Posts Tagged ‘kiteboarding’

If you’ve been following our blog from the start, you will know that it was kitesurfing that got us first started.

Kite surfing – who would think it one of the most extreme of the extreme sports out there? When you watch the grace and beauty of the swooping kites, the speed and twists, manoeuvres and jumps of the kiters, one tends to think – extreme? No ways, beautiful and graceful certainly, but not extreme.

However it is a dangerous sport as you are totally at the mercy of an unpredictable force – the wind.

And using that totally unpredictable force, the people of Luderitz in Namibia have held the speed kiting annual event there since 2007. Relatively new on the calendar, this is a must for all speed kiters. Between August and March Luderitz has consistent, strong wind, blowing from the south at the perfect angle of 140 degrees to the sailing course.

The event is organised by ESF Events, managed and owned by Frederic Dasse  and French kitesurfer  Sebastien Cattelan who became the first sailor to break the 50 knots barrier with 50.26 knots on the 3rd of October, 2008 at the Luderitz Speed Challenge. The event is observed by the World Sailing Speed Record Council (WSSRC) and the International Sailing Federation (ISAF).

In 2009 a 3 metre wide canal was dug which opened up a world of possibilities. It proved to be an amazing idea, as it created a near perfect water state that allowed kiters to go faster than ever before in less wind (40 knots max) !   This canal is 10 times more narrow than the canal at “Les Saintes Marie de la Mer” in France, where Antoine Albeau had previously set the fastest time on a windsurfer (49.09 knots).

Kiteboarding has put itself firmly on the map as one of the fastest sailing sports on earth, although the international sailing community has changed its definition of sailing so that kitesurfing is no longer considered sailing! Hmmm, spoilsports…

Some of the records smashed to date in Namibia are:

2007 Records :
1st “Kiteboarding World Record Attempt” already reached success with amazing results:

• Kiteboarding world Record
• Outright Ladies world Record

2008 Records :
Kiteboarding became the fastest craft on water and 1^st to break the 50 knot barrier.

• 18 national records were set.
• Every competitor improved their personal Records.
• The first ever over-50-knots outright speed sailing record

2009 Records:

• a new world kitespeed record – 50.98 knots (94.4 kph)
  
• new USA outright speed sailing record (men and women)
• new Slovenia, Brazil outright records

The plan in 2010 is to build upon the success of last year, and dig a canal the whole way. The width and angle will also be improved. It’ll be made dead straight to get better averages over 500 meters.

The event attracts many nationalities and has proven to be the fastest kiteboarding spot in the world over the past 3 years. Hopes to beat the present record set by the fastest sailing boat on the planet, L’Hydroptère, are high. She currently holds the record with 51.36 knots…

Last year Alexandre Caizergues  broke the kiteboarding world record with an astonishing 50.98 knots. It would seem that beating L’Hydroptère’s record is not an impossible dream.

Entries are open now for the 4th – 31st October 2010 event at Luderitz. Should you be interested in taking part, I suggest you go directly to their website.

Good luck and be careful… falling at that speed will result in more than a few bruises!

Boracay – a dot in the ocean, a place, a name – island of white sand and now voted as one of the best places in the world to go kite surfing.

Boracay, located some 300 kilometres from Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a dog bone shaped island famous for its beautiful white beaches. It is only 7 kilometers long and at its narrowest point is no more than a kilometre wide – in total the land are is no more than 10.3 square kilometres.

Its beaches have often won the highest claim when it comes to being the most beautiful in the world but now Boracay is making a big shout about being a global centre for kite surfing.

The island offers kiteboarding/kitesurfing lessons that are sure to help first-timers get started to be able to ride with the wind.  Experienced kiteboarders are bound to get a thrill as well when they sign up for the resort’s kite safaris and island-hopping-by-kite activity.

There are two main beaches on Boracay – and if it is kite surfing that you are after you should head for the eastern side of the island – Bulabog Beach – which during the Amihan season (approximately September through to May) receives good easterly winds which are ideal for kitesurfing in the reef protected waters.

Check it out below in this video from dustinpratt - kitesurfing on Bulabog Beach in Boracay.

Kitesurfing, as you well know, is an extreme sport and a mixture of paragliding, wakeboarding, surfing and windsurfing, so it appeals to a really large target group. All you need is a board that is just two metres long and weighs between 3 and 5 kilos, a kite that folds up to rucksack size, and a control bar and kite lines.

Whatever you do, don’t try kitesurfing via the “do it yourself” approach. It’s absolutely essential to take part in a course in order to be aware of the potential dangers – and above all to know how to cope with them. Be smart and get taught properly! A kite that’s out of control is a danger to people on the beach as well as to the pilot.

So, you’re thinking of giving it a go? Maybe for the first time, or just wanting to improve your technique, so… how to you classify your level?

Which Kitesurfing level are you?

Kitesurfing level 0 – New Kiter
You are totally new to kitesports (power and sport) or you are currently training with smaller power kites along with a kite control class and/or DVD.

Kitesurfing level 1 – Novice Flyer
You just learned the ropes and can properly set up and launch with assistance. You’re body dragging with control and are now working on smooth starts & riding skills. This is where most students are after their first “on-the-board” lesson.

Kitesurfing level 2 – Intermediate Pilot
You’re up and riding, though may be stopping during direction changes. Staying upwind is not your goal as you’re probably focused on keeping your kite stabilized in the air, and out of the water.

Kitesurfing level 3 – Advanced Rider
Making basic turns and riding in both directions is comfortable. You’re staying upwind more and are experimenting with different power techniques. “Water launch fear” is behind you as you might be trying your first jumps.

Kitesurfing level 4 – Progressive Kiteboarder
Staying upwind is second nature. You’re actively jumping, landing and working on specific tricks. Your kite rarely crashes and you have mastered basic techniques. You are now addicted and have become an avid wind chaser.

Taking courses is highly advisable when learning to kitesurf as it can be extremely dangerous.

People skipping basic kite control training (Level 0) significantly increase their kiteboarding learning curve. Stats show those who skip kite control average a 10% success rate only. Those students taking an introduction course and mastering the simulation exercises show a 90% success rate. Remember, success is defined as being able to get up on a kiteboard and sustaining a short distance ride.

People skipping the safety & rigging course significantly increase their risk of injury. Stats show those who skip kite control average a 98% error rate. Those students mastering proper rigging and safety techniques show only a 2% error rate. Error rate is defined as a students needing assistance during self-rescue drills.

Those are just a few things to think about. And whilst we’re on the subject of education, we’ll end with some kitesurfing guidelines that you would be wise to take on board too:

• Always use a safety system that depowers the kite.
• Always use a kite leash with “Quick Release” device.
• Stay clear of power lines and overhead obstructions.
• Select a safe launching site.
• Always maintain a downwind safety buffer zone.
• Keep windsurfers outside the power-cone.
• Maintain a 200 ft clear zone around all divers.
• Observe all mapped kitesurfing boundaries.
• Do not lay kite lines across any ones path.
• Do not launch or land at crowded areas.
• Always announce you are launching a kite.
• Give way to all other water users.
• Incoming kitesurfer gives way to the outgoing kiter.
• When consideration has been given to the above, normal sailing rules apply.
• Prevent kites from re-launching with sand.
• Disable unattended kites.
• Kite with a friend.
• America’s beaches, airspace and ocean environment belong to everyone. Keep our beaches safe, clean and free.

We’ll follow this lot up with more in the future. Watch this space….

And to end on a cheerier note, enjoy this video from from nuwakite, and remember – kiteboarding is meant to be fun!

“Rugby? Hikkaduwa Beach Fest? Nah, I’d rather be kitesurfing! It’s extremely addictive and loads of fun. You’re completely free, and the only noise you hear is of the wake coming off the back of your board. It’s just you, the wind and the board,” says Dilsiri Welikala.

Ok, so it’s still only February, and we are still deep in winter with some of the coldest weather still to come – perhaps. But… but but but, spring will be here shortly and we’ll soon be dusting off our kiteboards, untangling the strings and heading to the closest beach.

I know you guys in such exotic places as Montana, New Brunswick, Idaho, Saskatchewan, Norway, Finland, etc have probably been having a fabulous winter kiting on your broad open plains and frozen lakes, but down here in the south of France we look to the unfrozen Med for our kiting entertainment… and spring is coming closer.

This is Hyeres where we do most of our kitesurfing, a lovely spot with good wind, a good kite school and lots of windsurfing and scuba diving in the vicinity. Keeps the whole family amused.

But the best places to kitesurf in the world? Kiteboarding or Kitesurfing is attracting novices and athletes from the surfing and windsurfing worlds and people are always on the look out for ‘… the next beach.’

Well, we’ve touched on this subject before and I don’t really think you can say “this is the best…” because it is very much a matter of choice, preference and ease of access, so below I will mention a few far-a-field beaches which might be counted as ‘easy access’ if you happen to be passing that way!

The well known beach of Tarifa on the southern tip of Spain should ring a few bells. It’s famous for its reliable winds and so most visitors to this region are windsurfers and kiters. It’s a great place to learn, but is even better for intermediate and advanced kiters – and the apres-kite life is excellent! Definitely a good place to hang out. The beach starts in town and extends about 6km to the Club Mistral at the Hurricane and then goes round the small headland past Las Dunas to another 8km of sandy beach – all this space ensure that beginners and experts alike have plenty of room – even in the height of summer. However, one drawback… if you are planning to travel between May and October it is imperative to book at least four months ahead due to the limited amount of good accommodation. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! Thanks Sarmitel for this wonderful video.

Another place you hear about all the time is Cabarete in the Dominican Republic. It is said to be the most perfect kite surfing destination in the world – quite a claim to fame. In fact, it is so good that many a kitesurfer has moved there in order to be able practice kiting all year round. It also hosts the largest kiteboarding competition in the world – always the third week of June. The main beach has now been officially designated the Cabarete Kite Beach. The reason for its popularity? The trade winds provide a steady consistent easterly wind, which gives Cabarete perfect side-onshore kiting conditions most of the time. In fact the wind is so reliable that you can generally guarantee that there will be no wind until 11a.m. and that this first wind is usually good for beginners. At around 12:30 – 1:30 the thermals kick in and make the wind a lot stronger reaching its strongest at about 4p.m. At around 6 the wind dies off again. If you are holidaying in the Dominican Republic you can bank on the fact that 8 out of 10 days will have good wind. Not bad… and thanks to drtouristtv for this video.

Cape Town has at least 10 wonderful kitesurfing beaches. The consistent wind, great waves and stunning views make Cape Town one of the worlds kitesurfing hotspots. It is one of the best kitesurfing locations in the world, and by far the best kitesurfing location in South Africa. Professional kitesurfers move here between October and March to get in some good practice. Generally the southern peninsula is better suited to more experienced surfers whilst the northern pensinsula favours the intermediate surfers – except for Hakgat which is only for experienced surfers. Langebaan Lagoon is the best spot for beginners as, in contrast with all the other beaches which offer great wave riding and jumping experiences, Langebaan has some of the best flat water conditions in the world.

Main Beach, New York is just minutes from Napegue, Long Island, and is perfect for ocean riding in any breeze: and the breezes come from nearly every direction – from the west, south-west, south, south-east and easterly directions. Main Beach is a long, golden, clean beach. There is plenty of space and so far no rules…The sandbanks are piled high and the waves are some of the best in New York. There are many sand bars just off-shore which makes for some fun kickers to jump off. It is a 2-hour drive from New York city, but you can find some really challenging and exciting kitesurfing spots. It can get extremely cold in winter though!

That’s it for today. I’m sure there will be more later…

Just remember, if you are just beginning to learn how to kitesurf “You need to get over a certain fear point – doing so gives you an adrenaline rush,” so says Mischi Walter – a professional kitesurfing instructor based in Sri Lanka, but he adds “Even children can learn the sport, overseas there are people who are over 70 who are kitesurfing!”

It can be described as nothing else than boys with their toys but this is a fabulous clip of just that – thanks guillam11 and YouTube – extreme footage of a trimaran pulling two kiteboarders in its wake as it powers its way across the ocean flat out. Sorry its a bit long but its worth it – did I mention the helicopter?!