Kitesurfing is the natural evolution of extreme wind-powered
watersports. Combining traits of windsurf and wakeboard, the
powerful air-foils and lightweight boards give the
kiteboarder higher performance capabilities than ever
before. In its short but exciting history kitesurfing has
brought together the most exciting components of other
extreme sports. The simplicity of the kite-board concept
allows every rider the ability to create their own ride
styles that reflect their creative imagination and personal
expression. With every new move the definitions are changed
and the sport continues to expand in possibility. Nobody
knows what kiteboarding will look like in the future. But
already at the present time kiteboarding has expanded into
snow-kiteboarding and has taken new directions into
foil-boarding and land-boarding. "The kitesurfer, flies
forty feet in the air above huge bone crunching waves in
Hawaii's famous surf. He approaches the wave at blistering
speed and launches himself from the crest of the oncoming
wave. He leaps high into the air where he hangs effortlessly
suspended from his wing and dances as gracefully as a bird,
soaring and looping, he defies gravity until he softly
descends, and challenges the next wave. Returning to shore
he rides the wave with the agility of a surfer. This aerial
ballet is the manifestation of the new water sport of
Kitesurfing. Kitesurfing is the synergistic offspring of
windsurfing, wake boarding and paragliding. Kitesurfers
control a wing of lightweight fabric, which pulls them
across the water or above it. The sport is fast becoming the
center of attention on the world water sports stage as
pre-conceived limitations are regularly being shattered."
THE BEGINNING
Kitesurfing can trace its roots back to its ancestors,
"kite-skiing" and "flysurfing" which first appeared back in
the early '1980's. Cory Roeseler from Oregon began to
develop his Kiteski system using a rigid framed kite with a
reel-bar & water-skis. The kite-skier launched the kite by
hand and let out line from the reel to begin riding. When
the kite crashed, the pilot reeled in the lines to
re-launch. At about the same time in France the Legaignoux
brothers were working on their early prototypes for their
inflatable kites. These they tested on water-skis and a
variety of other watercraft. The Legaignoux brothers called
their sport "Flysurfing", and their kites eventually became
the basis for the original Wipika system. The modern era of
kitesurfing began mid 90's when Laird Hamilton and Manu
Bertin gained recognition by kite-surfing on Maui's north
shore. Riding surf style boards with footstraps, they
captured the imagination of the water sport community.
EARLY EQUIPMENT
The Wipika/Flysurfer (Legaignoux) and the Kiteski (Roeseler)
were the two original marine traction systems. The Kiteski
was the first commercially available product and was awarded
patents for its unique design. It was first released around
1986. The Legaignoux inflatable kite, took 15 years of
development before becoming commercially available as the
Wipika kite, released around 1997. The Wipika, was an
instant success and quickly became the most popular system.
The Wipika System came with fixed length lines, however
reel-bar systems were sometimes used. The Legaignouxs were
given several patents for their spherical kite, and bridal
system. Now the vast majority of kites produced are
manufactured under license, and derive from the Legaignoux
concept. Kitesurfing popularity has exploded in recent years
and the equipment is now widely available and more
sophisticated than ever. Kitesurfing now has well-organized
events such as the Kitesurfing World Titles, and the World
Cup of Kitesurfing. Kitesurfing instruction is also widely
available through several networks of accredited schools.
Kitesurfing associations, Internet newsgroups, and web-sites
are growing. There are many good kitesurfing instructional
videos and DVD's available and a plethora of kitesurfing
magazines too.
NAMES IN THE GAME
Kitesurfing pioneers include: Cory Roeseler from Oregon. Lou
Waiman, a wake-boarder from Florida who now lives on Maui.
Eliot Leboe a professional windsurfer turned hardcore
kitesurfer. Marcus "Flash" Austin, another former Floridian
who began kitesurfing with his skim-board and Sierra Emory a
professional windsurfer and waterman who has turned his
talents toward kitesurfing. Sail designer Joe Koehl has been
largely responsible for getting kitesurfing up and running
as a sport. Joe has introduced many of us to the sport and
helped organize the events and promotion. Windsurfing legend
Robby Naish has been converted. Rush Randle is also an
accomplished kitesurfer.
GOING UPWIND
Most beginners will usually travel downwind until they
develop the skills for going upwind. For some light-wind
riders using larger boards it may be possible to go upwind
on their first day, but there is usually a learning period
of about three weeks, where you will have to "schlep" your
gear up the beach between runs. Eventually you can travel
upwind as well as a windsurfer. Downwind riding is still
very popular way to sail. Kitesurfers often do downwind
coast runs and hitch a ride back upwind to do it again.
(restrictions apply in some areas).
THE COST OF KITESURFING
New kites range in price from $600- to $1500-(USD). A
complete beginner setup including board will cost between
$1500- to $2000-. Some equipment is sold as a "complete
package" for a discounted price. A complete setup includes
the control bar, lines, harness and a board. You may also
want to buy a good buoyancy jacket (life vest), helmet and
wetsuit. If you want to save money you can convert an old
surfboard into a kiteboard by adding footstraps, this will
be a good learning board but will probably be inadequate
when you begin to get bigger jumps. Used kites are an option
and buying a last years model may save you 30-40% off the
new price. Always take care to inspect any piece of
equipment before purchasing it. A good safety system is a
must.
