Riding unhooked is a challenging method of riding which will allow you to try a whole range of wakeboard inspired tricks. Before you even start make sure that if you unhook you do not disable your leash system. If you do, you will need to use a handle pass leash.

Riding unhooked is something that takes good edging technique, strength and confidence. Before you unhook you need to first adjust the bar trim because you usually just allow the bar to pull away to depower when in gusts. Once you unhook, you immediately power the kite up to full power and remove all ability to depower using the trim loop.

Most people ride with about 40% depower ie the bar 40% away from full power. Try pulling in on the trim strap to account for this. If you have 10 inches of depower and you ride with 4 inches of depower when hooked in, you will need to trim the kite down by 4 inches to achieve the same effect.

Once you have de-powered the trim strap, unhook! Make sure you are downwind of all other riders as if you become overpowered, you will need to ride downwind to regain control. You will need to bring your kite down low to enable you to edge hard against the gusts. Expect less edging ability as the kite now pulls you from your shoulders (higher centre of gravity) and not from your waist which is at a lower centre of gravity.

Practice riding unhooked until you are comfortable riding both directions and can stay upwind on both tacks.