Learn kitesurfing - The olympic kite discipline
The best tips and information about kitesurfing
You would like to learn kitesurfing: Do you remember when you were a child, how you learned to fly your first kite? Or did you watch with big eyes how a kite seems to fly into the horizon in the evening sun? It was exciting, thrilling and totally fascinating to see him flying in the air from the ground. Always according to the motto: “Tighten the lines and let’s go!” What could be more exciting than Steer your kite from the water and float together with it towards the horizon!
Contents:
- Learn kitesurfing and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris!
- The history of kitesurfing
- Learn kitesurfing – An incomparable feeling of freedom
- Off into the adventure! Your must-have list for your kite session
- Learn kitesurfing with the right wetsuit
- Learn kitesurfing with an optimally fitting kitesurf helmet
- Learn kitesurfing with the harness and a impact vest
- The kite: The “heart” of kitesurfing!
- The connection between the kite and the bar
- Which kiteboard suits me best?
- Nothing works without the right pump
- The budget question when you learn kitesurfing
- What kind of Waterman or Waterwoman type are you?
- Learn kitesurfing: Goosebumps don’t lie!
Learn kitesurfing and the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris!
The history of kitesurfing
Let’s take a little excursion into the history of this incomparable trend sport, which is still developing rapidly today.
Because in the beginning there is always an idea and then the will and the urge to implement it. Marco Polo saw it that way.
It is thanks to him, that we were able to play with flying kites even as small children. He brought this invention to Europe on his travels through China and Indonesia.
Also worth mentioning is the Englishman Samuel Franklin Cody. At the beginning of the 20th century, he had himself pulled across the English Channel in a boat with the help of a kite.
The invention was further expanded by Peter Lynn. Around 1980 he built the first kite buggy and so kiting was born on land.
Father-son duo Bill and Cory Roesler from Seattle/ USA developed the first kite ski system and this hit the market directly.
In parallel, the French brothers Bruno and Dominique Legaignoux developed the first WIPIKA kite, which is still used by kite manufacturers today.
The kitesurfing equipment and how to learn kitesurfing are constantly experiencing new improvements and further developments!
Learn kitesurfing - An incomparable feeling of freedom
Kitesurfing has been established as a water sport for many years and is the pure kick for body and soul. Some describe learning to kitesurf as pure fascination. Many also say that kitesurfing has changed their lives!
In this sport you are always in close contact with Mother Nature. In search of the best wind conditions, kitesurfing offers you the opportunity to discover ever new and exciting holiday destinations. You will meet cool people who call kitesurfing pure attitude to life.
So you see, learn kitesurfing is associated with a lot more. Therefore we hope that we can make you a little bit curious with our offer of kitesurfing courses and kitesurf schools!
Off into the adventure! Your must-have list for your kite session
If you ask around and do some research, you are almost overwhelmed by the range of kitesurfing equipment on offer.
We want to help you with the orientation and have created an overview for you, so that you know exactly what you need to start to learn kitesurf.
To be able to glide over the water like a bird, you first and foremost need the best possible advice. If you want to book a kitesurfing holiday, you should definitely look for a qualified kitesurfing camp or surf school (more information about the topic surf school you can get in our Surf-School-GUIDE!). They can answer all your questions in the best possible way and above all, advise you as an individual kiter. Because your safety and well-being always comes first! So what should definitely be on your shopping list?
Learn kitesurfing with the right wetsuit
Especially in the beginning you will spend a lot of time practicing in the water. Therefore it is all the more important that you are protected from the cold throughout the year. That means keeping warm is the first priority at the beginning and not necessarily the flexibility of the wetsuit.
It is important that you try the wetsuit on in any case and your surf school or surf shop will give you the best information about the different thicknesses. The thickness of 5/4 mm, 5/3 mm or 4/3mm is optimal if you want to keep warm in Germany, for example, during the winter season. But if you are interested in a kitesurf school in warmer areas, for example, you will of course have different year-round weather conditions.
Maybe you decide for kitesurfing in Fuerteventura? And already you are on a warm dream island with excellent kite conditions and then a thickness of 3/2 mm is enough. But don’t let appearances deceive you. In the winter months it can also get cooler there. We therefore recommend you to get in touch with your chosen kitesurf camp or surf school to check the weather conditions before you go on your kitesurfing holiday.
Learn kitesurfing with an optimally seated kitesurf helmet
Your safety always comes first! Therefore, it is more than recommended to buy a well-fitting kitesurf helmet. This applies not only to kitesurfing beginners, but also to professionals.
Of course, it is also always a question of the spots where you get into the water. If your kitesurfing spot has many rocks or stones in or around the water, then a helmet is definitely advisable. The kitesurf helmet gives you a good feeling of safety so you can focus on floating freely like a bird over the water.
Learn kitesurfing with the harness and a impact vest
The harness helps you to stand up on the kiteboard. A basic distinction is made between two types of harnesses.
The seat harness is mainly used for kitesurfing lessons, because it helps beginners to lift better and faster. If you can get on your board safely and get out of the water safely, use a hip harness. It gives you more freedom of movement.
A so-called impact vest offers you help with buoyancy. Just when your kite lands on the water. Please make sure that your vest is designed for hip harneses so that your impact vest fits properly.
In the videos you can have this explained to you in more detail:
The kite: The "heart" of kitesurfing!
Finding the right kite is a challenge, because you want to invest in the optimal centerpiece from the beginning. But what do you have to watch out for?
We will give you helpful tips to help you find your way around the purchase. Please note, however, that if you book a kitesurfing holiday with our partner surf schools, all equipment is already included in the course! Many even offer free rental rentals outside of school hours.
It all starts with which manufacturer you choose. Similar to car purchases, there is a huge offer. But which manufacturer becomes your favourite is very often based on your own feeling and the best advice.
The best thing to do is to make your way to a good surf center. It is also important whether you are a beginner or a professional. But first of all your body weight and your own ability is decisive. The seller can then advise you better.
The topic of the right kite shape is a topic in itself. For beginners, for example, the types called Open-C, Delta or Bow are recommended. There is of course also the possibility to buy a used kite. But what you always have to pay attention to is the year of manufacture. It should always be a year after 2011 so that you are up to date with the latest developments.
It is also recommended to pay attention to four lines instead of five, because five lines are more difficult to maneuver. But even there the spirits are divided and you should find out for yourself what is optimal for you.
A rule of thumb is that the more you weigh, the bigger you should choose the kite. The bigger your kiteboard is, the smaller you can choose your kite.
The connection between the kite and the bar
While we are talking about the kite, we must also immediately include the subject of kite bar.
With the bar you steer and feel your kite. It is very important that both have the same year of construction and are from the same manufacturer. Many companies are compatible with each other, but
not all. Adjusting the bar correctly requires experience and it is also important to know and master the safety system (also called safety leash) of the bar.
Learn to kitesurf: Which kiteboard suits me best?
This question is even very important. Because a wrong decision can cause you to limit your fun on the water. Here we give you some valuable tips:
Visit a kitesurfing course to get a better feeling for the different board sizes (kitesurfing courses or the right surf school you can find here – Search for your surf school now!).
In the surf shop of your choice you will get the best advice, because it’s all about your skills, your body weight and the size (length and width) of the board.
It is also interesting to know that it is not so much about controlling the kite board, but about controlling the kite. Many mistakes can happen there and the kiteboard is then considered as compensation.
As a rule of thumb, you should get a rather larger board at the beginning. The point is that with a bigger board you displace more water and at the same time you have more grip on the board. This makes it easier for you to glide and you get better into the riding and therefore you can also use a small kite. The large board is very well designed for less wind.
Then at some point there is the moment that you feel safe on the water and drive and navigate better and better. What now? Now it’s time for a smaller kiteboard and so you’re ready for more wind. You now have two boards and can go into the water in almost all weather conditions. Now you are optimally prepared for higher jumps and tricks in the water. Everlasting fun guaranteed!
However, the right kite size is always important for both board sizes. Please get advice in your kitesurf camp or surf camp as well as from your surf shop or kite friends.
You’re more the golden mean type? Of course, this is also possible, but you then make many compromises. Please get careful advice on this.
Nothing works without the right pump
Your kite session wouldn’t start without the right pump, because you have to inflate your kite first to start with it.
A pump is part of every equipment. Please make sure you choose a pump with aluminium shaft to generate enough pressure when inflating. There are also models that are higher to protect your back when inflating. Many pumps have a pressure gauge, similar to the car tyre pressure. Please check your manual to see how much pressure your model requires.
The budget question when learning to kitesurf
In summary, kitesurfing equipment is of course also a question of your own budget. There are in many cases very good used models and equipment. But of course you always have to pay attention to the quality and progression of consumption there.
Please note, however, that in a kite or surf school you will be provided with all the equipment you need, as this is already included in the kitesurfing course!
What kind of Waterman or Waterwoman type are you?
This question is asked sooner or later, because there are different styles in kitesurfing as in fashion. And you should find your own way of expressing yourself. In the beginning there is always how to learn kitesurfing, but after that it is your own personal development.
This water sport is about the kick, the longing for freedom and the desire for the ocean!
- The all-round freeride type
With this equipment you simply feel “free as a bird” on the water. It is the business card of the company for all kite manufacturers, because this area covers a great combination of driving power and riding fun. This type of driving is the so-called “all-rounder” because it is designed for all skill levels.
- The freestyle type
Are you more of an acrobat? Then the freestyle kite is just right for you. With it you can let off steam on the water and perform all your tricks and stunts.
- The Surf Wave Type
You’re more the “down the line” type? No problem. Special kitesurfing equipment is also available for this. So you can fly away on the waves of the sea.
- The Performance Lightwind Type
There is only light wind today? No need to panic! There are specially manufactured kites that allow for a lot of fun in light winds.
- The hydrofoiling type
As mentioned at the beginning, this water sport is constantly evolving. The latest highlight for kitesurfers is the so-called “hovering over the water”. It is silent, extremely fast and allows a very accurate kiting. The Hydrofoil is a kind of sail under the kiteboard, which makes it possible to fly over the water. A new and exciting way to enjoy kitesurfing!
Learn kitesurfing: Goosebumps don't lie!
Well, become curious?
If you are looking for the new kick of freedom, learn kitesurfing is the right thing for you. Ready to embark on a new journey? Then it’s time to throw yourself into waves and wind! Become part of a breathtaking Olympic water sports discipline and worldwide water sports community.
The first step is of course to book a kitesurfing course in one of our selected surf schools (more information about the topic surf school can be found in our Surf-School-GUIDE!). Meet lots of cool people who wants to learn kitesurfing just like you. The best fun factor is of course guaranteed!
They don’t say “goose bumps don’t lie” for nothing!
We wish you a lot of fun when you start to learn kitesurfing!