How to Kiteboard

Presented by the BVI Kite Jam


Kiteboarding is about so much more than boosting 40-foot jumps to the moon, riding barreling overhead waves and stomping überpowered wake-style tricks. Kiteboarding is about more than being part of an incredible community that no other sport offers or harmonizing with the tranquility of nature or powering your way up a powder-covered hill and boosting airs all the way down. There is only one way to come to know what kiteboarding is all about: You have to experience it yourself. Sure, learning how to kiteboard can be challenging (although its way easier than windsurfing), and you’ll pay some dues along the way, but with professional kiteboard lessons from the outset and a few days on the water, you’ll master the basics in no time. And once you reach that point, you’ll be ready to explore the numerous, exciting avenues of kiteboarding. Who knows, it may not be too long before you find yourself cruising across the turquoise waters of a remote group of islands or swapping stories with your kiteboarding buddies after an epic session. The articles in this beginner kiteboarding guide contain valuable information, but this guide should not replace kiteboard lessons. Learning how to kiteboard in a safe, fun and nonfrustrating manner requires kiteboard instruction from a certified professional. Learning how to kiteboard on your own is a very unwise path, as you are likely to get hurt or hurt someone else. Learning how to kiteboard from your friend who kiteboards will not cut it either. Just because he or she knows how to kiteboard does not mean you will be taught without putting yourself and others at risk. Unless your friend is a certified kiteboard instructor, you will not learn everything you need to know. So please seek the proper knowledge you need to get into the sport in a safe and fun fashion: Take a kiteboard lesson from a school. In this beginner kiteboarding guide, you’ll learn everything about how to kiteboard — from finding the best beginner kiteboard and beginner kiteboarding kite to kiteboard lessons, schools, shops and what you can do to get ahead. Hopefully, it won’t be long before you experience what the passion and wonder of kiteboarding is all about.

	What is Kiteboarding?
	If you haven’t already, you’ll likely be asked what all the kite, bar and kiteboard do exactly and how you get around on the water with it. Since you’re reading this beginner kiteboarding guide, chances are you probably have some questions yourself.
	The Gear to Get You Going
	Here’s the scoop on all the kiteboarding gear you need to get started — from the best beginner kiteboard and trainer kiteboarding kites to the harness, bar, lines and life jacket. Find out what exactly what kiteboarding gear you need to learn how to kiteboard.
	Becoming a Kiteboarder
	Becoming a kiteboarder is simple: Take kiteboard lessons, get kiteboarding gear and practice, practice, practice. In this kiteboard how to, learn why getting the proper kiteboarding instruction, kiteboarding gear and practice will make you a better and safer kiteboarder.
	Set Your Kiteboard Foundation
	Learning how to kiteboard takes time. First you need to build foundational skills. In this kiteboard how to, learn how a 2- to 3-meter training kite can help you master nearly every concept of flying that is used in kiteboarding.
	Lesson Complete, Now What?
	Kiteboard lessons are the only way to learn how to kiteboard, because there’s no substitute for qualified kiteboarding instruction. But what do you do after that first kiteboard lesson? The answer depends on your budget.
	Kiteboarding Safety
	One of the most important topics covered when learning how to kiteboard is kiter safety and responsibility. What matters is coming back to the beach in one piece without offending or injuring others in the process. Here’s how to keep you and other kiters safe.
	Riding Styles Revealed
	Once you learn how to kiteboard, there are myriad kiteboarding styles to explore. In fact, once you’ve mastered how to kiteboard, you can do it on just about any surface. In this kiteboard how to, find the style that suits you best.
	Kite Styles Defined
	With kite technology evolving each and every year, kiteboarding kites are constantly getting safer and more user-friendly as well as more high-performance. Find out about the numerous kiteboarding kite styles and each one’s unique characteristics in this kiteboard how to.
	Kiteboard Styles Defined
	Kiteboards come in all styles and sizes, and the spectrum of boards offers something for everyone. In the kiteboard how to, we explain the five types of boards to choose from, including which type is the best beginner kiteboard.
	Kiteboarding Gear Anatomy
	Know your kite’s leading edge from its trailing edge? Or where your secondary quick release is located? In this kiteboard how to, we identify every little piece of every type of kiteboarding gear you’ll need.
	The Cost of Kiteboarding
	Here’s what you can expect to pay when learning how to kiteboard, including the price of kiteboard lessons and the cost of all your kiteboarding gear. Plus, we offer you tips on how to save some money and avoid unsafe kiteboarding gear.
	Weather Forecasting
	Even though weather reports give you predictions and current wind conditions, observing the conditions firsthand is tremendously useful. In this kiteboard how to, you’ll learn a few things that will help you forecast and read the weather, wherever you may be.