Can I Kiteboard Without Lessons?

This question is surprisingly, to me, asked by a lot of people that are interested in getting
into kiteboarding. While I would never want to discourage someone from kiteboarding
there are a number of reasons why you should take the time and spend the money to do at
least the minimum level of training.

Use the Right Equipment

The best way to learn quickly is to have equipment that is right for you and the conditions.
There are great beginner level sets that are not expensive and are designed to make starting
and controlling as simple as possible. Using expensive specialist kites and boards that are
designed for jumping or speed make learning difficult and spending thousands of dollars on
top line equipment can mean making a mistake on buying something you won’t use once
you are more into kiteboarding.

Get Lessons

While there are some great videos and online teaching aids, there is no substitute for having
an expert helping you in the early stages. You will not only learn much faster you will be
much safer. Training on the safety aspects of kiteboarding can save you from damaging
equipment and even injuring yourself. The reason that instructors go over and over the
procedures to, for instance, disconnect the harness quick release or to quickly dump the
kite is because in an emergency they will quickly get you out of a potentially dangerous
situation.

Selecting Equipment

An instructor that is working with you one on one can help you select the right equipment.
This not only goes for a training rig but for wet suits, safety gear and higher level equipment
that will suit you and the conditions you will kiteboard in.

2013 Black Friday Kiteboarding Sale!

We have been working super hard to come up with some amazing black Friday deals. These prices are definitely once a year type of deals, so be sure to take advantage of all our deals this week.

Black Friday Kiteboarding Deals

Select items in the Black Friday section gear will be marked down:

• Up to 65% Off Kites
• Up to 50% Off Kiteboards
• Up to 60% Off Waterwear
• Up to 50% Off Harnesses

There is a limited quantity of each item so don't wait. The mega sale starts Monday and will go until the following Monday 12/2.

 

We also have some used gear on a mega sale too with kites up to 50% off. These kites are slightly used and are a great deal.

 

This stuff wont last long, so check it out now before they are gone.

Basic Kiteboarding Gear

There are five main parts that you will need in your kiteboarding rig. The basic kits that are sold will include these components so that you have everything that you need. You can add additional kites that are suitable for your rig as you gain experience and kiteboard in a greater range of conditions.

Kites

This is the part of your rig that you control. There are a huge variety of kites that suit different conditions. It is important to start off with an easy to control kite that is suitable for your weight and a wide range of wind conditions.

Harness

There are different kiteboard harnesses that come in seat, vest or waist styles. The vest harnesses are usually found in most basic kits as the incorporate a flotation vest and the harness together. The harness attaches you to the kite and takes the weight of your body when the kite is providing lift.

Board

There are many styles of kiteboards that vary both in size and shape. Some are designed to go in a single direction while others can travel equally well in both directions. Learners usually use the easy to control twin tip boards with foot straps.

Lines

Huge forces are generated when you are kiteboarding and the lines are specially designed to be able to take this force. Most modern lines are made from polyethylene because it can take huge loads, is UV stable and resists salt.

Control bar

The control bar attaches to the kite via the lines and allows the rider to control the kite’s speed and direction. They usually come with a flotation aid and a quick release system to disconnect you from the lines.

The Right Kiteboarding Board for You

There are many opinions about the best way to go particularly when learning to kiteboard. The general principal is bigger is better when it comes to learning. This is because a bigger board has many advantages that will help a beginner start to kiteboard quickly. This helps them not only build their skill level faster but also gives them confidence.

The two main ways that a bigger board helps a beginner are extra flotation and less need for perfect positioning. While you may think that a bigger bulkier board would be more cumbersome it makes a huge difference to the learning curve because it is some much easier to both start and to recover when a mistake is made. Constantly being tugged off a smaller board can be very disheartening and the lower force needed to stay afloat and moving means that lighter winds are not a problem.

Light wind usage is another reason to get a larger board because even when you are a veteran you can still use the board for kiteboarding in low winds. A second board that suits higher winds and is more responsive can be purchased when you have more experience. This will let you decide on the right board if you want to kiteboard in waves or do jumps.

Medium sized boards have become more popular but they are generally an attempt at making one size fits all. This also means that it is not best in any situation. If you are only want a single board then careful selection can find one that meets your needs without compromising too much.

 

How To Kiteboard Safely

Kiteboarding is a fun sport that can be done by just about everyone. It harnesses the wind to move you along and can generated large forces. It is important to make safety your number one consideration so that you enjoy kiteboarding experience without injuring yourself or other people around you.

Your safety

The two main areas that will help you stay safe are equipment and training. Safety equipment is absolutely vital and the combination of moving at speed and being in the water gives a unique combination of dangers that you need to protect against. Flotation devices should be mandatory even if you are a strong swimmer it only takes a few seconds of disorientation underwater to drown so having a flotation vest or a harness with incorporated flotation are highly recommended. A helmet is important because it can save your life if you get into a situation where you have an impact either an outside object, hitting the water or the board. A wetsuit not only keeps you comfortable in cool weather but protects from abrasions and sea life like jelly fish. Having lessons from an experienced trainer will not only allow you to learn faster but also help you to understand how to safely enjoy kiteboarding.

Safety of others

We all make mistakes and it is important to always be alert so that even if you make a mistake you will not endanger others. A high speed impact with a person can injure both parties so understanding how the kiteboard operates and where it could go will allow you to ensure you always stay away from dangerous situations. If things start to look dangerous dumping the kite is always your best option.