KITEBOARDING: KITESURFERS AND GEARS

Kiteboarding is a sport which demands quite a lot from a kitesurfer both physically as well as mentally, than any other related sports, such as windsurfing. There has to be optimum utilization of every relevant body parts, in order to maintain stability and at the same time pull off those insane moves.

So what does a kitesurfer really need to do, which puts him/her under so much stress?
• Firstly, he/she must generate ample power, to move the kite and place it in the right spot in a wind window.
• A kitesurfer has to offer lateral resistance by edging the upwind rail of the board, all that in order to go upwind.
• The rider must also make the board maneuver properly, to maintain stability.
Protection is often the highest priority for all kitesurfers, as accidents can never be predicted. However risks can certainly be minimized, by taking proper safety measures, such as:

1. HARNESS SYSTEM:
In order to attach the control devices to his body or to release the tension on the arms at critical moments, a kitesurfer must use a harness system. Any type of harness system is just as good, may it be a chest, waist or seat harness, that are also used in windsurfing.

2. LIFEJACKETS:
A lifejacket is always a must, because the board associated to kiteboarding does not float, and you may have to swim long distances in case of a crash.

3. WATER SHOES:
Should there be rocks and/or corals under the water, a good advice would be to wear water shoes while kiteboarding.

4. WET SUIT:
It is advisable to use a thicker wet suit in case you are a novice kitesurfer and are just learning the art of kiteboarding. You may potentially crash into the water more times than an experienced kitesurfer does.

5. HELMET:
A helmet to protect the head is quintessential for kiteboarding under breezy conditions. It is always better to be safe than sorry.