KITOONS - Kitesurfing Introduction - Kiteboarding ABC - Kitesurf Wiki - Kitesurf 101

Harness: The harness attaches to the control bar with a chicken loop. The harness allows the surfer to do tricks and jumps while being still connected to the kite. While waist harnesses are more popular among advanced kitesurfers, seat harnesses give beginners more protection and comfort. The harness distributes the force of the kite on your body.

The Power Kite

You need a power kite for kitesurfing, which can generate pull when flying. When you buy a kite, you should take the following factors into consideration:

Relaunch – How easily will the kite re-launch from the water?
Performance -- How well will you be able to jump and sail upwind?
Wind Range – Does the kite have a big wind range?
Power Control - Does it offer full de-power?

There are different types like inflatable C-shapes or bow kites and foil kites on the market. You have to find the right kite size suitable to the wind conditions, your skills and your weight. Kite sizes vary approx. between 5.0 sqm and 16.0 sqm. To find out what is right for you, you should consult a kitesurf teacher, an advanced kitesurfer or experienced sales staff.

How does Kitesurfing work?

In order to increase or decrease your kitesurfing speed, you have to change the position of the kite in the wind window. The wind window describes all the possible positions your kite can take. When the kite is overhead, it's in a neutral position or at the zenith of the wind window and not providing any pulling force. When the kite is positioned towards the water in front of the body, an area called the power zone, the wind catches the kite and pulling force is created. In order to create an initial surge of power, the kite is steered fast from a position near the zenith into the power zone. The rider is pulled out of the water. By flying the kite back to the zenith and dropping it back into the power zone the kitesurfer gains speed. Once a certain speed is achieved the kite can be stabilized in the power zone and the rider cruises pulled behind the kite across the sea. In order to keep the position relative to the beach the kitesurfer edges with the board in such a way that he rides perpendicular to the wind. This is an essential kitesurfing skill, so that the rider can kite on the same spot all day, rather than going downwind and walking back along the beach. In general, a wind speed of 14 to 20 knots is ideal for a beginner to practice.