What is kitesurfing and how does it work? We explain everything you need to know about kitesurfing!
You’ve probably already seen that ballet of kites on the sea. Those kites going back and forth, led by kitesurfers. But what exactly is kitesurfing, and how does it work? 🤔
Kitesurf is practiced on the water thanks to the speed of the wind. At first glance, this sport may seem impressive, yet it’s easily accessible.
Stay with us, we’ll tell you all about kitesurfing! 🤙🏼🙂
Table of contents
🌬 How does kitesurfing work?
Kitesurfing is practiced on the water using the force of the wind.
• The kite, tied to a harness, allows you to move, towed thanks to the wind force.
• The board, once you’ve put it on your feet, it allows you to slide on water.
For kiteboarding, you need these two natural elements: wind and water to be reunited.
💪🏻 Is kitesurfing physical?
For all those who wonder; am I able to go kitesurfing? Most of the time the answer is yes! Kitesurf is an easily accessible sport that isn’t only made for young people and those who have an incredible physical condition.
Kitesurfing is a sport that is open to everyone! There’s no age limit and it’s never too late to learn. You can tell by the fact that in Brazil we’ve met Christian, 75 years old who was realising his lifelong dream: learning kitesurf. So if Christian manages to fly a kite and get on a board, you can do it!
➜ The only prerequisite is to know how to swim. 🏊🏼♀️
The kite is tied to a harness that you have around your waist, it divides the power produced by the traction of the wind in all your body. Kitesurf will especially train your legs and stomach muscles, and not your arms. The piloting requires a lot of gentleness and delicacy.
Kitesurf is not a very physical sport, it can be if you want to jump in every direction, otherwise anybody can ride. 😌
🧒🏻 What age can kids kitesurf?
At 10 years old, children can start kiting. There’s no specific age for kitesurf, but children must weigh over 35 kg and be able to swim. This is why children can generally start kitesurfing at around 10 years of age.
🪁 Is kitesurfing difficult?
Kitesurfing is not a difficult sport, but it does require knowledge of a particular technique.
You’ll need to be trained by professionals to be able to kite safely. After a few lessons, you’ll already be able to ride.
🍃 Kitesurf sensations
Sailing between sky & sea, kitesurfing gives you crazy freedom feelings!
No need to have ski lifts or to be towed by a boat. When the wind comes up, you go in the water and the ocean or the sea becomes your playing field, can you imagine!
🧐 How do you learn Kitesurf?
Kitesurfing doesn’t require an extraordinary physical condition, but you need to learn a particular technique. That’s why it’s essential to learn kitesurf with professionals in order to develop the technique safely and quickly. 👌🏻
Generally, one week is needed to learn kitesuf. Once you’re able to take your first rides, you’ll perfect your skills on water session by session.
We advise you to take a whole week to learn and avoid, if you can, coming 1 day here, 2 days there. In that case, your progression and learning will be longer.
🤙🏼 How hard is it to learn kitesurfing?
At first, you’ll learn how to fly the kite, then you’ll pick up the board to learn how to ride. Learning to kitesurf isn’t that difficult when you’re properly supervised by an instructor. Within a week, you can be riding on both sides and upwind.
📍 Where do you learn Kitesurf?
You can learn kitesurf in different places around the world, the only needed conditions are: wind & water.
You can learn out at sea or in lagoons.
We advise you if it’s possible, to learn in a lagoon. You don’t have to care about waves, you’re in your depth. Learning kiting in a lagoon offers ideal conditions to progress quickly and safely. 🙂
⭐️ Where to learn kitesurfing in Europe?
Starting kiting in a lagoon makes learning easier.
We’ve listed 5 spots in and around Europe where you can learn to kite as quickly and safely as possible.
🪁 Kitesurf gear
Concerning the equipment to ride, you will need:
• a kite: there are several types and sizes of kites. To know what to choose, it will mostly depend on your build and on the wind force. The stronger the wind is, the smaller the kitesurfing kite you need will be.
• A bar: the bar is connected to the kite and to your harness, it allows you to pilot your kite.
• A harness: around your waist, the harness links you to your kite.
• A leash, the leash is the way to stay connected to your kite in case of a problem. It creates an additional link between the harness and the kite.
• A board.
• A pump to be able to blow up your kite.
As you’ll have realized, kitesurf is an accessible sport that you can learn quickly and that provides feelings beyond compare.
Still not convinced? Don’t hesitate to send us a message if some doubts or questions remain, we will answer with pleasure ☺️
Convinced? Book your kitesurfing camp in Portugal, to learn in perfect conditions. 🤙🏼
See you on water,
Léa & Marco ✌🏻