Intro to Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding, or Kitesurfing is a wind  powered sport, where kiters blend two common elements- wind and water, to create the ultimate action sport! Large, inflatable kites could be described as our personal “boat in a bag”, and it allows us to speed along the water at speeds up to 50mph, and defy gravity with stadium sized jumps of 40-50 feet in height. (The current hang-time record for a jump is 22 seconds, covering more than 400 yards!)  Kites come in many sizes and varying shapes, but generally kites for kiteboarding (on the water) are called ‘inflatables” with air filled bladders, which give structure to the canopy, and allows for relaunching from the water. Kiteboarding has grown to include specialized disciplines in course racing, distance racing, freestyle, BIG-AIR, and wave riding. Whether it’s boosting huge airs, slashing waves, or just pleasure cruising- kiteboarding has something for everyone!

The sport has grown exponentially over the last few years, and the new gear is MUCH safer than it used to be, but it still considered an “extreme” sport. Without proper training this sport can be very dangerous, it is not like a bike or skateboard that you just hop on and figure out, its more like learning to fly a plane. Certified instructors have been trained to teach kiteboarding with standardized lesson plans and training procedures, and have a responsibility to teach safely. With organizations like the IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) www.ikointl.com and PASA (Professional Air Sports Association) http://www.pasakiteboarding.org/, selecting a quality, certified instructor is easier these days, and both training programs are well structured to maximize the learning process. A prospective kiter should take a few hours of quality instruction to see if kiteboarding is for them. If they decide to pursue the sport, then several more hours of instruction is needed to learn the basics, followed by weeks, or months of individual practice. The learning curve can be lessened by reading, watching videos, and asking questions, but ultimately, kite handling skills are only developed with first hand experience flying the kite, and guidance by a competent instructor.

Prospective kiters trying to learn on their own are a danger to themselves, bystanders, and every kiter on the water. They are often referred to as “cowboys” or “kooks”, which is a label that no one wants to wear in this sport., and are the main source of injuries, bans, and restrictions on our beaches. Self teaching, or “friends teaching friends”, and “teaching your girlfriend”, is no longer tolerated at most launch sites. Please respect yourself,  fellow kiters, and our efforts to maintain access. Take the time to seek out a qualified, certified instructor and ask about their lesson plan.

Accidents in this sport are called “Kite-mares”, which usually involve the kiter being dragged or lofted into hard objects, such as trees, cars, poles, fences, the beach, buildings, power-lines, etc., and caused by equipment failure (line or bridle break), lack of regard for dangerous conditions (weather, unsafe launch sites, etc.) and just plain stupidity. Kites are designed to pull like a truck, lift the kiter high into the air, and propel you at high speeds across the water. Multiple safety systems are necessary in this sport, including at least one quick release from the kite, and a quick release from the leash. If you do not have these two things, you are begging for a kitemare. SAFETY is a top priority in kiteboarding, please seek qualified instruction.

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