When you’re kitesurfing in Canada, whether you’re shredding the waves on Lake Ontario near Toronto or catching the wind at Nitinat Lake on Vancouver Island, mastering paddling and positioning is key to a safe and fun session. Kitesurfing combines the thrill of surfing with the power of a kite, but if you don’t get your paddling and positioning dialled in, you’ll be fighting the wind and waves instead of riding them. Here’s a quick guide to help you paddle and position yourself like a pro, with some Canadian flair to boot, eh?

Paddling Out – Build Strength and Stay in Control

Paddling out in kitesurfing isn’t just about getting past the break – it’s about setting yourself up for success. In Canada, where the water can be chilly and the wind gusty (especially at spots like Squamish Spit in B.C.), you’ll need to paddle efficiently to save energy for your ride. Start by lying flat on your board, keeping your chest centred to maintain balance. Use long, steady strokes with both arms, alternating sides to keep your board tracking straight. If you’re at a spot like Nitinat Lake, where the wind can be strong and steady, you might only need a few strokes before your kite starts pulling you – but don’t let that fool you. Paddling builds the upper body strength you’ll need to handle your kite when the wind picks up.

Pro Tip: If the wind’s coming onshore, like it often does at Lake Ontario’s Cherry Beach, angle your board slightly into the wind while paddling to avoid getting pushed back to shore. And if the waves are crashing, time your paddle-out between sets – watch for a lull, then go for it, eh?

Positioning with Your Kite – Find the Sweet Spot

Once you’re past the break, positioning is everything in kitesurfing. Your kite is your engine, and where you place it in the wind window determines how much power you’ve got and where you’re headed. In Canada, where wind conditions can change fast (think gusts off the Atlantic in Nova Scotia’s Lawrencetown Beach), you need to be on point with your kite positioning. Start by keeping your kite at 45 degrees in the wind window – that’s about 10 or 2 o’clock if you’re looking up. This gives you enough pull to get moving without overpowering you.

When you’re ready to stand up, paddle a few strokes to get some speed, then slowly bring your kite down to 9 or 3 o’clock (depending on your direction) to generate lift. As you pop up, keep your weight low and your front foot centred on the board – this helps you stay balanced, especially in choppy waters like those at Lake Huron’s Kincardine Beach. If the wind’s light, like it can be on a summer day at Wasaga Beach, you might need to work your kite more aggressively, moving it in a sine wave pattern (up and down) to generate extra power.

Pro Tip: Always keep an eye on your surroundings. In Canada, you might be sharing the water with kayakers or even the odd seal – give them space, eh? And if you’re at a busy spot like Squamish, stay upwind of other kiters to avoid tangling lines.

Adjusting for Canadian Conditions

Kitesurfing in Canada means dealing with cold water and variable winds, so your paddling and positioning need to adapt. If you’re at Nitinat Lake, where the wind blows consistently from the west, position yourself upwind of your launch spot so you can easily drift back if something goes wrong. In contrast, at spots like Lawrencetown Beach, where the swell can be bigger, you’ll need to paddle harder to get past the break, and you might want to position your kite a bit higher (around 11 or 1 o’clock) to avoid getting dragged by a gust.

Wearing the right gear helps, too. A thick wetsuit (5/4 mm or more) keeps you warm in Canada’s chilly waters, but it can make paddling tougher – focus on smooth, controlled strokes to avoid tiring out. And don’t forget a toque-style neoprene cap to keep your head warm – it’ll make those long sessions in the Atlantic or Pacific way more comfortable, eh?

Final Thoughts

Paddling and positioning are the foundation of a solid kitesurfing session, especially in Canada’s wild and windy spots. Whether you’re launching from the shores of Lake Ontario or the rugged beaches of Vancouver Island, take the time to paddle out smart and position your kite for maximum control. With a bit of practice, you’ll be carving the waves like a true Canuck kitesurfer – just don’t forget to grab a double-double from Timmy’s after your session to warm up, eh?