Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing or Kiteboarding is a surface water sport that uses the wind to pull a rider through the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard. A kitesurfer or kiteboarder uses a board with or without foot-straps or bindings, combined with the power of a large controllable kite to propel the rider and the board across the water.

This sport could be dangerous. Because of strong forces that can be generated by sudden wind gusts, people can be lofted, carried off, dashed against water, buildings, and terrain or power lines. Jumping and being airborne at inappropriate places can be hazardous. A surfer can get farther from shore than an easy swim and become exposed to marine hazards such as sharks, jellyfish, sea otters, dolphins, and even crocodiles, depending on the location. Collisions with wind surfers, other kite boarders or water craft are hazards, particularly at busy locations.

To overcome potential serious risks, weather planning and awareness are keys to safe kiteboarding. Paying attention to the weather and staying within the limits of the riders’ ability will provide the safest experience. Kiteboarders are advised to use safety knife if lines become tangled and dangerous and follow the basic safety rules of kitesurfing.

The equipment needed for this sport consists of power kite, foil kite, flying lines, control bar, kite harness, kiteboard, wetsuit, safety hook knife, helmet, personal flotation device, signaling device, GPS, buddy, board leash, impact vest.