Well, then try it!, and start with this sport easily and safely.
Kitesurf or kiteboarding is quickly becoming the most popular wind and water sport. If you still think this is an extreme sport limited to just a few people, think again. In this post, we will explain simply how to learn kiteboarding safely and we will share some important technical tips. If you are one of those who are into kiteboarding and would like to take on a sport that is ecological, and the same time allows you to be in touch with nature, and give you a great dose of adrenaline, then kiteaboarding is definitely the right sport for you.
Hi, dear readers. My name is Gianpaolo, and I am the founder of this blog. After more tan 10 years practicing and becoming time and again more passionate about this sport, I would like to shed light on some doubts you might have so you can also try this sense of freedom that kiteboarding generates. With this piece of advice, we will make this apparently risky sport a little less dangerous, and with a good instructor and respecting all the rules, it can become your passion and lifestyle. Kiteboarding is not any more dangerous than driving a car, so if everyone can drive, for sure everyone can do kiteboarding. Now, can you imagine you were given a car for the first time without being told where the brakesare, how to shift and where to steer, and you were told to drive it? Well, that’s an accident about to happen. It is quite the same with kiteboarding, but under the guidance of an experienced, good instructor and respecting the rules, you can
learn kiteboarding withing 3 or 4 days without any problems or risks. It is very important to start at a beginner-friendly place, with shallow and flat water conditions, which will help a lot at this first stage of kiteboarding.
Once you have learned that kiteboarding has no limits, it can be practiced on different boards and different styles: in flat waters, with waves, with hydrofoil, on a surf board, on a board with boots, and also on snow with skis and a snowboard (Snowkite).
Now, why learning kiteboarding?
Why getting started with kiteboarding instead of another water sport? What do think has made this sport grow more and more popular?
We could say that the main reasons that have made this sport so popular and even more practiced every year worldwide are:
It’s a sport for everyone. If you’re thinking right now that kiteboarding is not right for you, you might want to think again. When you hit a kiteboarding spot, you will notice how many people of different ages and physical conditions practice this sport. During your first hours of classes, it might seem to you a little difficult and weird, but after the second or third day as you go on, you will eventually feel safer and more relaxed, and you will start taking control of your kite, and then, the board.
Quite often, I see a lot of people feeling discouraged on their first day, but I also get to see a lot of experienced kiters encourage new riders to keep going to make their dream of getting this continuous sense of pleasure out of kiteboarding come true.
Another reason that has really amazed me with this sport, and another reason why you should learn it: the community of friends that form among all the groups of riders. I can say that the quality of my friends regarding good vibes and close friendship has greatly improved.
It’s pretty safe. But wait, how can it be both risky and safe? And yes, kiteboarding is not as dangerous as jumping off a parachute. Obviously, there is risk involved, just like every sport, and here, being conditioned to the power of the wind and other forces of nature, certainly add up an extra level of risk provided that you do not respect the rules or use a kite size not suited for you. But if you do respect the rules, take your courses, and practice safely, kite is not at all dangerous. The
security systems and quality of the materials have reached high levels of safety lately.
Dynamic. Next to other water sports, you will always be in motion with kiteboarding, and you will never stop learning new tricks or different disciplines. You will never get bored, the possibilities are infinite, and the best part is that this happens to everyone. Unlike wakeboard, windsurf or surf, with kiteboarding everyone can get to learn some jumps or basic tricks, which is something that
takes way longer with other sports, and it doesn’t always happen.
Addictive. Once you try kiteboarding, you can’t get it out of your head. Whenever you feel a little breeze or see the trees swaying, you will start thinking what a good day it is to practice. You start checking all weather websites and wind apps out there, such as windguru and windfinder, among a few others that are launched in the market every year. You wait for the wind to get your dose of happiness. The mere sensation of sliding on the water on the beach, the connection with nature
and the sensation of freedom you get, will make you get a sense of fulfillment and wellness down your body like only few things in life can.
But wait, don’t go too fast! You have to learn with a professional, specialized kite school. You have to take your kiteboarding course and avoid to learn by yourself or with a friend. A friend kiter can help you a lot after you have taken your classes, but only an instructor will make the practices a hundred percent safe for you and those surrounding you as you get started. Being able to do a sport does not mean being able to teach it. Quite often, accidents have taken place when a boyfriend or friend tries to teach without experience on this.
It is also important to learn with a good kiteaboarding school that helps you choose the right gear according to your weight and the spot where you will be learning.
There are many kite models and sizes available, so only an experienced personcan help you buy the right gear.
Now, we will explain some of the elements that make part of kiteboarding and that will help you once you make your first beginner’s classes. Guide on how to purchase a full second hand kiteboarding gear.
The kite
This is the main element that helps channel the wind’s power and control your direction. It is controlled with both of your hands without applying too much strength. Most of the strength is conveyed to your body through the lines to the harness. There are several kite models and brands. All brands produce models more intended for beginners. If you would like to go deeper on this, you can read our blog article about the difference among several types of kites.
The kite board
The most used board and also the most ideal one for learning is the twintip. This board is bidirectional, which means you can ride on both sides without changing the position of your feet. Other types of boards, similar to surf boards, are also used, although a with a little reinforcement, or foiling, which is becoming more popular due to the advantage it offers when riding without any problems when winds are lighter.
The control bar
This will be our “steering wheel” to control the kite. It has an easy-to-handle integrated safety system. It consists of 4 or 5 lines, depending on the model. The best kites for beginners are those with 4 lines.
The safety leash
Attached to the harness and the bar, this is a simple extra safety elastic lash which is connected to the harness and one of the connection lines of the kite. Once the safety system is activated, the kite is completely released in case of danger, and just after having activated the first saftey system.
The kiteaboarding harness.
This is our connection to the kite. There are two main kinds: The seat harness, used for learning and for those riders who prefer less pressure on their backs and on the waist harness. This one is more common and comfortable once you have learned.
Ideally, beginners should also wear a vest and a helmet.
Terrific! Now you know all the basics you need to know to practice, but you also need a good spot to have your kite sessions. Luckily, Mexico has a handful of great spots for kiteboarding. Some of those places are perfect for beginners. Isla Blanca and El Cuyo are among them. If you require more information, you can check the sections where we explain which are the best months for learning in these amazing spots. See you on the water!
