind of the wind window edge. In this area, the kite is well controllable, easy to steer and creates moderate power.
Power zone
If the kite is steered deeper into the wind window, it moves in the power zone. With higher speeds, the kite can create a lot ot force directed downwind in this zone.
Static/dynamic wind window
The wind window has to be seen from two different perspectives. Static, when the pilot (or kitesurfer) is not moving and stays at a certain position, and dynamic, when the kitesurfer is moving and the apparent wind influences the wind window’s size and position.
IMPORTANT: The wind Window is following the kitesurfer. The Kitesurfer is the center of the wind window. If the Kitesurfer changes position, the wind window change position too
Directions
There are terms for certain possible directions a kiteboarder can ride in relation to the wind.
Upwind
Heading towards the wind at an angle.
Across the wind
Heading 90 degrees to the wind
direction.
Downwind/broad reach
Heading at an angle with the wind.
Running downwind
Straight with the wind
Beating/no-go zone
No sailing vessel or Kitesurfer can move directly upwind. Therefore, to move to a target directly upwind, a kiteboarder has to zigzag to indirectly reach that target.