Check Out the All New Intro to Kiteboarding!
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?"
TRAINER KITETrainer kites are generally between 2 and 3 square meters and come with a two-line bar and lines. The trainer kite could very well be the best training tool you have since it will teach the basics of steering left and right, flying figure-eight patterns and launching and landing before moving to the much larger kites used to pull you across the water.
KITEAs a kiteboarder's source of power, the kite plays a central role. With an air-filled frame, inflatable kites hold their shape and float on the water, making them easy to relaunch. Kite types include: bows/ SLEs, hybrids, C-kites and depowering C-kites. Foil kites are mostly used for snowkiting and kite skating.
BOARDBoard types include: twin-tip, wake-style, surfstyle and light-wind twin-tips. Generally, the twintip is the most common board to learn on and is used during most beginner lessons.
FOOT STRAPS/PADS OR BOOTSSecuring the rider's feet onto the board, foot straps or foot pads are one option, while boots (wakeboard bindings) is another.
HARNESSConnecting the rider's body to the kite, the harness allows the rider to hold the power of the kite and leverage his or her weight against it. Types include: waist harness, seat harness, impact-style and harness shorts.
BAR/LINESUsed to steer the kite, the control bar hooks into the harness and varies from 18 to 30 inches in length, depending on kite size. Incredibly strong, line lengths vary from 10 to 30 meters. Bar and line setups come in four-line and five-line configurations and all feature multiple safety systems.
SAFETY LEASHSpanning from the harness to the control bar, the safety leash enables you to kill all of the power in the kite when you let go of the bar. It also keeps the kite from getting away so you can relaunch when ready.
HELMETYou'll be glad you wore a helmet if you ever need it. If using a leash system on a board, a helmet is essential.
LIFE JACKETThe buoyancy and protection of a life jacket adds security so a kiteboarder can stay focused on riding. Some harnesses offer an integrated harness-flotation-impact solution.
WETSUIT/RASH GUARDTemperature and personal preference dictate a rider's attire. Sometimes shorts or a swimsuit are enough. Rash guards offer lightweight protection from the sun, while the spectrum of wetsuit styles and thicknesses can add other degrees of comfort.
1. INSTRUCTION
Even if you are amazing at other sports, you need to take kiteboarding lessons. Simply combine modern equipment with qualified instruction and kiteboarding becomes a very safe and easy sport. Starting out the right way will save you a lot of aggravation, you will progress as fast as possible and, most importantly, you will not put yourself and others at risk.
2. GEAR
You can't be a kiteboarder without the proper gear. First, you need a trainer kite and an instructional DVD. The trainer kite will give you the kite-flying skills to control your larger inflatable kite and the DVD will help you visualize the sport.
Once you complete your lessons you'll need kites. Modern kiteboarding gear has broadened the wind range and safety of the sport, so people of all weights and ages can kiteboard. Making the investment into a range of kites will increase your number of days on the water. With one kite you can kiteboard about 50 percent of the time there is wind. With two kites that percentage jumps to about 75 percent and with three kites you will be able to kiteboard in about 90 percent of conditions.
Your next crucial purchase is a board. Boards have taken the same developmental path as kites. Many people try to use a wakeboard or old surfoard to start out, but they become more of a hassle than a help. Modern board construction and design allow you to ride through chop and go upwind with ease.
3. PRACTICE
The biggest mistake people make when learning to kiteboard (once they've taken lessons) is they wait for the conditions to be a perfect 15 to 20 mph before they will practice. To become a kiteboarder you need to become a proficient kite flyer before you can begin riding behind the kite. By starting with a trainer kite and working up to flying your inflatable kite on a light-wind day, you will build the necessary kite-flying and rigging skill set. When the conditions are sideshore and steady, you can take your inflatable kite into the water if you have the necessary kite control to be safe.
The second step in the practice stage is working on board skills. Any board skills will translate to helping you become a kiteboarder, but the best will be practicing on an Indo Board and wakeboarding. The Indo Board will help you find your center of gravity and enhance you ability to stay balanced on a board. Wakeboarding will take your balance onto the water and give the feeling of edging against a power source.
Through every level of your learning curve you can always take more instruction, practice and choose the gear you want to kiteboard on. With these three steps and a little dedication, you will be a kiteboarder in no time.
Imagine you are learning how to snowboard and for your first run you are dropped off at the peak of the largest mountain in Alaska with no guide and no instruction. As you can imagine, it would be the ride of a lifetime – or possibly the first and last ride you ever take. This same concept applies when learning to kiteboard. While kiteboarding and snowboarding are not exactly the same, both sports are incredible activities and can have high risks, which makes it that much more important to take the proper steps when learning to ride. Your first step in getting into kiteboarding is to spend countless hours with a 2- to 3-meter trainer kite. With a trainer kite you can learn nearly every concept of flying used when kiteboarding. Key elements to practice include:
• Understanding proper landing and launching zones at the edge of your wind window.
• Flying figure-eight patterns in both sides of the wind window, which simulates your kite movement when riding.
• Simulating board starts by sitting down then standing up as you feel sufficient power from the kite.
• Holding the kite in neutral while putting your board on.
• Releasing the kite in case of an emergency.
If you're considering getting into kiteboarding, a safe purchase would be a small 2- to 3-meter trainer kite ($100-$250) and a harness ($75-$250). When you can fly the trainer kite in every area of the wind window, one-handed and even without looking, then you should consider yourself ready for your first lesson. With a great base for your instructor to work with, you will be a step ahead. Once you become a kiteboarder and your days of flying the trainer kite on the beach are over, you will find yourself still pulling it out on occasion to introduce your friends to the sport.
HOW TO SELF-LAUNCH A TRAINER KITE
After someone has shown you the basics of how to attach the kite lines and steer the kite, you are ready to practice on your own. Place the kite on the ground with the bridles face-up and the leading edge downwind. Place a small amount of sand along the trailing edge of the kite to secure it from blowing away. Unwind your lines while walking your bar upwind of the kite, then attach the lines to the bridles once your lines are untwisted. Once rigged, put your leash on, grab the bar and walk backward. As the kite's leading edge lifts it will fill with air and the sand will fall off of the trailing edge. Your kite should lift off and you can begin to fly.
You will never learn everything you need to know about kiteboarding in one day, as kiteboarding requires patience, persistence and dedication. Learning to harness Mother Nature, along with kite control and board skills, is difficult. In kiteboarding, you have to not only master each individually, you have to learn to combine them to all work together in harmony. It's not easy, but it can be very satisfying and incredibly addictive once all your skills come together.
Undoubtedly, lessons are the only way to learn, as there is no substitute for an education with a qualified instructor. After your initial lesson, continue working with your instructor in quality riding areas with proper chase boat support. You may have to travel a bit, but learning in the right conditions will efficiently progress your skills.
If your budget only provides for an initial lesson and gear purchase, your approach will be different. Your progression will depend on good decision-making once you complete your lesson. Choose a kite that offers ultimate depower and is no larger than 12 meters. The size you get will depend on your weight and riding location. Purchase a board with plenty of surface area for your size. If you are less than 150 pounds, look for a board in the 120 to 140 cm range; if you are over 150 pounds, 140 to 175 cm.
The next step is the most important: location, location, location. Look for a place to kite that's free of beachgoers and offers large, wide-open beaches; shallow, flat waters; and steady, consistent winds. Trying to learn in improper conditions will be difficult, dangerous and frustrating.
Chances are people in your area are already riding at beginner-friendly spots. Check online forums or local schools to locate these places.
Once you find the ideal place to ride, the key to success is commitment and good judgement. Just because you take all of your gear to the beach doesn't mean conditions will be kitable or that you have the proper gear for the conditions. Through being patient, making wise decisions and asking other kiters for help and advice, you will enjoy becoming a kiteboarder.
One of the most important topics covered when learning to kiteboard is kiter safety and responsibility. Regardless of what tricks you can pull or how radical you think you are, what matters is coming back to the beach in one piece while not offending or injuring others in the process.
Whether setting up your gear or riding in 10-foot surf, always think about what you need to do to keep yourself and others safe. Above all, respect the kite's power and what it can do – there's a reason you see guys jumping 30 feet high off dead-flat water. Most accidents happen when people fail to pay attention to what's around them. A moment's lapse in concentration is all it takes to turn a great day into a bad one. From the second you exit your car to the second you get back in it, keep your focus tacksharp. Before setting out, ask yourself these questions:
• Am I setting the kite up safely on the beach?
• Is there anything downwind that can cause trouble?
• Do I have enough room?
• How can I make this situation safer?
The final part of kiter responsibility is taking care of yourself on the water. When you launch off the beach, have a plan for getting back. Sitting on your board and expecting to be rescued by local authorities is not an option. Know your limits and kite accordingly, because getting back to the beach for tomorrow's session is what responsibility is all about.
AVOIDING MISTAKES
By Brad Lange, Seven Kiteboarding, Islamorada, Florida
Kiteboarding is a progression, and everyone learns differently, but several common mistakes trip up far too many beginners. Here are six tips to keep you kiting high:
| Never launch into the wind. Always launch from the edge of the wind window (9 or 3 o'clock). Launching with the kite directly downwind immediately powers the kite, which can cause serious injury. |
Quit yanking on the bar. Don't oversteer the kite. Stay focused, but relax and just try to correct the kite, especially when learning to body drag upwind and when putting the board on the first few times. |
Get power out of your power stroke. The first power strokes that a beginner makes tend to be too close to the edge of the wind window and not downwind enough. Start out in the correct position, know where your window is and do two solid power strokes in a row. |
| Be aware of your wind and ride lines. The wind line is the wind direction and the ride line is perpendicular to the wind line. When you start to lose perspective on these lines, you lose your bearings, making it much harder to learn. Keep those lines drawn in your head. |
Anticipate going too fast. Always err on the side of caution and keep your speed down by edging and turning upwind. |
Never let yourself get distracted. Keep an eye on your kite, especially while launching and landing, but even while riding |
Ever wonder what the difference is between kiteboarding and kitesurfing? Kitesurfing is essentially surfing with a kite, while kiteboarding is a more general term and also applies specifically to free-ride and wake styles. With the advent of high-depowering kites, the feeling of actually surfing a wave is now more possible than ever. Simply use the power of the kite to get yourself onto the wave, then depower the kite and ride with little or no pull from the kite. Do you like surfing, but don't enjoy all the paddling? If so, this riding style is for you. Board types include kitespecific wave boards with foot straps and actual surfoards.
RIDING STYLE: FREE-RIDESpanning back to the early days of kiteboarding, free-ride style put kiteboarding on the extreme sports map. Ranging from massive, gravity-defying airs to cruising scenic coastlines, who wouldn't want to try kiteboarding? The typical environment features flat water, chop, ocean or some combination thereof. A twin-tip board with foot straps is the board of choice.
RIDING STYLE: WAKE-STYLEWhile you shouldn't kiteboard with a wakeboard (they are horribly designed for it), all wakeboarding tricks translate directly over into kiteboarding. Without being constrained by the uniform tow of a boat, the possibilities are endless. Your kite can tow and lift you in any direction you choose. When sufficiently powered you can pop off the water with a Riding Styles Revealed simple edge to launch you into whatever sort of flip, roll, spin, mobe or combination you can imagine. Grabs are a big part of wake-style too. Twin-tip or wake-style board setups can be used. Either way, flat water, sliders or ramps (man-made or natural) are the preferred environments for this riding style.
RIDING STYLE: SNOWKITETired of paying for expensive lift tickets and waiting in long lines? Then break out your kite! (Although, not at a ski resort.) Not only can a kite tow you across frozen lakes, open fields or up mountainous terrain, but it can also launch you into ungodly hang time if you choose. Plus, you can bust out freestyle tricks, traverse great distances, descend hills and ride endless fluffy powder. Now, what ski resort has a lift like that? Strap into your snowboard or skis, put up your foil or inflatable kite and you're good to go.
RIDING STYLE: KITE SKATEGot a skateboard and a trainer kite sitting around? That's pretty much all you need to go kite skating. Standard skateboard, longboard, carve board, free board, ground board, flow board, etc. – they all work. A wide-open parking lot is the ideal environment, and riding without a harness and with pads and a helmet is highly recommended. Or, integrate some sliders, ramps, curbs or rails into the mix. You can also use a harness, cruise around and boost big air when kite ground boarding (KGB) on hard-packed dirt or sand.
Bow Kite/SLE KiteWith a flatter canopy than a C-kite and a highly contoured leading edge, bows/SLEs tend to be available as four-line kites featuring bridle systems. Regarded by many beginners as their kite of choice, they tend to be very user-friendly, they depower quite easily and they can be used in a wide wind range.
Hybrid KiteFalling somewhere between the C-kite and the bow/SLE, the hybrid is usually available as a five-line or five-line/ four-line convertible setup. Tending to combine the performance, feel and safety of C's and bows/SLEs, the hybrid is a synthesis of the two other kite styles.
C-KiteRegarded as the traditional style of kite, the C-kite comes in four- and five-line setups. With a "C"-shaped leading edge, these kites offer a sense of direct feel, deliver explosive pop and are optimal for freestyle and unhooked wake-style riding. With recent innovations in their design, C-kites offer depower capabilities similar to that of bows/SLEs and hybrids.
Foil and Trainer KitesFoil and trainer kites, also known as ram-air kites, offer an open-celled leading edge, which allows them to selfinflate once launched. Trainer kites offer a two-line bar and vary from 1 to 3 meters in size. Compared to the massive pull of a full-size foil kite, the trainer kite generates much less pull while providing an excellent and safe learning experience. Full-size foil kites range from 6 to 15 meters and are flown with a four-line bar with optional depower. These kites generate sufficient power for kiting on water, snow or land. The advantage of a foil, besides selfinflating, is how compact it can become for traveling.
Twin-tip BoardThe most universal of kiteboards, the twin-tip can be used for most all riding styles (free-ride, wake-style and surf). Symmetrical at both ends, the twin-tip looks a lot like a wakeboard and is best suited for free-ride and wake-style riding. By far the most commonly ridden board, the twin-tip's strong suit is freeriding. Twin-tips are ridden with foot pads and straps. If big air and/or wake-style tricks are what you're looking for, then the twin-tip is for you.
Light-wind Twin-tip BoardWhen the wind is too light, it's time to break out your light-wind secret weapon. Typically a bit longer than your average twin-tip, light-wind twin-tips tend to be much wider. Because of the board's unusual shape, they allow you to ride in very light winds when you might otherwise be sitting on the beach. This board can be a great bread-and-butter board for heavier riders.
Wake-style BoardA twin-tip at heart, the wake-style board differs from a twin-tip in how one's feet connect to the board. Instead of the foot-pad-and-strap setup of a twin-tip, a wake-style board utilizes bindings, also known as "boots." Offering enhanced support, security and cushion, bindings often restrict flexibility and are reserved for the die-hard wakeboard enthusiast. Not optimal for beginners, these boards are best suited for advanced wake-style riding.
Race BoardAlthough racecourses usually come full circle, when it comes to racing, it's all about how fast you can go upwind. These directional boards are designed with special fins and an effcient shape that will have you pointing upwind like never before. They also offer a scooped nose to prevent nose dives (pearling) when maching downwind to the finish line.
Wave BoardIf a surfinglike experience is what you're after, then a surf-style board is what you need. While twin-tips can be used in the surf, they just do not compare to a wave board. Fashioned in the basic shape and fin configurations as surfboards, wave boards come with integrated traction pads and foot straps. For a more "genuine" surflike experience, take the foot straps off. Because of their high buoyancy, wave boards are also great in light winds and can make getting your first rides that much easier.
Put simply: you get what you pay for. Kiteboarding requires some pretty technical gear. A ton of research and development goes into good equipment that's designed to perform, last and keep you safe. And don't forget the super-strong, lightweight materials used to make the stuff work well.
When shopping around, you can expect to pay $2,500 to $3,500 total for a new kite, board, harness and lessons. It's quite a small investment compared to other sports (i.e., no extra fuel or fees)! To help guarantee you get quality gear, here are a few industry averages you should expect to pay (based on the average 175-pound rider):
| KITES Range: $1,300 to $2,200 Average: $1,700 This is based on North America's most common "first" kite size from top companies: 12 square meters, which includes kite, bag, pump and control system. (Sold separately, control systems average $400.) |
BOARDS Range: $400 to $1,000 Average: $735 "True" twin-tip kiteboards are designed with specific flex points and are reinforced with strong, lightweight materials and include foot pads and foot straps. |
HARNESSES Range: $75 to $250 Average: $150 There's no secret to a harness. It either feels good or it doesn't. Try several on for the best fit. |
LESSONS Range: $50 to $900 Average: $400 While you can learn rudimentary basics in a short lesson, it takes much more to learn this sport. If you're serious, expect to spend at least four to six hours and pay $75 to $100 per hour for quality lessons. |
| SAVING TIPS | |||
| Look for: Intro package deals. Many schools and shops offer packages that will save you $200 to $500 if you purchase gear and lessons together. |
Advice: Make sure your shop takes you through an in-depth interview. Your gearevaluation skills may have yet to evolve, and credible shops only demo gear with knowledgeable kiters. Let the experienced riders pair your athletic background with the proper equipment for you. |
Be Careful: Considering new budget gear? You'll ride cheaper, but your skills may very well plateau early, as lowend gear lacks performance design. Plus, you'll likely get lower quality, as craftsmanship has a price. Instead of buying extra gear a few months later, spend a little more now, and you'll have gear that'll stay exciting. |
Avoid: Used gear from unknown sources. You'll be taking huge safety risks. |
WHY YOUR FIRST KITE SHOULD BE NEW
Just found that "insane deal?" As a new kiteboarder, your experience in spotting good performance along with wear has yet to mature. Many used kites are sold for a good reason: They're not wanted. The gear either lacks performance or it's been well-used. Riders typically don't sell good kites for the heck of it. Gear priced below market value typically equals risk. Sure, you'll save huge, but chances are you're increasing safety hazards. We've seen many kiteboarders who've spent more money on repairing their gear (and themselves) after buying cheap gear. They could have avoided the risks and financial frustrations by just getting a new kite.
Even though weather reports give you predictions and current wind conditions, observing the conditions firsthand is tremendously useful. In this article you'll learn a few things that will help you forecast and read the weather, wherever you may be.
Air is set in motion when Mother Nature tries to equalize pressure by moving regions of high pressure to regions of low pressure. Basically, when pressures change, winds blow. You can measure wind by its speed, direction and the change factor.
WATER TEXTURE
When winds blow, they affect the water's surface. Here are some facts that will help predict how smooth or choppy your ride might be.
• Whitecaps start forming at around 12 knots. The larger and more frequent they are, the stronger the wind.
• Consistent water textures indicate stable winds.
• Darker patches of water often look like a cloud's shadow that's moving across the water. Typically, this indicates a strong gust is coming.
• Flatter, glasslike water indicates little air movement at the water's surface. If you notice glassy spots forming, the winds are decreasing and may stop completely.
• Often, you can see the wind "line." In some areas, winds may be light near shore but stronger out at sea. On the beach, you can actually see the line where whitecaps will start, which signifies stronger winds approaching. Wind lines can move fast (especially squalls), so be cautious.
WIND TURBULENCE
If the world was flat and smooth, there would be little wind variation from place to place. But by adding topography (hills, valleys, trees, buildings, islands, etc.), a highly variable wind regime exists. Known as surface friction, objects in the path of wind flow affect all three wind traits (speed, direction, change).
Rough surfaces, such as areas with trees and buildings, will produce more friction and turbulence than smooth surfaces, such as lakes or open cropland. Obstructions can drastically reduce wind quality by adding nasty turbulence. Or, there may even be a wind "shadow" where an object impedes the wind flow.
While buildings, hills, valleys, trees and mountains typically create unstable air, each geographical feature uniquely influences the flow of wind. Certain conditions, such as that of valleys – which tend to funnel winds into tighter spaces – can actually accelerate the wind.
Through reading water texture and understanding turbulence, you're well on your way to being a wind guru. However, you should also know about the dangers of thunderstorms, squalls, etc., so it is a good idea to continue your education.
THE LAW OF TURBULENCE
When wind flows over an object, it becomes turbulent for seven times the object's height downwind and three times the object's height upwind and sidewind.
