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Kite Surfing Equipment

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Kite Surfing Equipment

Kitesurfing is a fast, fun sport that is demanding on your body and a huge adrenaline rush. If you decide to take up the sport, choosing the right kitesurfing equipment to start with can be a daunting task. Well, to make the right decision you need to consider a variety of factors. The wind and water conditions of your local area affect what equipment you choose. As will your weight and the style of boarder you want to be.

If you want to be an aggressive boarder, riding hard and pulling airs and tricks, then you will want a small board and a small kite. If you want to be a relaxed cruiser and enjoy carving the waves, then you will want a larger board and a larger kite.

Your kitesurfing equipment will be determined by your weight. When you begin learning you will want the largest board you can get for your weight category. A larger board will not immediately sink when you loose power from poor kite placement, which you will do when you are learning. A larger board will also be more forgiving on your knees, and allow you to pick up the basic techniques in relative comfort.

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

Your first large board, as with all your first kitesurfing equipment, will stay with you as you progress in the sport. Your larger board will be the board that gets you out into the water on a light wind situation.

No kitesurfing equipment package would be complete without the kite itself. The kite is dependant on your weight, the wind conditions and the style of riding you want to do. There are three size categories of kite to cover the entire wind range. If you are the average weight for a kitesurfer (175-180lbs) then your larger kite will be 15-17 square meters and used in winds of 10-15mph. Your medium sized kite will be 12-14 square meters and used in winds of 15-20mph. Your small kite will be 7-9 square meters and used in high winds of 20-25mph. The size of the kite is measured by total surface area not wingspan.

When you begin, start with a medium sized kite. This kite has the largest wind range and you can take this kite out onto the water in low winds, underpowered and practice the movements and techniques in a controlled and comfortable environment. Never take a medium or large kite out in high winds. This could prove extremely dangerous and hard to control.

As you become a more competent kitesurfer you will realize that you need a range of kitesurfing equipment. To cover the entire wind range you will need two or three kites in your equipment arsenal.

The world of kitesurfing can get much more complex, but these are the basic considerations you need to be aware of when you begin your journey into the world of kitesurfing. Have fun and most of all, be prepared and be safe out there on the water.