Kiteboarding is one of the most adrenaline pumping sports out there; a unique combination of surfing and flying, sailing and skateboarding, with thrills and spills to boot. You have to see it to believe it!
If you find yourself gazing in wonder at the magnificent and dazzling aerobatics of kitesurfers whilst you’re strolling on the beach and have a sudden urge to take up the sport, here are a few tricks of the trade to help you get started:
First things first, you should go out and find yourself an internationally accredited school or instructor. You may think that it’s all about danger and adrenaline, you might think it’s too rock ‘n’ roll for lessons but having a good instructor can save you money and time in the long run. Most accredited schools offer short introductory courses to long-term programs and usually have reasonable equipment rental costs. If you’re an absolute beginner and think it’s as easy as buying a big kite and an old surfboard then be prepared to look foolish. Granted, it may have been how the sport was invented but times and technologies have changed since then. A good instructor will stop you looking like a fool and will definitely save you from a few unnecessary cuts and bruises!
Secondly, you’ve got to be prepared to invest your time into the sport. The old expression that ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ is just as applicable to kiteboarding as it is to any other sport, hobby or pastime out there. A beginner student can probably get to grips with the basics in a day or two but it’ll take some serious time on the water to be confident enough to call yourself competent. Commitment is not necessarily a tip or trick as you’ll find yourself an addict within hours! If you live far away from your nearest body of water then now’s the time to save your pennies for gas money!
The third kiteboarding tip on the list is one that you’ll discover on your own: the internet. The internet is undoubtedly the most powerful learning tool of our generation, so make the most of it. If you want to take your surfing skills to the next level with some cunning trickery, such as handle passes, loops and board off maneuvers then try to find some online instructional videos that walk you through the moves step by step. You’ll be airborne in no time and pulling off the trick that you always dreamed of.
If internet and book learning isn’t your thing and you prefer the ‘hands on’ approach then by this stage in your kiteboarding career you’ve probably become acquainted with your fellow kiteboarders and local gurus. The kiteboarding community is one of the most friendly and helpful out there. Almost every kiteboarder on your stretch of beach will be happy to give you tips or let you in on a bit of local knowledge, so it’s definitely worth engaging in the social aspect of the sport too!
Take these tips and take yourself out on the water. Launch your kite and ride the waves. Live the life and become part of the lifestyle.
Analyan Killiana
