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Kiteboarding uses the power of a kite to pull a rider through the water on a surf or wake board. Kiteboarding refers to a style of riding known as freestyle or wake-style, whereas kitesurfing is more "wave-riding" oriented.
Popularity
The sport is still in its infancy, but is rapidly growing in popularity, with an estimated 200,000 enthusiasts spread around the world.
Location
Kite surfing can be undertaken on stretches of open water suitable for other water sports of water skiing or surfing.
Age
Kite Surfing is not recommended as an activity suitable for those under the age of eighteen years.
Ability
it is essential for beginners to take instruction from a certified kite-surfing instructor. As kite-boarding can pose problems and hazards (some of which may not be immediately obvious) to kite-surfers, beach-goers and others on the water.
Description
Generally, the first step of kitesurfing is to fly one's kite into neutral position, in which the kite is overhead at the edge of the wind window, and therefore generating little pull against your body. Note that if an excessive wind gust occurs with your kite, your body weight may not be adequate to anchor the kite resulting in you being lofted (involuntarily lifted) off the ground.
Dedication
Kite Boarding is a dangerous sport! Sudden wind gusts, can cause riders to be lofted, resulting in what's termed a "kitemare" (kite + nightmare). Most injuries are the result of being lofted or dragged out of control, resulting in a collision with hard objects. It is possible to be seriously injured simply by hitting the water surface at speed or from a height. There is also the real risk of becoming further from shore than an easy swim back to shore.
Closely
Related Activities
Kite surfing 793, Kite Flying 351, Paraskiing 458.
Cost
Apart from wind, a kite, board, harness, bar and lines, life-jacket and wetsuit, are all that is essentially needed. This package will cost anywhere from £1000, upwards, depending on the quality and age of gear you choose.
Level of Demand
The table below shows the maximum levels of demand that this activity requires. NOTE: These are not entry levels or levels of requirement and has nothing to do with ability.
Energy |
Arms
|
Legs
|
Sight
|
Hearing
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Speech |
Learning |
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