beginner-kitesurfing

Beginners Guide to Kitesurfing Equipment

Beginners Guide to Kite Surfing Equipment

If you are a beginner who desires to learn the awesome sport of kitesurfing, then this is the right place for you. For beginners, learning kiteboarding can sometimes seem overwhelming and slightly intimidating. Especially the various unknown equipment involved with kitesurfing can be quite daunting. However, with a bit of theory and explanation you can quickly learn about the equipment which will give you a greater understanding of how kitesurfing works.  No matter how hard and challenging you think it may be to get started, if you have a passion for kite surfing you should not let these fears stop you from giving it a try. Once you have completed a proper kitesurfing beginners course, you can start to consider buying your own kitesurfing equipment. In the article, you will be guided on the basics of various equipment for kitesurfing and about their role and importance in the kite surfing experience.

Kite Surfing Basic Equipment Breakdown:

  • Kites: The first and most important thing is the kite. There are many different types of kites, often differing greatly in their size and functionality. Using a large kite is more ideal if you are a beginner and if the wind conditions are weak. There are many different types of kites available in the market to choose from, so make sure to consider what functionality you desire from your kite. Your first kite should be able to be easily relaunched in water, must have excellent sailing performance, good control, and should be able to manage the jumps. Make sure to consider your kitesurfing level and the common wind conditions in your area when picking a kite. When in doubt, reach out to professionals in your area and get advice on what kite best suits you. The most commonly used kites for kitesurfing are inflatable kites as they have various patterns on them, are easy to relaunch, have good control and speed and have a beautiful moon-type shape (crescent). Other types of kites are bow kites, framed kites, and airfoil kites. IKO Kiteboarding gear needs proper care and maintenance to prevent it from getting damaged.
  • Lines: For kite surfing, you need four to five lines. The popular ones are Spectra, Kevlar, and Dyneema. The lines must be able to float in water and have a very minimum stretch so it is advisable to keep these things in mind while getting your hands on the lines for kite surfing. The strength in these lines should be 2.5 times more than the strength in your body. If you feel like it is too much math for you to deal with you can always go the experts for help and assistance.
  • The Control: To be able to control the kite you need a pretty obvious control device. Most kite surfers use a four-line control device for a four-line inflatable kite, accompanied with a pair of handles. The control device allows you to utilize the power of the wind and maneuver yourself based on the wind direction. Pulling on the left will steer your kite to the left, while pulling on the right will steer it right. If the bar is in a horizontal or neutral position it will continue on its current course. The control therefore makes it possible to utilize the wind to go anywhere you want, giving you freedom to surf the ocean.
  • Boards: There are different types of boards’ such as directional boards or Bi-directional boards. Bi-direction boards are usually used for kitesurfing as the front and the back of the board are the same (such as with a snowboard or wakeboard). IKO Kitesurfers are attached to the board with straps, allowing them to easily jump and stay connected with the board. Directional boards on the other hand look more like surfboards, with a very different nose (front of the board) and tail (back of the board). This is often used by people who like to kitesurf with a bit of surfing influence, for example when catching and carving on waves. Directional boards come both with straps or without straps, depending on the preference of the rider.
  • Safety: No matter what control device you use it is important to make sure it has safety measures on it. By safety, it means that the system should allow you to disable the kite immediately. It should also be easily retrievable to ensure that the kite won’t be lost by an emergency release. The safety system should be tested before the ride and even before the control device. Testing the safety system is important to reduce the risk of a crash or being dragged along by your kite.

Conclusion

Whether you are just starting or considering buying your first kite, understanding the basics of kite surfing equipment can help you a lot in ensuring that you are safely and optimally learning to kite surf. For any further questions about kitesurfing equipment rental or kitesurfing in Dominican Republic feel free to reach out to us at Kite Club Cabarete!

 

By Cameron Dietrich Kiteboarding Cabarete 0 Comments

0 Comments

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *