I can keep up wind no problems in flat and choppy waters, but recently when the swell seems to be quite high I am being dragged down wind quite a lot. The problem seems to be when going over the swell I am doing unplanned jumps.

Apparently you are meant to dip the kite after going over the swell is this correct and is there more to consider?

you need to be out the back really. you don't have a hope in hell of staying upwind until well beyond the breaking zone cos the white water, breaking waves and rip current make it impossible. wait for any big sets to disappear then then bash out through the smaller waves as quick as you can. try and ollie over the smaller ones if you can, it helps keep the board speed up.

once out back it's all about keeping the board in contact with the water.

dipping the kite just as you go over the top of the wave helps stop the 'ground disappearing from under my feet' effect. the other thing is to bend your knees before the peak of the wave like suspension and then stretch them again on the other side.

try and ride as fast as you can as this keeps up the apparent wind in the kite, helping you to dig in the back of the board to track up wind.

Also...when heading back towards the beach try and position yourself in the dip between two waves as the water tends to be flatter so easier to track up wind.

Instead of coming right into the beach turn a bit further out so you don't have to keep punching out against the breaking waves.

If I think that I am going to get launched off a wave I try to carve hard upwind as I get to the top this kills your speed so you don't go flying. Let the kite drift to the top of the window and as you reach the top of the wave bring it back down into the power to get your speed up again for the next one!

Some top tips there fellas. Thanks

Keep your kite low, edge hard so you dont build up too much speed. Its tough in an onshore getting out if the waves are big, no matter what you try.

jump da big beasty's best thing about it!