Kiteboarding or Kitesurfing is an extreme sport where the
kiter uses the wind power with a large power kite to be pulled on a water,
land or snow surface. It combines aspects of paragliding, surfing,
windsurfing, skateboarding, snowboarding and wakeboarding. Kitesurfers
change kite size and/or line length depending on wind strength — stronger
winds call for a smaller kite to prevent overpower situations. Modern
kites dedicated to kitesurfing provide a "depower" option to reduce the
power in the kite. By using depower, the kite's angle of attack to the
wind is reduced, thereby catching less wind in the kite and reducing the
pull. Cross-shore and cross-onshore winds are the best for unassisted
kiteboarding. Direct onshore winds carry the risk of being thrown onto
land or stuck in shallows. Direct offshore winds pose the danger of being
blown away from the shore in the event of equipment failure or loss of
control. However offshore winds can be quite suitable in confined waters,
like in a lake or estuary, or when a safety boat is assisting. It goes without saying that one of the first requirements of Kitesurfing is being able to 🏊.
Kitesurfing
is an ideal sport if you want to pack your bags and travel the world – but
choosing the best place to go isn’t easy. Consistent winds, warm weather
and readable waves (or perfect flat water – depending on your preference)
are all essential, but to be perfect the place needs to be buzzing with
good vibes, too. My favourite kitesurfing spots in the UK are Camber Sands, East Sussex (pictured in the photo above), Meon Shore, Hampshire, Shoeburyness, Essex and Rhossili Beach, Wales.
Overseas, Dakhla in Morocco beats every other Kitesurfing
location every time. ➤ Click here for the "10 Best Kitesurfing Destinations in the World".
