KITEBOARDING: DUMMY’S GUIDE

Have you ever been irritated by the know-all geek inquiry,” Oh, Kiteboarding, isn’t that where you steer a parachute while being attached to a boat?”

Instead of strangling him, or better, putting him up against the firing squad it’s often better to educate these naives. Reciprocate with something like "Visualize wakeboarding, but swap the boat with a kite that the rider can control in every way and effortlessly soar 30 feet in the air or catch hundreds of waves in a blown-out day." Finish with "Today, kitesurfing can be a wide spread phrase that lends itself to land boarding, snow kiting and kitesurfing on the water. Kitesurfing is simply using a kite to pull you on a board. Also, the kite is more of a stability force, which gives you a lighter sensation and allows you to initiate huge aerial maneuvers never associated with other water sports!" Add to this depiction that it can be trouble-free for beginners to learn the sport with the appropriate training, yet extreme enough to make even the most hardened competitor skip a heartbeat or two.

If you take the correct approach, kitesurfing is simple and safe. But if you listen to bad advice and take the wrong course, you'll face nothing but disappointment. Follow these steps to quickly get from point K to point Kitesurfer.

STEP 1: EDUCATE YOURSELF

First take some time to study the sport, checking out your local kitesurfing shop or scene. Meet the local crew and get some backdrop info about your particular interest. This will give you a chance to find out a little bit more about the sport, and understand whether it’s right for you.

STEP 2: GO TO CAMP

Would you fly a plane without prior training? Of course not - so don't purchase gear until you take a startup lesson. Kitesurfing is a technical sport, so having a professional instructor guide you through the initial stages save you both time and money. It's the solitary best investment you can make while getting into the sport.

STEP 3: GET PROPER GEAR

KITES: For 95 percent of the global kitesurfing population, a 10-12 meter low- to moderate-aspect kite is the perfect beginner kite.

BOARDS: Initially, stick with this combo: larger board and smaller kite. You will have a much better experience using a large board with plenty of surface area to get you up and soaring with controllable power.

HARNESS: Personal preference. Waist harnesses give more support, while seat harnesses offer more range of motion.

STEP 4: CONTINUE EDUCATION = PROGRESSION

Even after you get into the sport, continue your progression by participating in an advanced kitesurfing camp. Many kitesurfing schools offer camps all around the world, so you can always unite business and pleasure. Choose a spot that gets consistent wind where you will be able to ride for a solid week with professional coaches by your side.