Water sport: adopt kitesurfing

Adopt kite surfing

A fulfilling sport

Kite surfing 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: similar to the search for sensations and pleasure (common practice).
• Freestyle: 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: navigate with a foil board that lets you get out of contact with the water.
• And 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

Kite surfing is practiced throughout the year. There are kite surfing 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 kite surfers, it is the fundamental step to be able to discover and practice the sport peacefully.Indeed, this sport must be the subject of an initiation in a school. This is essential because there are many basics to acquire: security rules (to secure oneself but also to protect others); mastery of your equipment (in terms of piloting) combined with good wind analysis (orientation, power, choice of wing size accordingly).

On average, it is advisable to take 3 courses at a school. Sometimes more, sometimes less if you already have experience in wakeboarding or windsurfing for example. Following 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). It will therefore be easier to adopt kite surfing with this introduction to water sport.

What equipment is needed?

• The wing (called “kite”): there are several types of wings adapted to each practice. The wings come in several sizes in square meters. We find the tubes (inflatable) and the box wings (reserved for the most experienced).
• A bar and its lines: this is what will allow you to steer your kite. It is connected to the wing using the set of traction lines (4 or 5 lines).
• A harness: which allows you to be attached to the bar. There are 2 types of harnesses (panty harness and belt harness).
• A kite board: there are several types. The most recommended for beginners are the bidirectional ones called “twins-tip” (allows you to navigate in one direction as well as the other). We also find directional boards and foil boards.
• A wetsuit: to choose according to the temperature of the water where you plan to practice + A pair of gloves/slippers (optional).
• Safety equipment: an impact vest to protect yourself from impacts + a helmet to protect your head.

h4>The choice of material

Budget-wise, we reassure you, it is not obligatory to buy the latest 2022 kite wing to hope to achieve feats or to get started “better”. Many second-hand offers are available:

• From professionals: kite schools regularly renew their quiver (set of wings in several sizes) and sell the equipment to individuals. Just find out.
• With individuals: we then redirect towards second-hand platforms where we favor hand deliveries to analyze the condition of the equipment (condition of the spinnaker, lines of the bar, etc).
• Social network groups: you can also join kite groups in your area on the social network Facebook. These groups allow you to be put in contact with kite enthusiasts whatever their level. The good news: used kite offers are often published.

The opportunity is quite interesting. Be careful, however, 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 that you favor recent kites (minimum 2013/2014).

The golden rules

We always check the condition of our equipment so as not to put ourselves in danger (condition of the wing, lines properly installed and in the right direction, etc.) and to protect others.
You must be aware of the priority rules on the water: in fact when sailing, priority depends on your position in relation to the beach and in relation to the wind. These rules are covered during lessons in kite schools.
We will never sail alone on a spot. You 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 difficulty.
You have to reason with yourself: if the wind conditions seem to be too strong for your level, it is better not to take risks and wait for more favorable conditions. You have to have confidence in yourself.

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.