HOW TO START KITESURFING
10 questions and answers for those who want to learn kitesurfing
1. Who can practice kite?
There is no precise age of reference that can outline who can do kite and not even a fitness particularly athletic. It is necessary to be heavy at least 35 kg and able to coordinate legs and arms at the same instant, you start at 12 years and continue until your body and spirit allow it (you meet people of 75 years in the water!).
2. Do I need a course?
Kitesurfing is a sport that connects the person with nature, as such you should never underestimate their conditions and risks. It is essential to know the wind, to manage the kite and table at the same time and to have clear in mind the various techniques of safety. To learn all this the safest and cheapest option is to clearly take part in a course where you have both the supervision of an expert and the availability of the appropriate material in learning.
3. Why is the course worthwhile?
When you turn to a school, in addition to having an education aimed at achieving increasingly difficult objectives, you get access to a wide range of materials: a kite wing suitable for the strength of the wind (the size of the glider changes depending Of the intensity of the wind) and a table that lends itself exactly to the various phases of learning (great for the first departures by way of smaller and better performance for the changes of direction).
4. How much does a beginner kitesurfing course cost and how long?
It is at the expense of the school to determine the duration, the price and the modalities of the course for beginners. Those that can be defined as unilateral for all kitesurfing schools are the following phases:
Theory on the beach-wind reading, equipment, security systems.
Beach or water practice-kite management, body drag
Water-start practice, first navigations. There are courses for intermediate and advanced level where in the first one can refine the technique and the change of walls and in the second the technique of jump with in twin tip, the approach to the surf and the Idrofoil.
5. How long will you learn?
Classic question, difficult answer: Once you finish the beginners course you are ready to practice in complete safety. You know the direction of the wind, how to assemble the equipment, launch and lower the glider, maneuver it while making the first departures, the Bodydrag and how to use it for self-rescue.
Then you need time to practice and consolidate what you have learned; This depends on the availability of the material, the conditions of the spot in which you are practicing and finally from your skills.
6. What are the ideal conditions to start?
Constant wind without GUIs, shallow waters and flat water are the best natural conditions that can be researched. The teaching provided by the school is a point no less important. There are in fact several tools that facilitate the learning, like for example the use of a radio the communication between pupil and instructor, the use of a possible dinghy that reduces the time of transition, especially when one learns to Bolinate, and that Guarantees the safety of both the student and the instructor.
7. Is it a dangerous sport?
Kitesurfing is very dangerous as it creates addiction! Apart from that, there have been several incidents that have posed the question. Kitesurfing is a sport that exposes risks, as it is practiced in water in places exposed to the wind. Being aware of the risks is the first step, inquire about prevention is what follows.
8. Is it a sport dear?
The equipment is expensive, there are definite studies and techniques behind these products. As a result the course and purchase of your own material can be wasteful. Once you have a sufficient level to be independent and equipped you just have to practice for free!
9. How to purchase your own material?
In case it is necessary, the wetsuit is the first purchase, it is better to have your own instead of renting it for obvious reasons of hygiene. Then proceed with the Trapezium, the first kite and finally the table. It is not necessary to buy many sails: with 2, maximum 3 kite we ensure the exit in all conditions of wind.
10. Why is the kite becoming more and more popular?
Kitesurfing is a very interesting sport also because it meets different needs. In fact there are 3 different disciplines:
Twin Tip: The table has straps where to put the feet and have more grip. Ideal for beginners and freestyle
Surf: Literally a "Surfino" ideal for kite-surfing in the waves
Idrofoil: The table has a fin that allows to elevate itself from the water. Ideal for those of the sea who love the possibility to isolate themselves in complete silence at a high speed and have a good balance.