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Kite Surfing Equipment

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Kite Surfing Equipment

Choosing the right kind of kitesurf equipment can be a complex and confusing process for someone just getting into the sport. The market is flooded with different styles of kite and board and it's hard to know where to begin. There are factors to take into consideration that will make your selection a little easier.

The first thing to consider is the type of rider you want to be. Do you want to be a cruiser or have a more aggressive style? If you want to focus your style on tricks and airs, then you will want a smaller, faster board and a smaller kite that can be used in high winds. If you want to cruise and carve the waves you will want a larger kite and board that can go out onto the water in lighter wind speeds.

Your kitesurf equipment will be influenced by your weight as well. To begin with you will want the largest board you can for your weight category. A large board will be easier to learn technique with. A larger board will not be so fast to sink in the water when you loose power from poor kite placement. A larger board can also go out in lighter winds. You will find that you will need more than one board when you progress in the sport. Your large board will be your light wind machine and perfect for those days when you just want to get out onto the water and carve the waves.

If you weigh 200lbs or more, your large board should be larger than 158cm. If you are of average weight, 160-170lbs, then you will want to have the 158cm board. If you are a lighter person, 130lbs or lighter, then you will want the 148cm board.

The most important part of your kitesurf equipment is the kite itself. The style and type of kite you want is dependant on your riding style, your bodyweight and the wind speed. There are three categories of kite that work in three different wind speed ranges. If you are the average weight for a kitesurfer (170-180lbs) then a large kite will be 15-17 square meters and will be used in light wind speeds of 10-15mph. A medium kite will be 12-14 square meters and will be used in wind speeds of 15-20mph. A small kite will be 7-9 square meters and will be used in heavy winds of 20-25mph.

When you start your kitesurfing experience the first kite you purchase with your kitesurf equipment should be medium kite. A medium kite can be used in the widest range. You can learn on a medium kite by taking it out in light winds, underpowered and learn the techniques and movements in a relatively calm and relaxed environment. Always remember to never take a medium or large sized kite out in high winds, this can prove extremely dangerous and the kite will be extremely difficult to control.

You will find that you will need a range of kites with your kitesurf equipment, but to begin with just perfect your style with the medium kite and then move up the ladder to a smaller, faster kite.

Be sure to seek local professional advice. Local trained windsurfers will know the area, what type of board and kite work best and will be able to give you tips and advice on how they advanced in the sport and how they got started. Kitesurfing is extremely fun and a great rush, but it can also be dangerous. Make sure your take lessons, know your kite and know your limits. Take it slow and have fun out on the water.