Kite surfing is a sport that has gained significantly in popularity over the past couple of years. This is very understandable, at least if you watch some of the champion Kite surfing events and see how much fun it looks. Kite surfing is also known as kite boarding or fly surfing depending on who you ask. There are certain pieces of Kite surfing gear that you are going to need if you want to get the most out of this sport. The most important pieces of Kite surfing gear include a traction kite, harness, control bar, flying lines and your kite board.
The Kite board –You are going to want to make sure that you are using a kite board that is designed specifically for the purpose of Kite surfing. Large kite boards tend to work better when the wind is gentler, where as smaller kite boards are capable of maneuvering more quickly. Two factors that you need to keep in mind when considering size are weight and skill. The rider will be attached to the board using a leash.
The Kite – Kite boarding kites are specifically designed for two lines or four lines. Kites with four lines tend to be more easily maneuverable. Kites that have inflatable bladders are capable of being launched more easily from the water, but they do not tend to be as efficient. Kite boarders that are more experienced typically make use of ram air kites.
The Harness –The harness in Kite surfing is used so that the heavy pull will be evenly distributed along the entire body. Without the harness, your arms would be turned into rubber rather quickly.
The Flying Lines – The flying lines are typically composed of a thin and strong material that is known as Spectra Fiber. Kites tend to have a recommended length associated with them, but the average length for the flying lines is 120 feet.
The Control Bar – The kite board control bar is what you are going to hold onto in order to control your kite. The bars are specific to two line kites or four line kites depending on which you are using.
Common brands for kite boarding are Naish, Cabrinha, DaKine, Wipika and Slingshot. You should also always make sure to take a lesson and you should be starting slowly with Kite surfing. The gear for Kite surfing can be difficult for you to set up and use when you are not accustomed to it so make sure that you know what you are doing. When it comes to Kite surfing in the water, you need to make sure that you are always aware of your limits and that you know what you are doing in order to best benefit and to make sure that you are constantly kept safe and healthy on the water.