What is the difference between kitesurfing, and Kiteboarding?
None, they all designate the same sport in different areas in the world.
How much does it cost to start Kiteboarding?
Equipment will cost between $500 and $2500. Lessons will cost around $100 - $300. Wind is free!
Can I start kitesurfing alone?
No! Even though kitesurfing is not a difficult sport, it requires
specific knowledge that is best learnt in a school and under the
guidance of an instructor. AKSA recommends IKO qualified instructors
for the fastest and safest learning curve
How will learning with an instructor help?
An instructor will teach you how to become independent in safe
conditions (how to choose your kite, the spot, prepare your equipment,
how to react in case of a problem...). Moreover, an instructor will
keep you safe and will prevent you from destroying that new kite you've
just bought! This happened to a lot of people who tried on their own.
Do I need prior experience in any other water sport before starting kitesurfing?
No, you don't need prior experience in any other water sport before
starting. Obviously, already having good board or kite skills will
accelerate your learning curve but the sport is relatively simple to
learn and anyone can do it.
What kind of equipment do I need for starters?
The kind of equipment depends on the style and weather conditions of
your region. Yet you must buy: a helmet, a harness, a life vest, and a
wetsuit. As for the kitesurfing equipment, you will need a bar with
lines, a board with a leash and a kite. It's best to buy from a
reputable retailer as they will give you good advice and be there for
after sales service & support. Reputable instructors will advise
you on suitable equipment based on your skills obtained from your
lessons.
What size of kite should I buy?
The size of kite that you can use depends on your weight and level,
according to the power of the wind. The way a kite flies may also vary
from one kite to the next, depending on its type. To choose a kite, you
must check the kite's wind range, which is given by the manufacturers,
ask other riders that weigh the same as you, and most of all try it
before buying. Again - get advice and service from your local retailer.
How many fins should I have on my board?
Theoretically, the less fins you put on your board the faster it goes.
Some boards are even used without fins. A board's ability to go upwind
depends more on the shape of the board and the level of the rider than
of the fins. Fins help when loading up to jump. On the market, there
are twin tips or wakeboards with 4 fins, directional boards with 2 to 4
fins and mutants (surfboard style) with 3 to 5 fins. You can easily try
different combinations and its best you do what feels most comfortable
for you.
Is it safe to buy second hand equipment on the web?
It all depends on the web site. Buying from a private owner may be
risky. You must request guarantees that will allow you to send the
equipment back in case it is faulty. This kind of guarantee is provided
only by professional web sites. You must also know what to check on the
equipment. You are always safer buying from retailers, but those with a
very strict budget may find some benefit in private second hand sales.
In reality if 2nd hand is the way for you, its probably best to try to
source gear locally or through your retailer as you will be able to see
what you're getting and know who you're getting it from.
How long will I be able to use my kite?
If the kite is kept properly, you will be able to use it for more than
three years. Yet be careful with second hand purchases. Check out key
points such as leading edge and strut seams, trailing edge thickness,
bladder conditions (inflate and wait)
How do you keep your kite in good condition?
Always check your kite before and after using it. Here are a few
pointers: always store the kite once it is dry, do not rub off the sand
but rather shake it off, rinse off the fabric and the struts to prevent
the sand from wearing it prematurely, don't leave it in the sun, don't
let it flutter in the wind, don't step on it or hold it down with your
knees, and avoid putting sand inside the kite. Always remove the sand
from the connecting knots before reconnecting them.
How old must I be in order to start? What about minimum weight?
Kitesurfing is taught to children aged between 12 and 14. Some start at
8 but under constant supervision. Physical condition is taken into
consideration rather than weight but a general rule is 35kg minimum.
Do I need a license to practice kiteboarding?
There is no license system in Australia. At some beaches you need to
show your AKSA tag that proves to council rangers you hold public
liability insurance. When learning kitesurfing it is a good idea to
have an instructor teach you up until at least IKO level 1 and better
to level 2. This will ensure you are kept safe when negotiating the
potentially dangerous learning levels and gain the best knowledge and
skills from the start.
Is it a risky sport?
Kitesurfing can be dangerous if practised carelessly. The risks in
kitesurfing are very easy to manage and the sport need not be dangerous
at all.
How soon will I start enjoying myself on the water?
Learning how to kiteboard is enjoyable from the start. 3 to 10 days are
needed according to physical shape and motivation in order to start
being at ease on the board and go and come back.
Is it easy to relaunch the kite when it falls in the water?
It is very easy to relaunch small and medium sized kites. It is a
little trickier for larger, 15m² to 22m² kites. Your instructor will
teach you water re-launching skills in the lessons.
Can a kitesurfer go upwind?
Yes. If the wind is not too light or too powerful, going upwind is quite easy.
How do I switch directions, either using the board or the kite?
To change directions you need to bring the kite from one side, gently
over the top to the other side. At the same time you need to pressure
the downwind side of your board at the tail, and turn it around to
follow the kite. If you are using a twin tip board you simply need to
transfer weight from your back leg to your front (or new back) leg as
the kite starts to pull you back the other way.
How do I jump?
In order to jump, you need to have some speed. Start with your kite at
about 60degrees and send it back hard to the top or even past the top.
At the same time you need to edge harder and load up until the kite
overpowers you. As you get overpowered and the kite starts to lift you,
release your edge and extend your legs to jump. When in the air pull
down on your front hand to bring the kite back over your head and make
for a soft landing. As you are about to land, extend your legs to
absorb the impact, find your edge again and get ready for the next one.
How high can I go?
First jumps go between 1 to 3 meters. Experienced riders can jump up to 10 meters and over.
What if I am a beginner and jump involuntarily?
Unless you time it perfectly you will only make a small jump and you will always come down again into the water.
How do I control the power of the kite?
It is the position of the kite that determines its power. If you are
getting overpowered on the water you can edge harder to reduce you
board speed. This will bring the kite round into a less powerful
position.
What is the "aspect ratio"?
It is the length of the kite divided by the width. A kite with a high
aspect ratio (AR6) will have a big span and small strut, with a high
performance but unstable. Low AR kites generally don't jump so high or
go upwind so easily, but are easier to relaunch and are more stable at
the edge of the wind window.
What is the "power zone"?
It is the area of the sky (relative to your position) in which the kite develops its power.
Can I kitesurf among other ocean users?
Yes, but always show respect and caution. It is safest to kite downwind
of other water users and always keep a fair distance. Please read the
Safe Kiting Guidelines endorsed by AKSA
How many kite surfers can kitesurf in a space that can normally accommodate 50 windsurfers?
That depends on the level of the riders, the better the level is the
more this figure will come close to 50. If all are beginners, then 15
to 20 riders are more than enough.
How can I meet other kitesurfers?
There are kiteboarding associations all over the world. Beaches and
lakes are the best places to meet other riders. To establish contact
and share information, forums are a good option. There are more and
more local clubs forming around Australia but still the best way is at
the beach or at events.