An Introduction to Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is a relatively new and exiting energetic watersport. It could be described as a hybrid sport combining power kiting, windsurfing and wakeboarding. Kitesurfers ride across the water on a kiteboard, while being hooked via a harness onto the kitesurfing kite. The common objectives of kitesurfing can be either wave riding or jumping and tricks. Many kitesurfers enjoy also just cruising on the water. Kitesurfing is amongst the fastest growing sports in the world. You will often hear people say how addictive they find it. Also the sport has the reputation of being for the young and crazy crowd, you find surprising numbers of older people at the beaches enjoying this sport.

KItesurf Equipment Explained

The basic equipment you need is, a power or traction kite, a control bar, a kiteboard, and a harness. A helmet is recommended, especially for beginners.

The Board: When selecting a kiteboard, take your skill level into account, find out the wind speed at your kitesurfing destination and consider your body weight. If you're a beginner, you need a bigger board. The bigger the board, the easier it will be for you. A large board will allow you to use a smaller and more manageable kite. It'll also stay afloat longer if you make a mistake or lose kite power. Additionally, bigger boards can stay afloat in lower winds and will help you to learn to go upwind more easily.
As you advance, you can use a smaller board, which will enable you to harness more kite power to jump and perform tricks. In general, boards for advanced kitesurfers feature concave bottoms and step tips, which will help you to ride with more power. Kiteboards have sandal-like pads and straps that will help you remain stable and comfortable.

The Control Bar: The control bar is attached to the four lines that lead to your kite. The bar is hooked to your harness. By pulling on the left or right end of the bar you pull the attached back line and steer the kite left or right. By pulling the bar towards you, you pull both back lines of your kite and catch more wind, which results in more power. The bar has for safety reasons a quick release system, which allows you to disconnect from your kite quickly in case of an emergency. You will be still connected to the kite by a safety leash hooked onto your harness, which allows you to retrieve the kite.

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