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Posts Tagged ‘kitesurfing’

Kite surfing has taken the extreme sports arena by storm. Kitesurfing has become the fastest growing sport in the whole world. It is a combination of surfing, wake boarding, wind surfing and kite flying. All rolled up into one and you have he newest craze in extreme sports.

.  Popularized by French and Hawaiian stars in early 1999, The UK scene now has approximately 7,000 kite surfers.  The U.S. has more than five times the number of kite surfers.

So, if you are looking for the maximum adrenaline rush, kitesurfing is the answer. They say the hang time during kite surfing is amazing.

Many people who are interested in kiteboarding are looking for different ways to make the sports easier to learn. And just as any sports, the main thing is to practice, practice, practice. Not just the kite surfing, but getting your board techniques keener, and other skills will have to be trained.

Having experience in other water sports is the best but not necessary. All it means if kite surfing is your intitial water sport there will be some extra techniques to develop.

Your kite is the most important piece of equipment being it is what propels you through the air or water. So knowing your kite is essential, and the purchase of a trainer is the first order of business. So buying a training kite is affordable and will help in what you need later on.

So a few of the things needed are listed below;

1. Get a trainer and practice  
2. Learn or tune up your Board skills.  
3. Get a lesson
4. Buy the right gear for your needs

There are a lot of resorts that have lessons and instructors available. So the thing is if you want extreme sports here is the newest, and the same as all sports be prepared and practice practice, and practice.

This is the hottest new sport out there, lets get started and be apart of this new extreme sport.

We at air understand how the wind can be an addiction. We are no different than you we’re passionate about kiteboarding and, Like you we’re out there every chance we get. Our gear research is about discovering what will give us more great times on the water.

Experience teaches us that kiteboarding gear can be rated on very specific variables and this is what defines what you want.  Evaluating these critical traits (32 for kites & 19 for boards) directly leads us to choosing what we personally ride and what we in the shop recommend for you.

We have tried a lot of gear over the years. During these trials we have had a lot of great kiteboarding sessions and discovered many great things. They have also provided us with more kitemares than we would like to admit.We remember all the good and bad what exactly made us excited or downright frustrated.

Here’s how we get the Airscore
The scoring system we use evaluates how stron or weak a trait may be everyday riders are asked to stress test gear and then rate each trait. Individual trait scores are calculated based on which weighted key factor group they fall into

For example, the trait “craftsmanship” falls into the safety category.  We feel that safety traits are 3 times more important than comfort traits we multiply craftsmanship score by three.

We take all rider results line up the scores for each trait and throw ou the highest and lowest scores for the kiteboarding.  Individual trait scores are then averaged across all test participants.  This way, we have a solid average test score for each trait, which has compensated for anomalies

How do we get the raw score of the gear well its easy we take the average of the traits across every key factor.Then to keep is simple we break it down into a 5 point scale.

Now we have added a value bonus!This takes the gear cost and calculates a bonus.  Basically, the less expensive the kite, the bigger the bonus!

Then we also add the value bones to the 5 point number!The airscore is here. With that in mind here’s what you can expect:

5 Stars, air’s top rating, gives you a gear ranking very high in all four key factors. While some things may still need you attention to suit it to your needs you will be impressed with the ride this gear will give you right out of the box and will give you the opportunity to increase your skills.

A 4 star rating means the gear scores at least moderately high on all key factors. There may be a few individual traits that didn’t score in the high levels and may need some minor attention but you’ll be on the water without needing to do any tuning.

if it has 3 stars this indicates that one or more of the key factors is scoring ony moderately. This gear will have limitations in riding styles and wind ranges but you will still have fun riding. The gear is safe, but may take more effort to use.

If it has 2 stars this indicates that the gear is scoring low on at least one key factor. This gear bust be tuned out of the box before using and has limited ability. Quality, comfort and convenience are usually sacrificed for price.

1 star means gear is scoring low on two or more traits. Some gear has significant flaws and this gear should be re designed.

Almost perfect
We have spent a lot of time in the complexity of developing this kitesurfing system however it is not perfect. Every rider has their own opinion and many are strongly biased on brand loyalty we strive to use only non-sponsored kiters in our testing (with an educated objective mindset).  That’s why we throw out the highest and lowest scores.

There’s always that person that is skeptical, but we’ve done our best to include every possible thing into one of the listed traits.Sometimes a kite or board may have something unique about it which falls outside our rating system.  That’s why we’re always on the lookout for new trends and are open to evolving the air scoring method.  Should you have any ideas, give us a shout!

We at air, understand how the wind can be an addiction. We are no different than you we’re passionate about kiteboarding and, Like you we’re out there every chance we get. That’s why our gear research is purely about discovering what will give us more great sessions.

Our experience teaches us that kiteboarding gear can be rated on very specific variables and these variables define what you want.  Evaluating these critical traits (32 for kites & 19 for boards) directly leads us to choosing what we personally ride and what we in the shop recommend for you.

We have tried to use several gears over the years. During the trials, we have had a lot of great sessions and discovered many great things. They’ve also provided us with more kitemares than we’d like to admit.  And with all the good and bad moments we remembered and have tried to distill what exactly made us stoked…or downright frustrated.

Here’s how we get the Airscore
We used an index scoring method to evaluate how strong or weak a trait is; everyday riders are asked to stress test gear and then rate each trait. Individual trait scores are calculated based on which weighted key factor group they fall into.

For example, the trait “craftsmanship” falls into the safety category.  We feel that safety traits are 3 times more important than comfort traits we multiply craftsmanship score by three.

We take all results of riders, line up scores for each trait and throw out the highest and lowest scores.  Individual trait scores are then averaged across all test participants.  This way, we have a solid average test score for each trait, which has compensated for anomalies

How do we get the raw score of the gear well its easy we take the average of the traits across every key factor.  Then, we break it down to a simple 5 point scale.

To top it off, we add a value bonus!This small formula takes the gear cost and calculates a bonus.  Basically, the less expensive the kite, the bigger the bonus!

We then add the valued bonus to the 5-point number!  We have the air score. With that in mind here’s what you can expect:

5 Stars, air’s top rating, gives you a gear ranking very high in all four key factors. While some things may still need you attention to suit it to your needs you will be impressed with the ride this gear will give you right out of the box and will give you the opportunity to increase your skills.

A 4 star rating means that the gear scores at least moderately high on all key factors. There may be a few individual traits that didn’t score in the high levels and may need some minor attention but you’ll be on the water without needing to do any tuning.

3 stars mean one or more key factors is scoring only moderately. This gear is still good and you will have fun riding but there are limitations in riding styles and wind ranges. The gear is safe, but may take more effort to use.

2 stars indicates the gear is scoring low on at least one key factor. The gear must be tuned out of the box before using and is very limiting in riding. It is the quality, comfort and convenience that are usually affected when it comes to pricing.

1 star means gear is scoring low on two or more traits. This gear has significant flaws and simply the gear should be recalled and re-designed.

Almost perfect

We have spent a lot of time in the complexity of developing this system however it is not perfect. Every rider has their own views and a lot of them are strongly biased on brand loyalty we strive to use onle non-sponsored kiters in our testing (with an educated objective mindset).  That’s why we throw out the highest and lowest scores.

There’s always that person that is skeptical, but we’ve done our best to include every possible thing into one of the listed traits.  However, a kite or board may have something unique which falls outside of this system.  That’s why we’re always on the lookout for new trends and are open to evolving the air scoring method.Should you have any ideas, just give us a shout!

It’s all about flying a kite

OK….if you’re wanting to try, here’s a little motivation for you… My kids started kiting at 6 years old. In 2005, the average kiteboarder age was 38. In 2004, the PKRA Women’s World champ was only 10-years-old. Kiters have no age limit, I’ve met ages from 60-70. A tiny Nordic girl was the first one to set the kiteboarding speed record. We kite often with a mother of 2 who is in her 50s. Basically, power kiting can be appreciated by many and it has a few prerequisites.

However, with that said, we must first reveal three facts often overlooked by new comers:

1 – Power kiting is a sport and is not for everyone! Many of those that showed up at our door misunderstood kiteboarding as just a ride for an afternoon of fun. The worse thing to do is to just watch someone do it a few times before they even try it. If you want to pursue the sport, there are definitive training steps you will need to be coached and guided on.

2- If you’re going to crash, safety should always be the number one factor when persuing any sport, including kiteboarding. Understanding that you’re going to crash kites and you’re going to fall will keep you in a positive mental state. There is a learning curve, and most must first fall before they can get on their feet. Keep your learning aptitude strong and you’ll do well

3- Girls learn faster We’ve found women and girls have a faster learning curve than most guys. Based in our studies, we’ve narrowed it down to finesse, center of gravity and study skills. Overall, girls have more finesse and balance. Since kiting is more about the “Zen” than the strength, it does well by not muscling the gear around. The natural lower center of gravity is the main factor in increasing the ability to sustain rides. And when we teach them something….they listen very well and digest what was being taught (sorry guys).

Fusing your skills with other sports!
In just a few years, kite flyers, wakeboarders, surfers, skaters, skiers, snowboarders, sailors and paragliders have fused in their skills with kiteboarding. If your athletic background harvests in one of these areas, you’ll find kiteboarding offers a lot skill familiarity, as well at some incredibly new feellings. Here’s a few tips for those crossing over from:

wind sports: Windsurfers and sailors will love that they have a big sail on a small boat. Smaller gear size will have you stoked about transport and rigging. Your key strength is your wind knowledge. You will likely have the need to unlearn riding big boards and holding on to booms.

Boarders: Surfers prefer to ride more waves in one kiting session than surfing the entire season. Wakeboarders will appreciate the hangtime as they control their own boat with an 80-inch pole. Snowboarders / skiers will stoke that they already have their board, can ride up mountains and avoid crowded lift lines (plus you can ride in summers on ground or water). Skaters will eat up the sliders, wakeskates and rails, falling from an ollie won’t tear up any joints. All boarder types will all need to really work on wind basics along with kite control skills and launching.

There is not really a requirement to have a background in any of these sports. Often times, we find students without strong board sport experience have less to unlearn. Pro-riders often have stronger learning aptitudes and the desire to push forward. Some of these best kiters never stepped foot on a board or boat. What it really comes down to is your passion, desire and commitment.

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Since riding anything behind a kite requires mostly kite control, the first step in becoming a “kiter” is to become proficient in flying a power kite. Start by purchasing a trainer power kite and practice all the exercises your certified instructor reviews with you. Doing so will help you get used to the power on land and learn how to control the kite safely and skillfully, before flying full size kites.

Unlike many other sports, kiteboarding has a uniquely short learning curve.  That’s not to say you’ll pick it up in a few hours or just a few days.There is a precise method to learning this sport.  However, done in the right order with the right guidance, you can really speed up your progression and expect to feel very comfortable within just a few months.

Kiteboarding is just one of many kite sports.
It stems from power kiting, and kiteboards are just one of several vehicles you can use with a kite (vehicles can include water boards, ground boards, buggies, snow boards / skis, or simply your feet).  In power kiting, you’re becoming the pilot of a singe wing that can pull and lift you. When you break it down, kite sports require 80% kite control & 20% vehicle balance. But first, before dragging your self around on something, you must learn the basics: how to control your kite.

We like to compare learning kiteboarding to driving. It’s critical you learn how to drive the “go-cart” before taking out the “Ferrari” for a spin down the highway.  For example, when driving, you’re eyes are focused on the road, letting your hands and feet control the steering wheel and engine without looking at them. The same holds true in power kiting … it’s critical your focus is on the environment around you, not on the kite or control bar.

Kite control must become second nature.
This is why, regardless of athletic background, your first step must focus on becoming proficient in flying power kites. This means mastering basic control till you are doing vehicle simulation exercises blind.

To get started, purchase a small lower powered kite sized to your body weight and athletic background (see the trainer kite myth for help).  You’ll then practice all the exercises your certified instructor reviews with you. Doing so will help you learn proper kite control techniques and theories safely and skillfully.  Be prepared to put in a minimum of 15-25 flight hours. Many people living away from beaches often do a remote training course before heading to the coast for a kiteboarding lesson.

Once you’re extremely comfortable with power kite control, you’re then ready to take a rigging and safety lesson. While the most boring part of the training process, this critical knowledge is second only to kite control. And honestly, you can’t have one without the other.

control + safety = time for board !
With your homework out of the way and you kite skills in place, you’re ready for an “on-the-board” class (i.e., kiteboarding, snow kiting, kite ground boarding, etc.). If you’ve master controlling kites, then you have a 90% success rate. This means you’ll be able to get up and ride short distances after this third and final lesson.

Ready to ride . .
Once you’ve been schooled and have practiced the homework, then it’s time to get gear and get riding. When moving beyond lessons, we highly encourage you consider these two facts:

1- Don’t believe the hype. Kiteboarding manufacturers often market their kites, boards, harness, & safety systems as the best. You’ll often hear you only need one kite for any condition. We highly suggest researching what’s best for you with you local shop and by chatting with seasoned kiters.

2- You get what you pay for. As with most things in life, go with budget and you’ll sacrifice quality, performance, and safety. While the intial expense in kiteboarding is high, it tends to be much cheaper than other sports over time.

Want to know more?
Like any sport, safety comes first. Power kites, their lines and control equipment must be used responsibly. Taking lessons from a certified / insured kiteboarding school will get you riding quickly & safely. Contact air’s creditable kiteboarding school to help guide you through the learning curve.  In the meantime, see our kiter’s progression chart (below) to help show what skills and timelines you can expect during training.