Kiteboarding Magazine

Kristin
2010-06-04 09:36:32 | 6102 views | 2 Comments

Being grilled by curious onlookers is a hallmark of being a kiter. If you haven’t already, you’ll likely be asked what all the kite, bar and board do exactly and how you get around on the water with it. Since you’re reading Intro to Kiteboarding, chances are you probably have some questions yourself. Unlike the constant pull of a boat, the primary source of power for a kiter is the wind. Given the wind’s dynamic nature, getting a steady pull from the kite can take some work. Adapting to the conditions at hand is essential and requires solid kite-flying skills as well as knowing how to utilize the full range of a kite’s performance. Kiteboarding is like driving a stick-shift car, so if you haven’t been properly schooled, you better not get on the freeway!

With the recent advances in kite technology, dealing with fluctuating wind speeds and learning the basics is easier than ever before – plus, it’s a ton safer. However, it still requires lessons and continued practice.

Before too long you’ll know how to manage the power of the kite through actively flying the kite, edging and board placement techniques and by changing the “angle of attack” of the kite by using the various power-adjustment systems. Once you have power management down, you’ll be well on your way to tacking back and forth to work your way upwind.

Before getting to that point, though, you’ll need to know all of the safety stuff. While kiteboarding is quite different than skydiving, they are similar when it comes to safety. Both sports involve multiple safety systems and knowing how and when to use them. With lessons, you’ll avoid learning safety lessons the hard and dangerous way.

Kiteboarding is also quite similar to wakeboarding, only instead of someone else controlling the boat, it’s like having a boat in the sky – and you’re in charge. Should the kite crash into the water, fortunately, it will float and can be relaunched. On the other hand, there are scenarios when relaunching is not possible, so knowing how to pack up your gear safely and get to shore (self-rescue) is key.

While learning all this and more may seem like a lot, by spending time with a certified instructor, you’ll not only become self-sufficient on the water, you’ll be able to give savvy answers when you’re asked “What is kiteboarding?”