Kiteboarding Basics 101
Even if you've never heard of it before, you can probably guess that what kiteboarding 
entails; you strap yourself onto a board that's attached to a kite, and the wind does the work for you. In the 1800s, early attempts to harness wind power for propulsion were somewhat successful, but it wasn't until the late 1990s, which saw significant improvements in kite design, that kiteboarding exploded into a popular aquatic sport with it's own world competitions. Once you've tried established sports like surfing ,wakeboarding and windsurfing , why not get out of the water and into the air on a kiteboard?!
What You'll Need
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Board Kiteboards come in a variety of materials and models best suited to different tricks and ridng styles. |
Kite
Without this, you aren't going anywhere. Kites come in two standard models: Leading Edge Inflatable or foil, and can range in size from .7 meters to over 21 meters. |
Control Bar
This bar allows the rider to control the direction and movement of the kite in a clockwise or counterclockwise motion. |
Safety Hook Knife
Required equipment when riding, this allows the kiteboarder to cut snagged or entangled lines, and to also release the kite if the safety system fails. |
Harness and Lines
Kiteboarding harness take the kite weight's off a rider's arms and shoulders and spreads it through the body. They come in seat, waist and vest varities. Lines are what connect the kite to the board, vita the control bar. |
How to Buy a Board
Kiteboards are similar to windsurfing boards but have different requirements and design. The size you choose is dependent on your body size, weight, and skill, as well as wind conditions you plan to ride in.
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Land boards make for easy landings from big air jumps. They are very lightweight and are best suited for light wind days and environments |
Twin-tip boards are the way to go for the beginner because of their versatility (symmetrical design lets you go both directions) and ease of use (no jibing necessary) |
Wake-style boards usually have fins and sometimes concave designs, which make them stand out from the other types of boards. They are good for edging and doing other tricks. |
If you've ever surfed before, directional boards will feel very familiar. You can do big tricks in big surf with these boards and |
Popular Board Brands
How to Buy a Kite
Kiteboarding kites , also known as traction kites , come in either two-line ,four-line , or five-line versions. What's the difference?
- Two-line models are going out of style because they aren't as versatile or as easy to use.
- Four-line kites are great because they don't tangle as easily, plus they are fairly predictable and give a smooth ride. These are the best time for relaunching from the water.
- Five-lines are what you will find on bigger kite models. They are the most versatile for whatever size wingspan you use.
- Parafoil or foil parachutes are both durable and portable making them a great all-around option.
Popular Kite Brands
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