In using the wind’s power to travel as fast as possible across the water and high into the air, kitesurfing falls somewhere between kiting, windsurfing and wakeboarding.  Standing on boards similar to wakeboards but fitted with kitesurf kites, kitesurfers try to jump into the air and do other stunts while they ski over the water.

 

The evolution of kitesurf kites

 

Despite its image as a recent invention of adrenaline junkies, kitesurfing has been around for a long time.  It originated in the 13th century where it was used as a form of transport in the East where, attempting to increase the speed and stability of their canoes with the help of the wind, the Chinese fitted them with sails. 

 

The next step in the evolution of kitesurf kites occurred in the 19th century where George Pocock redesigned the kite so that it could be used for both sea and land transportation.  He introduced the 4 line design and increased the size of the kite – these new traits enabled boats and carts to turn and to travel upwind.  Samuel Code was responsible for the next step in the evolvement of kitesurf kites with his man-lifting kites launched in 1903 which made it possible to cross the English channel via this mode of transportation.

 

Kitesurfing shook off its image as a merely utilitarian activity in the period 1970 – 1980 when it became known as a popular extreme sport, especially in Maui, and manufacturers started supplying water-launch kitesurf kites, making it one of the fastest growing extreme sports now being practiced.  In 2006 there were 210,000 kitesurfers internationally using 114,465 kites of which 39,600 kitesurfers using 23,608 kites were from the USA and Canada.  The growth of the sport is predicted to be in the 35% to 50% range. 

 

The safe use of kitesurf kites

 

A safety vest, guards for heads, knees and elbows and an emergency line-cutter are essential safety equipment for any kitesurfer.

 

Acquire a basic knowledge of water sports before you start using kitesurf kites.  Either take lessons or use your experience in previous water sports to help you.  If you can water-ski or have been on a wakeboard you will be better prepared for being towed by kitesurf kites and windsurfers will know how to use wind strength for performing tricks and jumps.

 

Newbies often get into trouble when they misjudge distances and wind speed.  A few sessions with an International Kiteboarding Organization certified instructor is advised for any prospective kitesurfer.

Only kitesurf in locations earmarked for kitesurfing and look out for shallows, buildings or power lines in the area to ensure your kitesurf kites do not get entangled.  And always check the weather forecast before you leave home so that you do not get caught in a gale.

 

Kitesurfing is only for strong simmers.  A life jacket is only a safety device and cannot get you back to shore or swim you to your control bar if your kite has taken off without out.  As an additional precaution, always keep kitesurf with a buddy who can look out for you.

 

Kitesurf kites, other basic equipment and kitesurfing terminology

 

Basic kitesurfing kit consists of:

 

Boards:  Important considerations when choosing your board are the wind speed at your favorite kitesurfing location, your body weight and your level of skill.  Beginners do better on wide boards that stay afloat longer and can be fitted with smaller kites.  They also make it easier to sail upwind.

 

Smaller boards for more experienced kitesurfers facility doing tricks as more kite power can be employed.  Although they look a bit like wakeboards, smaller kitesurfer boards typically have concave bottoms and step tips for more powerful rides, are flatter and have difference rocker systems.

 

Boards are fitted with bindings or shoe-like straps that can be easily attached or detached for sailing or doing stunts.

 

Control Bars:  Kitesurfers steer their kites by holding onto the ends of the control bars which are attached to the lines running up to the kitesurf kites.   They are heavy in order to play with the wind and have floats to prevent them from sinking.

 

Harnesses:  Attached to the control bars, harnasses allow kitesurfers to perform tricks while remaining attached to the kitesurf kites.  There are waist harnesses for expert kitesurfers and for beginners, seat and vest harnesses, diminishing impact and usable as flotation devices.  Harnesses help to distribute the stress of the kite’s force from the kitesurfer’s arms to the rest of their body.

 

Common kitesurfing terms, often originating from skateboarding and wakeboarding, are:

 

Grabs:  The starting point of board-off tricks grabs are performed by jumping and taking your back hand off the control bar while you are in the air; Nnext, pull the board towards your body and grab it with your back hand.  Then release the board and land.

 

Spins:  The number of spins possible is determined by your spinning speed and the jumping period.  Jump and turn your head and shoulder in the spinning direction.  Once the spins are completed, turn your head and shoulders in the opposite direction and prepare your legs to land.

 

Inverts:  To turn upside down, lift your feet into the air as soon as you are airborn. 

 

Board-offs:  This implies taking one or both feet off the board.  Kitesurfers grab hold of their boards when in the air, take one or both their feet of the board and then put them back into the straps and extend their legs ensure a safe landing for themselves and their kitesurfing kite. 

 

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