Kite Surfer
Kite Surfer
A fusion of windsurfing, wakeboarding and paragliding, kite surfing has been labelled the most extreme water sport in existence. Invented by the French, and popularised by Robbi Naish in Hawaii, the pace of development of the sport over the past five years has been rapid. This, together with the degree of publicity this adventure sport continues to attract, may account for its burgeoning popularity. 3
Kite surfing is still a pretty new sport but many beach resorts in Hawaii, Florida and California have kite surfing schools. You can usually be on the water and riding waves after a few hours of training. At most places, you have to be 13 or older to kite surf. 6
Any traction kite, which is a large controllable kite that can generate pull while flying, can be used for this sport. Kites that are relaunchable and high performance are the most desirable. Relaunchable kites are ones that are relaunched from the water after a fall and high performance can be used for jumping and upwind sailing. Another desirable trait of a kite is power control; this is the ability to control the power of the kite dynamically on the water, producing a wider wind range for the kite. There are three types of kites on the market today, all with a certain amount of relaunchability. These types are inflatable kites, framed single skin kites and Ram airfoil kites. For a beginner, the inflatable kites are best. 2
It has been described as less dangerous than skydiving, but more so than windsurfing, and more fun than both. Jonny Biggins, a British kite surfer living in Barcelona, admits that the danger factor is a huge pull. For him it is the most exciting and exhilarating sport there is. However, he also stressed that for those who know what they are doing, it needn’t be too dangerous. There is a kite-surfing code of conduct, and the most important rule is to always watch the kite’s lines. 4
For this reason, Pedro Rius, the owner of the Front Fred shop in Barcelona and a kite surfer for six years, believes women have the potential to dominate the sport. Women, he maintains, are faster learners and are more adept at concentrating on technique; whereas men tend to rely on sheer strength and are more intent on showing off or being macho. 8
The kite surfer is also another important piece of equipment used with this sport. With this in mind, a kite surfer body will need a harness system that temporarily attaches to the control device, a life jacket, water shoes, a thick wet suit and a helmet. With this equipment, the kite surfer is ready for an exciting journey. 7
The kites are normally controlled by a control bar with either 2 lines or 4 lines, depending on the type of kite it is. A 2-line control bar is used for a 2-line kite, a 4-line control bar for a 4-line inflatable kite and a pair of handles or a 4-line control bar for a 4-line foil. Control devices allow a kite surfer to pilot the kite to fly anywhere within the range of where the surfer?s eyes can see when facing straight down wind. A deadman safety release system should be on any control device being used. This safety release system has the capability to disable the kite completely even if the surfer is unconscious. This system will also make retrieval of the kite and the control device so the kite will not be lost. 5
