How to Kite Surf
Like windsurfing, kite surfing uses the power of the wind to allow an individual to skim over the waves of the sea. As the name implies, kite surfing makes use of a board attached to a kite big enough to carry a person across the water. Sound interesting? Here’s how to get started.
Before going out and doing kite surfing on your own, make sure that you get proper instruction from a professional kite surfing instructors. This sport can be quite hazardous and will put your life in danger if attempted to learn on your own, so take heed of this advice.
Kite surfing schools are usually available in most beach fronts. If you don’t live near one, consider taking a long vacation to hone this skill.
Rent kite surfing equipment from the schools or loan from a kite surfing organization. Equipment can be quite pricey, so make sure you are fully committed to kite surfing first before paying for anything.
Kite Launching
To launch a traditional inflatable kite, you can ask a buddy to help you out but doing it by yourself is fine, too.
kite surfing
To launch the kite, fold it down in such a way to that when unfolded, the kite will look like a vertical C, the leading edge on the side of the wind. Put sand on the folded kite to prevent it from blowing away
Use both hands on the control bar and position yourself so that the kite is at the wind window edge vis a vis your position.
Attach the safety leash to your wrist. Don’t shackle to your kite until after launching and getting into the deeper waters.
Pull the control bar connected to the line nearest the ground to unfold the kite.
Pull the line farthest from the ground to move the kite up.
Kite Surfing Piloting
When training for kite surfing, you need to learn the basics of controlling the kite on land. Maneuvering the kite requires precision and can mean the difference between safety and harm. Here are the kite maneuvers you need to know how to do.
Turning the kite to the left and to the right.
Doing number eight loops on the left and right wind window.
Doing sine wave patters on both the left and the right.
Making the kite hover to the left edge of the left wind window at a 45 degree angle while running to the left.
Making the kite hover to the right edge of the right window at a 45 degree angle while running to the right.
Lying down on the board with the kite at its zenith and diving the kite to the left or the right to raise you to a sitting position.
Kite Surfing Techniques
Once you’re skillful enough to manipulate the kite and the board, you’re ready to move on to the basic kite surfing techniques. Here are some:
Turning. Turning is making the kite carry you to the exact opposite direction. To do a turn, slow down, flatten the board against the water, bring the back foot to the front of the board and switch it with the front foot.
Flying and Jumping. The kite surfer goes in a straight direction with the kite flying at an angle. The surfer then builds tension by accelerating and edging to the board aggressively. At the height of the tension, the kite must be snapped to its zenith overhead, as the surfer goes over a wave. This is a very risky move, so be careful.
Board grabs. Board grabs are done while the surfer is in the middle of a jump, much like skateboard does on a similar stunt.