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Big air equals big thrills in this new extreme water sport.
Kiteboarding or kitesurfing, if you don't already know, is like snowboarding
on water. This, behind a boat, is called wakeboarding. OK, now forget the boat
and add a giant kite for the power source. The kite is controlled or steered
using a control bar in the hands of the rider. The kite can be flown is specific
patterns to generate greater power, or can be used to jump or fly through the
air. We are not talking about little hops either; you can really get up and
float for some serious air time. The power is directed to a harness by
"hooking in"; this takes the load off the arms which helps reduce
fatigue.
Kiteboarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world, and for good
reasons.
The freedom of jumping 10, 20, 30ft off the water, without the necessity of a
wave for a ramp, means that people who live near lakes can still fly through the
air. Snowboarders love it as a summer alternative to riding on snow, not to
mention there's no lift ticket to buy. Windsurfers love it because you can
kiteboard in less wind, and the gear fits in a economy car, instead of the
truck, or trailer. Surfers can get out on the water when the surf is too low or
blown out. Wake boarders are forced to rethink what big air really is, plus
saving all the gas money they were putting into their boats every weekend.
People who have never tried a board sport at all are getting into kiteboarding.
Ideal learning conditions include warm, flat and shallow water coupled with
consistent wind. Being able to stand up after a gulp of water or a head first
plunge is not only convenient but comforting. Having a boat right there where
you need it saves time, as the beginner will end the kite surfing lesson far
down wind from where he or she started.
Taking lessons with a qualified instructor is a must. The best thing to do first
is to buy or rent a trainer kite, and watch an instructional video to get the
basics down. Next, is the first three hour kiteboarding lesson, in which you
will learn the safety issues and systems, setup of the kite, launching and
landing, the wind window and power stokes, water re-launching and body dragging.
From there you can continue with lessons or go practice on your own. The cost of
equipment has come down over the years; a beginner setup will run $1000-$1500
for everything. Unlike many sports, such as snow
Skiing, kiteboarding is not something you should expect to be able to learn in
an afternoon. Once you get it, you'll be hooked.
Captain Jeff Hoxtell
Air Padre Kiteboarding
5709 A Padre Blvd.
South Padre Island
956-299-9463
www.airpadrekiteboarding.com
About the author:
Captain Jeff Hoxtell is a certified kiteboarding instructor and has been
teaching kiteboarding for 4 years. Check out the student testimonials at his
website www.airpadrekiteboarding.comor
email him at info@airpadrekiteboarding.com
Submitted by: michelle
Hits: 0
Added: Fri Jan 05 2007
