|
|
Kite surfing is a dynamic new water sport that brings the worlds of Windsurfing, Surfing and Power Kiting together. It's the hottest activity around right now and has big craze potential. It's both exhilarating and challenging and the ultimate buzz. You can surf in light and strong winds, go upwind and downwind, surf in waves and flat water and get big airs whenever you want. Once you've experienced the freedom that Kite surfing gives you, you'll be out on the water every chance you get.
Kite surfing is similar to windsurfing, only your sail is not attached directly to your board, it’s attached to you via a harness, and it flies at least 100 ft up in the air. The kite provides a lot of lift, which helps your balance on the board. When you first get going, you pick up speed quickly as the kite pulls you forward. Once you learn where to position the kite in the sky and how to balance on the board, you’re away. Your first good run is all you need to get hooked.
For more information on the sport contact:
Britsh Kite Surfing Association
P.O Box 1580
Bath
BA2 3LY
Great Britain
www.kitesurfing.org
To learn the basics of flying kites for Kite Surfing you don't have to be on or near the water. As the kites used for Kite Surfing are powerful and potentially dangerous, the first step is to become proficient in flying them. Start by getting used to the power on land and learn how to control the kite safely and skilfully. Those entering the sport from other water activities, like windsurfing, water skiing or wakeboarding, will need to become familiar with traction kites and how to fly them. Experienced Traction Kite Flyers will need to concentrate on their water skills. The learning process will vary from person to person depending on previous experience and skill level and you'll find flying the kite is really fun.
Body surf in the water. To get used to flying over water, use the kite to pull you along "body surf" style. This is also good practice for when you come off your board and are dragged through the water this way. It's important to be able to control your kite when you have fallen off your board from the water.
Get used to flying with a harness. Using a harness to transfer the pull from your arms to your body will be necessary to Kite Surf. It prevents immediate fatigue. You'll need to get comfortable connecting and disconnecting your rig and operating the kite when it's attached to your harness.
Water starts. It's best to get help from an experienced Kite Surfer to learn the basics. You start by lying on your back in the water with your feet in the footstraps of your board. Have the board in front of you with the kite hovering high above you. Steer the kite into the power zone. You will be lifted out of the water and pulled forwards onto the board. You need to know how to water start with confidence as there will be times when you come off your board in deep water far from shore. Don't forget you'll need a leash to stop your board drifting away.
Maintain speed on the board. When on the board, keep the kite ahead of yourself. It may be helpful to fly a "scooping" pattern to maintain pull. Kite Surfing relys on feeling the correct position relative to wind and water. As with any sailing activity, you will get to sense when things a "right" and you're spending more time on the board than off.
Travel upwind. You must learn to be able to go upwind. This is important if you want to return to your starting point. Getting too far downwind without the ability to get back can result in a long swim!
Jibe. If you are using a Kite Surf board, designed for uni-directional use, you need to swap your feet around as you would when windsurfing. This manoeuvre requires practice and is very important since it's the way to change direction. Position the kite in the sky to maintain momentum in the turn while you adjust your foot position on the board. Control your speed with the kite.
Tricks and air. Once you have learned the basics and can confidently control your kite and board, the possibilities for tricks and hang time are limitless. Pack a few kites, grab your board and travel. You'll soon discover the countless places to enjoy this new and exciting sport. You may even get into kite traction on land, snow and ice!
HOME/
AIRCRAFT /
BOATS /
CARS /
CONTACT US /
DOWNLOADS /
ENGINES /
HELIS /
KITES /
LINKS /
ORDERING /
RADIOS /
SPARES /
SEARCH
All prices are in UK pounds and include VAT @ 17.5%
The image(s) of products shown on any page are intended only to give you an overview of a specific model. DO NOT take this as an accurate reprsentation of items supplied (or not) with a model, e.g. (wheels, tyres, engine or motor, silencer, batteries, body mounts, or radio equipment). Please rely on the text of the page associated with a particular model for this information.