What is the difference between kitesurfing, and Kiteboarding?
None, they all designate the same sport in different areas in the world.
How much does it cost to start Kiteboarding?
Equipment will cost between $500 and $2500. Lessons will cost around $100 - $300. Wind is free!
Can I start kitesurfing alone?
No! Even though kitesurfing is not a difficult sport, it requires specific knowledge that is best learnt in a school and under the guidance of an instructor. AKSA recommends IKO qualified instructors for the fastest and safest learning curve
How will learning with an instructor help?
An instructor will teach you how to become independent in safe conditions (how to choose your kite, the spot, prepare your equipment, how to react in case of a problem...). Moreover, an instructor will keep you safe and will prevent you from destroying that new kite you've just bought! This happened to a lot of people who tried on their own.
Do I need prior experience in any other water sport before starting kitesurfing?
No, you don't need prior experience in any other water sport before starting. Obviously, already having good board or kite skills will accelerate your learning curve but the sport is relatively simple to learn and anyone can do it.
What kind of equipment do I need for starters?
The kind of equipment depends on the style and weather conditions of your region. Yet you must buy: a helmet, a harness, a life vest, and a wetsuit. As for the kitesurfing equipment, you will need a bar with lines, a board with a leash and a kite. It's best to buy from a reputable retailer as they will give you good advice and be there for after sales service & support. Reputable instructors will advise you on suitable equipment based on your skills obtained from your lessons.
What size of kite should I buy?
The size of kite that you can use depends on your weight and level, according to the power of the wind. The way a kite flies may also vary from one kite to the next, depending on its type. To choose a kite, you must check the kite's wind range, which is given by the manufacturers, ask other riders that weigh the same as you, and most of all try it before buying. Again - get advice and service from your local retailer.
How many fins should I have on my board?
Theoretically, the less fins you put on your board the faster it goes. Some boards are even used without fins. A board's ability to go upwind depends more on the shape of the board and the level of the rider than of the fins. Fins help when loading up to jump. On the market, there are twin tips or wakeboards with 4 fins, directional boards with 2 to 4 fins and mutants (surfboard style) with 3 to 5 fins. You can easily try different combinations and its best you do what feels most comfortable for you.
Is it safe to buy second hand equipment on the web?
It all depends on the web site. Buying from a private owner may be risky. You must request guarantees that will allow you to send the equipment back in case it is faulty. This kind of guarantee is provided only by professional web sites. You must also know what to check on the equipment. You are always safer buying from retailers, but those with a very strict budget may find some benefit in private second hand sales. In reality if 2nd hand is the way for you, its probably best to try to source gear locally or through your retailer as you will be able to see what you're getting and know who you're getting it from.
How long will I be able to use my kite?
If the kite is kept properly, you will be able to use it for more than three years. Yet be careful with second hand purchases. Check out key points such as leading edge and strut seams, trailing edge thickness, bladder conditions (inflate and wait)
How do you keep your kite in good condition?
Always check your kite before and after using it. Here are a few pointers: always store the kite once it is dry, do not rub off the sand but rather shake it off, rinse off the fabric and the struts to prevent the sand from wearing it prematurely, don't leave it in the sun, don't let it flutter in the wind, don't step on it or hold it down with your knees, and avoid putting sand inside the kite. Always remove the sand from the connecting knots before reconnecting them.
How old must I be in order to start? What about minimum weight?
Kitesurfing is taught to children aged between 12 and 14. Some start at 8 but under constant supervision. Physical condition is taken into consideration rather than weight but a general rule is 35kg minimum.
Do I need a license to practice kiteboarding?
There is no license system in Australia. At some beaches you need to show your AKSA tag that proves to council rangers you hold public liability insurance. When learning kitesurfing it is a good idea to have an instructor teach you up until at least IKO level 1 and better to level 2. This will ensure you are kept safe when negotiating the potentially dangerous learning levels and gain the best knowledge and skills from the start.
Is it a risky sport?
Kitesurfing can be dangerous if practised carelessly. The risks in kitesurfing are very easy to manage and the sport need not be dangerous at all.
How soon will I start enjoying myself on the water?
Learning how to kiteboard is enjoyable from the start. 3 to 10 days are needed according to physical shape and motivation in order to start being at ease on the board and go and come back.
Is it easy to relaunch the kite when it falls in the water?
It is very easy to relaunch small and medium sized kites. It is a little trickier for larger, 15m² to 22m² kites. Your instructor will teach you water re-launching skills in the lessons.
Can a kitesurfer go upwind?
Yes. If the wind is not too light or too powerful, going upwind is quite easy.
How do I switch directions, either using the board or the kite?
To change directions you need to bring the kite from one side, gently over the top to the other side. At the same time you need to pressure the downwind side of your board at the tail, and turn it around to follow the kite. If you are using a twin tip board you simply need to transfer weight from your back leg to your front (or new back) leg as the kite starts to pull you back the other way.
How do I jump?
In order to jump, you need to have some speed. Start with your kite at about 60degrees and send it back hard to the top or even past the top. At the same time you need to edge harder and load up until the kite overpowers you. As you get overpowered and the kite starts to lift you, release your edge and extend your legs to jump. When in the air pull down on your front hand to bring the kite back over your head and make for a soft landing. As you are about to land, extend your legs to absorb the impact, find your edge again and get ready for the next one.
How high can I go?
First jumps go between 1 to 3 meters. Experienced riders can jump up to 10 meters and over.
What if I am a beginner and jump involuntarily?
Unless you time it perfectly you will only make a small jump and you will always come down again into the water.
How do I control the power of the kite?
It is the position of the kite that determines its power. If you are getting overpowered on the water you can edge harder to reduce you board speed. This will bring the kite round into a less powerful position.
What is the "aspect ratio"?
It is the length of the kite divided by the width. A kite with a high aspect ratio (AR6) will have a big span and small strut, with a high performance but unstable. Low AR kites generally don't jump so high or go upwind so easily, but are easier to relaunch and are more stable at the edge of the wind window.
What is the "power zone"?
It is the area of the sky (relative to your position) in which the kite develops its power.
Can I kitesurf among other ocean users?
Yes, but always show respect and caution. It is safest to kite downwind of other water users and always keep a fair distance. Please read the Safe Kiting Guidelines endorsed by AKSA
How many kite surfers can kitesurf in a space that can normally accommodate 50 windsurfers?
That depends on the level of the riders, the better the level is the more this figure will come close to 50. If all are beginners, then 15 to 20 riders are more than enough.
How can I meet other kitesurfers?
There are kiteboarding associations all over the world. Beaches and lakes are the best places to meet other riders. To establish contact and share information, forums are a good option. There are more and more local clubs forming around Australia but still the best way is at the beach or at events.