It’s all about flying a kite
OK….if you’re thinking about trying it, here’s a little motivation: My kids started kiting at 6-years-old. In 2005, average kiteboarder’s age is 38. In 2004, a 10-year-old kid won in the PKRA Women’s World championships. I’ve met many kiters 60-70+ in age. A tiny Nordic girl was the first one to set the kiteboarding speed record. We often go kiting with a mother of two who is in her 50s. What it is, power kiting can be enjoyed by many and it has a few pre-requisites.
However, with that said, we must first reveal three facts often overlooked by new comers:
1 - Power kiting is a sport and is not for everyone! Several of those people who showed up at our door misunderstood that kiteboarding is a ride and we can just take them out for an afternoon of fun. You will never learn when all you do is watch someone do it a few times before you try it yourself. If you want to pursue the sport, there are definitive training steps you will need to be coached and guided on.
2- If you’re going to crash, safety should always be the number one factor when persuing any sport, including kiteboarding. Understanding that you’re going to crash kites and you’re going to fall will keep you in a positive mental state. There is a learning curve, and most must first fall before they can get on their feet. Keep your learning aptitude strong and you’ll do well
3- Girls learn faster We’ve found women and girls have a faster learning curve than most guys. Based in our studies, we’ve narrowed it down to finesse, center of gravity and study skills. Overall, girls have more finesse and balance. Since kiting is focused on one’s “Zen” than one’s strength, it does well by not muscling the gear around. The natural lower center of gravity is the main factor in increasing the ability to sustain rides. And, when we teach them something….they listen well and absorb what was being taught (sorry guys).
Fusing your skills with other sports!
In just a few years, kite flyers, wakeboarders, surfers, skaters, skiers, snowboarders, sailors and paragliders have fused in their skills with kiteboarding. If your athletic background harvests in one of these areas, you’ll find kiteboarding offers a lot skill familiarity, as well at some incredibly new feellings. Here’s a few tips for those crossing over from:
wind sports: Windsurfers and sailors will love that they have a big sail on a small boat. The small gear size will have you stoked about rigging and transport. Keep in mind that one’s key strength is in his wind knowledge in this type of sport. It’s likely that you need to unlearn riding big boards and holding on to booms.
Boarders: Compared to surfing the entire season, surfers prefer riding more waves in one kiting session. Wakeboarders will love the hangtime as they are able to control their own boat with an 80-inch pole. Snowboarders / skiers will put their fuel on that they already have their board, can ride up mountains and avoid the crowded lift lines (plus you can ride in summers on ground or water). Skaters will eat up the rails, sliders, and wakeskates, where falling from an ollie won’t tear up any joints. All boarder types will need to really work on the wind basics along with kite control skills and launching.
There is no need to have a background in any of these sports. Often, we find students who have no strong board experience have a lot less to unlearn. Pro-riders often have stronger learning aptitudes and the desire to push forward. Some of these best kiters never stepped foot on a board or boat. It really comes down to passion, desire and commitment levels.
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