Kite Surfing

The wind is the main riding power that kite surfing relies on; the surfer uses straps to attach the board to his or her feet and depends on a bigger or smaller controllable kite to move across the waves. Kite surfing is a relatively new sport if we compare it with the titan surfing that has the supremacy in the field. Even so the number of kite surfing enthusiasts is larger every year with real sale records for inflatable kites in 2007. Kite surfing matches the expectations of various water sports being at the origin of quite a large number of surfing styles such as jumping, cruising, freestyle, wave riding and the like.

Kite surfing draws its roots from medieval activities that used wind kites for propulsion: apparently such techniques were known to the Chinese as early as the 13th century. Modern day kite surfing was developed in France and the United States in parallel with the appearance of slight specificities according to the style. Presently you can learn kite surfing as part of school extra-curricular activities, in private teaching programs or in leisure activities centers. Hazards do exist and one needs to be fully aware of the potential injuries that may result from the practice of this sport. If you are taught by a professional and you wear all the gear necessary for your safety the risks will be reduced at the minimum.

What will they teach you in a kite surfing school? First of all, you have to develop the skills of kite launching as well as those of flying and landing. On top of these, you'll need full mastery of the bar, the lines and the safety devices. All the systems must be managed correctly and the trainee will have to know everything he or she need in terms of maintenance and operation. Furthermore, in kite surfing you'll learn how to read weather and detect the potential hazards that may result from it.

Maneuvers such as solo launching and landing, self rescue, upwind techniques when riding and many more will be essential for the successful experience of kite surfing. Unlike traditional surfing that depends on wave break formation, kite surfing can be practiced on any water surface on the only condition that the equipment be adequate and that you know all the tricks necessary to fly the kite and move with it. Do not involve in any kite surfing attempt if you feel that something in the overall conditions is wrong. Have fun!