KITE SURFING: BACK TO BASICS

With all the excitement related to kiteboarding going on right now, we thought it would be a great time to get back to basics. While the new kites, both bow and ‘C’ styles, have extended wind ranges compared to older models, they do not excuse the ignorant or even worse, abusive riders out there.

“You only need one size kite! Just push the bar away for total depowers”. These statements can be seen on almost every brand of 12m 2006 kite. But let’s break it down to basics. 40 knots is 46.8mph of wind! When it blows over 35mph I don’t even want to go kiteboarding, not to mention put up a 12m!

Sure if you push the bar away, the kite will depower, but what about when you pull it in, or even worse spaz out and pull one end in?

From a rider’s progression standpoint, although a kite with an extended range may allow you to “ride along” more comfortably outside of a traditional wind range, there will ultimately be a perfect size for the wind conditions at hand that will allow for the quickest and easiest progression of skills. Let’s face it. We all want to get better and the progression happening with a 12m in 40 knots could be an accelerated trip to the hospital.

This article is not meant to be pro gear in one direction or another, it is only meant to advise riders on what reality is and what is fantasy. Gear and gear safety systems, while beneficial, can never replace common sense and good judgment.

Following are a few basics to remember when taking a session.

• KNOW YOUR WIND SPEEDS:

Suddenly you come to realize it is blowing a steady 35knots plus. The guys who were claiming “10-40knots on one kite” weren’t there. I think they were hiding on the internet where 40 knots is a fun thing to say. The only kites that were on the water were 5- 7m, attached to riders, 180lbs and larger. This should serve as an indicator of what the upper and lower limits of fun and responsible kiteboarding are.

• KNOW YOUR WIND WINDOW:

Many kiting accidents are caused by riders forgetting where their wind window actually is. Your wind window travels with you to different launches and on the water. Define your wind window by then putting your arms straight out to each side and then moving them in front of you. To the side is where you launch and land, in front of you is where the max power is.

• SIDE AND SIDE-ONSHORE LAUNCHES ONLY!

Side-shore and Sideonshore winds are the steadiest and offer the rider an easy way back to the beach if equipment fails. As a general rule, riders should onshore or offshore winds. These directions are the most erratic in speeds and also drive you away from or straight onto the land.

• LAUNCH UNHOOKED:

Launching unhooked is the most reliable system of ensuring a safe launch. If your bar does not allow you to launch unhooked from the harness, you are putting your life in the hands of someone’s R&D. Depower your kite with the adjustment strap, launch unhooked, make sure everything is ok, hook in, grab your board and proceed immediately out into the water. If something goes wrong when unhooked, you can very easily release the bar which will activate most safety systems, thus completely depowering and disabling your kite until you are ready to try again.

• SAFETY AND RESPONSIBILITY:

Nothing ranks higher than a kiter that is safe and responsible. Know your gear. Know your limits. Take responsibility for your actions, both on and off the water.