Kiteboarding - also known as kitesurfing or flysurfing is a relatively new sport that first gained popularity in the late 90's. Kiteboarding is a mixture between windsurfing, surfing and wakeboarding. Different size kites allows you to kiteboard in various wind strengths. The bigger the kite, the lighter the wind you can go in and vice versa. With bigger kites you can get going in as little as 10 knots, and with smaller kites you can still sail along in strong winds of 35 knots or more. Learning to Kiteboard Compared to windsurfing and surfing, kiteboarding is a relatively easy sport to learn. Most students are able to get up on their board after two or three lessons from a certified kiteboarding instructor, and with a bit of practice you can do your first jump in a few days. What sort of equipment do I need? You will need a kite, a control bar with lines, a board, and a harness. Just about all kites come standard with control bars. Optionally, you might need a wetsuit and a helmet. Most beginners wear helmets as an added safety measure. Wetsuits are needed in colder waters. How much does it cost? New kites can cost anything from $500 to $1700, depending on the size and brand. New boards typically cost anything from $500 to $800 Older stock can be bought for a lot cheaper and second hand gear can be picked up at bargain prices. As kiteboarding is still a relatively new sport with technology that is always improving it is a good idea to not buy kites older than one or two years, as you will find that learning on a newer kite is not only safer but also easier when compared to older kites with outdated technology and safety features. Should I take lessons? Kiteboarding is a safe sport only if you familiarize yourself with the safety aspects of the sport. Lessons are extremely important. It is important to note that kiteboarders can pose a danger to the public. Tensioned lines are razor sharp and can cause cuts to innocent bystanders. Lessons will jumpstart your learning process, and get you on the water quickly and safely. Conclusion The fact that kiteboarding is such a easy sport to learn, is exhilarating and allows you to have fun in anything from a breeze to near gale wind makes kiteboarding the perfect recreational activity. |
