To those of you who have been looking for an adrenaline rush in the beach for your next getaway, I suggest you do a fun and a little different water sport, kitesurfing. A sport that can be done with the waves on a sunny beach. But this sport is not for the lazy. This adrenaline fueled activity should be taught by a professional and not just learned in your own way. Kitesurfing is a sport that uses a modified surfboard for a person to ride on while holding on to a kite that is specially designed for you to ride on the waves. It is actually a hybrid of surfing and parasailing.
The Basics
You should know the basics of kitesurfing. It is not a one-time learning sport like surfing but a series of classes kind of sport. The knowledge of this sport is very important for handling the kite to maintaining your balance between the kite and the surfboard. So, you need an IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization) certified Kitesurfing school with an IKO qualified kiteboarding instructor. This is important as this is also a dangerous sport. Some people who do engage in this sport do get into accidents and learning from the professionals will help you prevent that.
Equipment
Kitesurfing should be used with the proper equipment. First, you need a kite. Not just any kite, the special kite that can generate enough pull for kitesurfing. You want one that is big and easily controlled for your needs. Every person is different so you have to consider what you need as a kitesurfer. There are many types of kites like the inflatable kites, the bow kite/flat inflatable kite, framed single skin kite and the Ram Air Foil Kite. Choose the best one that is available to you and one that you can handle well. Second, are the lines that hold your kite. It should be something strong and can adapt to water. Third, the kite control device that has a safety release system. This allows you to let go of the kite without the hassle of you scrambling to look for a way let go of the kite. Fourth, is the modified surfboard that lets you do drive around the water. Fifth is your life vest and other safety gear like a wet suit and a helmet.
Where can you do this sport?
This water sport can be spotted in beaches especially in beaches that have good weather conditions to surf. One of these beaches is Cape Town’s Big Bay in South Africa which was the host of the “Red Bull King of Air.” Or in Hawaii, where beaches and water sports usually meet.
How to have fun?
There are many ways to have fun in this sport. One, by learning the sport itself. Of course, you can’t just ride a board without learning it first and while attending to meet new friends and discover new places. Two, by enjoying the sport itself. You will enjoy the rush that it gives you when you are on the board maintaining your balance as the sea water splashes your face and the wind gushing over your body. Third, go to events. You will appreciate it more with the competitions that you will attend you will know cool people who had made this not only their sport of choice but also a passion that they share to other people. Furthermore, you will appreciate the people who made this sport possible and alive until today.
So, go have fun, enjoy the sun and never forget to put sunscreen! Kitesurfing is a great sport that you can be passionate and enjoy on the beach.
