Archive for August, 2009
Kitesurfing Rules of the Road
Kite High Rule
The kiter who is closest to the wind or (upwind) must keep their kite high to avoid their lines crossing the downwind kiters. The reverse applies for the downwind kiter, they must keep their kites low to avoid their lines crossing upwind kites. This rule applies on the same, or opposing courses for kiters.
Clearance Rule
The kitesurfer must have a clear safety zone of at least 50m downwind because they move downwind during a jump. A rider must also have a clear safety zone of 30m upwind to jump as his lines could touch the kite or the lines of another rider kiteboarding close by, refer to the Kite High rule.
Kiterboarding is Considered Sailing
The rules of the road apply as in standard sailing such as:
Starboard Rule (Sailing Rule 12)
When vessels (e.g. kitersurfers) approach from opposite directions the kiter who has the wind on the starboard (right side, right leg/arm leads in direction of travel) has right of way. The kitersurfer who has the wind on the port side (left side, left leg/arm are leads in direction of travel) shall keep out of the way of the other kitesurfer.
In sailing terms, a sailor or kitersurfer with right of way is entitled to "insist" on exercising that right (warning opposing kiters) by shouting "starboard" very clearly and in good time. But remember any vessel accident on the water whether you have the right-a-way or not both parties are considered at fault.
Standard boating rules such as no-go or no-boat zones, distance from shore and swimmers also apply.
How to Kitesurf the Waves
Kiteboarding or Kitesurfing
Kiteboarding
Extreme surface water sports kiteboarding or kitesurfing uses the power of the wind to propel a rider through the water at extreme speeds. This sport requires a kiteboard which is like a wakeboard which is a small surfboard. There is a slight difference between kiteboarding and kitesurfing. When talking kitesurfing this name refers to wave riding. When talking kiteboarding this refers more to a style of riding referred to as wake- style or freestyle. The surfboards used are even different. And there are different performance kites used each.
The surfboards used by the kiteboarder and the kitesurfer are made with foot-strap or bindings. Some of the surfboards are used without the bindings and foot-straps. Next is the power of a large controllable kite which can propel the rider at some exciting speeds.
The extreme sport is becoming mature with safety features like quick release systems for safer innovations for the sport. Still kiteboarding can be dangerous for bystanders and learning on your own can also be a problem. To get the most enjoyment from the sport starting out it is advised the get some good professional instruction.
A good kitesurfing school can provide training for the skills needed to fly. Lessons will include how to launch and more important safe landing. You will need lessons using the safety devises and the proper use of the bar.
The beginner will need to learn important things like how to turn placing the kite in neutral, stopping, sinking backwards into the water and turning into a different direction and speeding off again. With more experience the kitesurfer will learn a heel turn jibe which is much faster and skillful. This turn is performed by slowing down flattening the board then reversing the board flat on the water. This is preformed when the rear foot brought around downward and then becoming the leading foot. It really makes a cool move the direction of the kite is reversed which swings the surfer’s path in a half-circle that is centered on the kite. At the end of the turn the kite returns to front of the surfer for a real cool move.
One of the important reasons for professional instruction is if the turn is not executed correctly it will cause the surfer to fly off causing the surfer to tumble if he is unable to put the board down in time. In cases like this safety equipment like the deadman system must be used for quick release.
The deadman system is a quick disconnect harness to remove the kite lines from the surfer. The power of the kite after a bad turn can pull the surfer under water and uncontrollable speeds. Safety knives need to be carried in case of entanglement after tumbling for emergency cutaways.
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 2010 Cabrinha Nomad IDS 110 Kiteboarding Kite  US $1,799.00
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 Kiteboarding Kite 2010 Cabrinha 16 Meter w Bar and Bag US $1,700.00
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 2009 Flexifoil 145M Ion 4 Kiteboarding Kite Complete US $1,687.00
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 2010 Cabrinha Switchblade IDS 100 Kiteboarding Kite US $1,599.00
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 2009 Flexifoil 125M Ion 4 Kiteboarding Kite Complete US $1,581.00
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 Kiteboarding Kite 2010 Cabrinha 14 M Switchblade Kite US $1,500.00
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 2010 Cabrinha Switchblade IDS 120 Kiteboarding Kite US $1,499.00
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 Royal Era II 14 Meter Kiteboarding Kite US $1,499.00
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 2010 Cabrinha Switchblade IDS 90 Kiteboarding Kite US $1,499.00
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