Florida has some of the best spots for kiteboarding in the entire nation. Unfortunately, many locals and visitors may not take advantage of these opportunities due to their lack of experience with kiteboarding and the common perception that the sport is difficult to learn. On the contrary, individuals can often pick up the basics quickly and enjoy themselves on the water within a matter of hours. Of course, developing the skills necessary to perform tricks or more advanced techniques takes time, but people will gradually improve just as they would by practicing any other sport. Here are some tips to help complete beginners to get started with the fun sport:
1. Start with a trainer kite.
The trainer kite is much smaller than what people typically use when kiteboarding. During this stage, people should avoid the board altogether and simply master the physics of using a kite. People can train with the kite in any open space ranging from a beach to an open field. The key technique to master is to use the wind window to get the kite to move in the right direction. Many trainer kites come with instructional videos and manuals with exercises to complete so that individuals can become fully comfortable with using the kite before they get in the water. Mastering kite skills from the beginning will make getting up and around on the water much easier. People may also want to spend some time on a sailboat since concepts such as lift, drag, angle of attack, and wind orientation all apply directly to the experience of kiteboarding.
2. Learn board skills.
People who previously learned other board-related sports, especially wakeboarding, will find a lot of crossover when they start to learn the basics of kiteboarding. However, surfing, snowboarding, and even longboarding will give individuals a head start. Individuals who are interested in learning how to kiteboard should try to develop their skills in a related sport before they get in the water with the kite. People who live in colder climates can spend additional time on a snowboard, and those who reside close to the water can try surfing and wakeboarding. If these are not viable options, individuals can always spend some time on a skateboard. The edge control techniques learned with these boards translate directly to kiteboarding, and individuals can practice without having to worry about the kite.
3. Invest in kiteboarding lessons.
While some people have taught themselves kiteboarding or learned from their friends, taking a full-size kite on the water without proper training can be dangerous. Just as people would not skydive or paraglide without training, they should not attempt to kiteboard until they feel absolutely ready. Kiteboarding demands a full understanding of wind dynamics and the ability to think quickly in the event of an emergency. People who enter the water before they are ready not only put themselves at risk, but also the other people on the beach. Beginning kiteboarders should keep as much distance as possible between themselves and other people in the water or on the beach. Small mistakes, such as steering the kite too quickly across the sky, can result in disaster when people lose control of their kites.
4. Ensure that you are using gear that meets your needs.
Beginners may not want to invest in high-quality gear since it can be very expensive. Luckily, most training facilities should have equipment to rent. This option is generally preferable over borrowing gear from friends due to the importance of using gear that fits properly. Several different designs and sizes exist, and the right option depends on a person’s height, weight, gender, and general level of fitness. Individuals may want to find a trusted professional to help them learn about the different types of gear and identify the best options for their specific needs.
When it comes time to purchasing personal gear, individuals should pay more attention to quality than price. Several expensive pieces of gear may not have the quality that they should, while cheaper variations may prove extremely good bargains considering the expert fabrication of the product.
When it comes time to purchasing personal gear, individuals should pay more attention to quality than price. Several expensive pieces of gear may not have the quality that they should, while cheaper variations may prove extremely good bargains considering the expert fabrication of the product.
5. Practice body dragging.
Before trying out their boarding and kite skills, individuals should practice body dragging. They should use the kite to drag themselves through the water face first. This technique ensures that people have really mastered kite control while allowing them to practice with what they need to do to retrieve a board should they fall. Since the slingshot effect of leashes poses a great risk to the body, kiteboarders do not use them. As a result, they must chase the board down in the water, using the kite to drag them along. By keeping your head down and your legs together, your body becomes a rudder to steer you through the water toward your destination.