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The easiest type of jibe is called a "top turn" because the kites goes through the top of the wind window.

Top turns are easy because most kites, have low power on the top edge.

learning it

For a port to starboard top turn:
  1. Apply right hand to your kite so that it begins to climb. Aim for a big smooth clockwise loop, that will naturally level at the top of the wind.
  2. As the kite gets to the top of the wind, turn the buggy to the right. Keep turning until you have completed 180 degrees. It is a good idea to have picked a landmark (e.g. a distant building) before your jibe, so that you don't get disorientated.
  3. As the buggy is pointing in the new direction, the kite should have completed its climb and be beginning its descent on the right edge. Ideally this movement should all be part of the same smooth loop that you started in step 1. Use the dive to accelerate out of the turn.
  4. Level out the kite when the turn is complete.

when to use it

A top turn is most people preferred jibe most of the time.

perfecting it

prevent over-steer

If you are going fast, the buggy will skid, often over-steering so that it ends facing up wind. If this happens, the kite is likely to power up behind your back. Avoided this by keeping the front wheel pointing towards the kite until you regain control. If you do this everything should sort itself out.

jibing on a mark

Once you have mastered a basic jibe, try aiming to jibe around a point (e.g. some seaweed). Looking at your tracks will show you how wide your turn was. Knowing this shows what you can do (e.g. whether you can jibe on a narrow sand bar without going into the sea). It is also good practice for taking an efficient line in a race.

getting lofted?

If you have a high efficiency kite that lifts you out of the buggy on a top turn, I suggest you use a normal kite, or at least keep to lighter winds before you can do a flat turn.