WHAT IS KITEBOARDING?

Kiteboarding is the newest water sport. It consist of a Leading Edge Inflatable (L.E.I.) kite, control bar, line, and a board. Kiteboarders are attached to the kite via a harness to help in controlling the power of the kite. Riders use a control bar, which hooks into the harness, to control the kite. The kite can either have two or four 20-27 meter lines that are attached to the control bar. Kite sizes range from 3-20 meters.

Leading Inflatable Edge (L.E.I) Kite: A power kite with an inflated leading edge and ribs that will give the kite curved shape once its pumped up. these kites float so they are easy to water re-launch.

2-lines kite: These kites are simple and easy to set up. however you can't change their power and their control is not that good compared to 4-lines kite.

4-lines kite: 2 front lines (for power control) and 2 back lines (for turning the kite).  You can change the kite power by changing the angle of the kite like a an aircraft wing. 4-lines kite are quicker and more responsive than a 2-lines one, have a wider wind range and you can control it's power

Control bar: control kite movement and power, pull the left end and the kite will turn to the left, pull the right and the kite will turn right. Can be attached to the harness (belt) by a power loop so that your arms won't get tired. Kite power can be changed here by changing the lenght of the front lines

Harness: a belt that will take the pull of the kite through your body rather than your arms alone

Kite lines: A strong thin material that, Most can withstand 300 Kg before they break, So a four line kite can withstand 1200 Kg of pull power!!. Lines lengths can run from 15m to 40m.Most used is 28m. In general; Shorter lines for strong wind as they make the kite faster to turn and less powerful and Longer lines in light wind as they make the kite slower to turn but more powerful.

Kite board: comes in varying sizes, Which one to choose? Well depends on your weight, skill and wind speed. In general; Larger boards are used for cruising and light winds. Small boards are used for speed, jumps and tricks.

Beginners: should start with a small kite + short flying lines + big board. Why?  Big boards are easier to float you without the kite power so you can take your time exploring the kite control and its power potential, Small kites are more responsive and easier to control and the power will not scare you "respect the power".  Shorter lines will make your kite more responsive and less powerful. With this combination your level will develop very quickly. Learn to walk before you RUN!!

Life jacket: An absolute to wear, keeps you afloat, protects you from impacts and helps you to water start.

Safety gear: A lightweight helmet is recommended in case you make contact with your board in a crash. Consider a wetsuit for cooler water temperatures.

How can I learn kiteboarding: The first step is to know the basic kite flying and control skills with a trainer kite. Trainer kites are 2-3 meter in size. after mastering the skills of it you can go and fly the water kite doing body dragging and getting used to the kite, its safety system, how to re-launch it, how to go upwind with out the board then you can try getting on the board. these steps should be easy and quick if you have bought a beginner kite not an advanced one

Have a look at the movies.. section to see what kiteboarding can offer you.