Frequently asked questions:
1. What is Kiteboarding? Kitesurfing? Is there a difference between the two?
Take the speed of water-skiing, the tricks of wakeboarding, the carving turns of surfing, the quiet freedom of sailing, and the jumping and flying that out does them all.
Some people call it Kiteboarding, others called it Kitesurfing. You choose what you like best.
Basically it is your kite that generates the power you need in order to fly high or go fast,- but obviously it is the wind that makes your kite fly in the first place. So these two things together determine how strong the pull is on your harness.
The stronger the wind, the smaller the kites we fly. Depending on where you fly your kite relative to yourself it works either as a sail or a wing (hence the vertical action).
Very similar to sailing it is the watercraft, or here the kiteboard that gives you your final course on the water (up-wind, down-wind, left & right). It is also used to “edge” hard in order to increase the “sling-shot effect” just before a jump.
The gear is simple and compact.
The kite easily folds up to fit into a back pack.
The board is light weight and fits under one arm.
A Harness around your waist, and
a Carbon Control Bar with lines completes the set up.
Ride in light or strong winds,
flat water or waves.
Insane aerial maneuvers or just cruising,- You choose!
Unlike Windsurfing or Waveriding Kitesurfing has a very fast learning-curve, hence the popularity of this sport!
2. Where can I ride?
Most Kiteboarders ride in the Ocean, or bays. Others kite in large lakes or rivers.
4. How much wind is needed?
The short answer is 10 knots and up, although it's more fun with more wind.
When you see the photos of people doing big floaty jumps, they are normally in winds of 15 knots or more.
Yes.. it's possible to kite in less than 10 knots ( 8-9 knots or so ) but it requires more skills and can be frustrating. Once the wind gets to steady 12 knots, life is good!
The steadier the wind the better.
5. Is Kitesurfing Dangerous? Why is it considered an Extreme Sport?
YES- true, Kitesurfing - like any other water sport "can be" dangerous, BUT:
If approached with respect the risks involved in this sport are very minimal. Wind speed & direction, water currents, turbulent areas, …things that are variable all day determine your safety as much as your physical fitness, skill-level and most importantly your correct judgment of all of the above! If you have accidentally chosen bad or ‘to strong' (for you) conditions to kite in, you have limited your safety margin to begin with and are more likely to hurt yourself.
Most accidents occur to people who had no proper lessons and have no previous knowledge of wind/aerodynamics. Because of the variables involved and because it is so dammed easy to learn your progression into the sport should be slow enough to allow for big safety margings at all times,- at least up until you are intermediate stage, at which your experience level will automatically tell you when you are about to make a wrong or to bold decision.
Get proper training before you go out by yourself,- when you do go out by yourself stay within your limitations/choose the right conditions. Learn about the wind and the weather as you progrees in this sport and you’ll be safe.
6. What Gear do I need?
Kite, Bar with lines, Harness, Board
You may also choose to wear or carry:
Wetsuit, Helmet, Kiter Sunglasses, Hook knife, Booties, Life vest or Impact vest
7. How Much will it all Cost?
The total price is dependant on the type of kite, kite size, brand, year, board type and
construction, etc.
As a general/average guideline:
- Inflatable Kite Complete with bar are lines: ~AUD 2000
- Twin–tip Board : ~AUD 1000
- Harness: ~AUD 250
The 2nd hand market is plentiful but difficult for a beginner to navigate through in order to find the best suitable gear ...so ask your instructor or an advanced kiter/friend for advice.
8. Can " I " learn kiteboarding?
"I'm only 10 years old!"
"I'm over 55!"
"I'm only 90 lbs and don't have much upper body strength"
"I weigh 250"
"I've never surfed."
" Can I do this? " Yes! As long as have the desire to learn, are at least an average swimmer and are willing to get wet most of the time,- give it a shot!
9. What about girls?
In general we have found that ladies learn faster than men! Sorry Guys! Ladies are naturally more attentive, and cautious. They pay close attention to the words of their instructor and it shows. Where strength is lacking, a girls skill and finesse can level the field.
10. DO I NEED TO BE FIT?
NO. It is all about the correct techniques. A reasonable level of fitness and the ability to swim short distances when learning will be to your advantage. Learning to KITESURF can be tiring and mentally draining but improvement of body condition will occur as you progress.
11. DO I NEED TO BE STRONG?
Although by watching kiteboarding from the beach it looks as though you need to be quite strong to perform well in this sport, nothing could be further from the truth. Kiteboarding is a technique sport and does not require anything above a normal level of strength. As you progress through the sport you will develop any additional muscle you require. The power of the kite is supported by a harness you wear around your waist. This saves you from holding onto any huge amount of power. All you do is steer and control the amount of power you need with the control bar.
12. WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?
You will need swimwear, sunscreen, water and secured sunglasses as you will be spending a lot of time looking upward into the sun, and don't forget your sense of fun and adventure..
13. CAN I USE MY OWN EQUIPMENT?
Bring it and we will check it out...when learning it is usually better to start on the smaller school kites and then progress to using your own gear....We advise you to take advantage of the opportunity to try out some of the latest gear available and to test your versatility.
14. IS KITEBOARDING DIFFICULT ?
Kiteboarding is a very easy sport to learn but like other extreme sports it pays to have the correct instruction to limit damage to your gear and injury to yourself and others. A few lessons is all it takes to get the basics and as with all sports, the more you practice the better you will get.
15. I CAN SURF, WINDSURF AND WAKEBOARD. DO I STILL NEED LESSONS?
Lessons are pretty much essential to a safe entry into the sport, not only for yourself but also for the safety of the general public. A basic understanding of the dangers and tricks can be achieved in just a few hours and your previous learning can only help you with balance, confidence and basic principles of wind and water and speed your progress, but rest assured, even with no experience, the real skill is flying the kite.
16. HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO LEARN?
Everyone learns at a different pace and we tailor lessons accordingly to suit each individuals learning ability. There is no maximum number of lessons required to get up and riding to the level you desire. Additional lessons can be taken to enhance your skills right through to expert level on a per hour basis.
17. WHY ARE THERE SO MANY DIFFERENT SIZE KITES?
Kites come in different sizes from as small as 2 metre trainers all the way up to a 25 metre light wind behemoth. The size of kites you use is determined by the body weight of the rider and more so, the wind strength. Light winds utilize large kites and strong winds use smaller kites. The average kite's wind range is based on a 75 kilo rider.
18. WHAT IS IKO?
IKO is the International Kiteboarding Organisation. The IKO are a group who have introduced a world minimum standard of teaching safe kiteboarding. It allows instructors to know what to teach and how, schools to have a safe teaching ethic and insurance companies a standard of which to gauge minimum proficiency when offering a policy. The IKO logo is a symbol of quality when a school is affiliated.
19. IS KITEBOARDING DANGEROUS?
Kiteboarding can be dangerous if you attempt flying a power kite without a thorough understanding of the way they fly and how to handle them in the event of something going wrong. An out of control kiter can cause serious injury and even death to innocent bystanders and themselves and as such, the sport must be respected for its potential for both fun and hazards. There have been numerous deaths worldwide and several in Australia from people deciding to teach themselves without proper instruction. Please get a lesson from a properly qualified IKO instructor.
20. I'm sold! How do I get started?
Tuition/Lessons !!! Before going out and perhaps buying the wrong size or less suitable equipment book in for a lessons at your chosen school. Here you will fly the latest school equipment, learn all about safety procedures and get all the skills needed to become self sufficient within a very short time.
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