Water sport: adopt kitesurfing

An original sliding sport

Kitesurfing is a water sport that combines a kite and a board, allowing you to glide on the water. It can be practiced on different bodies of water, whether on flat lagoons, rough seas or with large waves. In short, you need water but especially wind.

A fulfilling sport

Kitesurfing provides exceptional gliding sensations and a unique feeling of freedom. The simple fact of pulling edges is satisfying. Once you get started, you can start to gain more speed and even jump by performing tricks. Even more motivating: with a little level, you can race the waves or head out to sea.

Rider sharing

The practice is based on mutual aid and conviviality. It’s simple: to go sailing, you will always find a rider to take off your wing and land it. In this sport, we share our pleasure.

Various practices

The room for progress is very wide. You will not be able to do without it because there are several practices:

• Freeride. It is similar to the search for sensations and pleasure (common practice).
• Freestyle. You jump while performing tricks with the wing in a high position, that is above you.
• Surfkite: riding in the waves with a directional board.
• Kite foil. You navigate with a foil board that lets you get out of contact with the water.
• But there are many others such as wakestyle, speed and long distance.

In addition, kites can be found on land and snow, with the «mountain board» (a big skate replaces the board) and the «snow kite» (a snowboard instead of the board), which can vary the pleasures.

Great diversity of spots

Kitesurfing is practiced throughout the year. There are kitesurfing schools all over the world. Once you have learned the basics, you can take trips to discover the most beautiful spots in your region, your country and the whole world.

Start with a school

Recommended by kitesurfers, this is the fundamental step to discover and practice the sport serenely. Indeed, this sport must be the subject of an initiation in a school. This is essential because many bases are to be acquired: the safety rules (to secure themselves but also to protect others); the control of its equipment (in terms of steering) combined with the good analysis of the wind (orientation, power, choice of wing size in function).

On average, it is advisable to take 3 courses in a school. Sometimes more, sometimes less if you already have experience in wakeboarding or windsurfing for example. As a result of these courses, you will surely be able to perform a “Water Start” (this is when you manage to get out of the water and slide).

What equipment is needed?

• The wing (called «kite»): there are several types of wings adapted to each practice. The wings are available in several sizes in square metres. We find the boots (inflatable) and the caisson wings (reserved for the most experienced).

• A bar and its lines: it will allow you to direct your kite. It is connected to the wing with a set of pull lines (4 or 5 lines).

• A harness: that allows to be attached to the bar. There are 2 types of harness (panty harness and belt harness).

• A kite board: there are several types. The most recommended to start with are the two-way “twins-tip” (allows you to navigate both ways). There are also directional boards and foil boards.

• A combination: to choose according to the temperature of the water where you intend to practice + A pair of gloves/slippers (optional).

• Safety equipment: impact vest for shock protection + helmet for head protection

The choice of equipment

Budget wise, we reassure you, it is not mandatory to buy the last wing of kite 2022 to hope to make prowess or to «better» start. Many second-hand offers are available:

• With professionals: kite schools regularly renew their quiver (set of wings of several sizes) and put on sale the equipment to individuals. All you have to do is find out.

• With individuals: we then redirect to used platforms where we prefer hand delivery to analyze the state of the equipment (state of the spi, the lines of the bar, etc.).

• Social media groups: you can also join the kite groups in your area on the Facebook social network. These groups allow to be put in contact with fans of kite whatever their level. The good news: used kite offers are often published.

The opportunity is quite interesting. However, be careful not to take equipment that is too old. Indeed, in 10 years, kites have evolved a lot in terms of structure and safety. We recommend you to prefer recent kites (minimum 2013/2014).

The golden rules

• Always check the condition of your equipment to ensure that you are not putting yourself in harm’s way (wing condition, well-mounted lines in the right direction, etc.) and to protect others.

• It is necessary to be aware of the rules of priority on the water: indeed, when sailing, the priority depends on its position in relation to the beach and in relation to the wind. These rules are discussed during classes in kite schools.

• We will never sail alone on a spot. We must always make sure that there are people in the water in case of problems. And conversely, we care about other riders if they are in trouble.

• One must reason: if the wind conditions seem to be too strong for its level, it is better not to take risks and to wait for more favorable conditions. You have to have confidence.

The fun is intense in kitesurfing and progression just as much. Kiteboarding is a budget, but it’s a long-term investment that brings exceptional gliding sensations and incredible freedom. It also reminds us of our early childhood when we used to play kite.

To find out more, discover our 5 top of destinations for kitesurfing enthusiasts.