Author: Marica Moda

Equipped for any kitesurfing adventure

Kitesurfing is pure adrenaline, but like any sport, it carries risks. The proper safety equipment in full working order ensures safe and enjoyable kitesurf sessions; these are good suggestions that IKO wants to give you.

Helmet: Make a Difference by Wearing One.

Ever heard that "helmets are uncomfortable and only for beginners"? It's time to dispel that myth! Your helmet protects you from falls and collisions, whether the water is flat or wavy. Think of the helmet as a shield, like your cell phone cover. It protects you from the sun and defends you during unexpected falls or collisions with the water, your board, or other kiters or obstacles. Kitesurfing helmets are lightweight, comfortable, and designed to withstand hard impacts. They are equipped with drainage holes to prevent the chin strap from causing breathing difficulties underwater and help keep your head afloat if needed.

Helmets are cool and customizable! You can choose vibrant colors, add stickers, or design it to reflect your style. Remember, there's nothing more important than protecting your head. Wear your helmet proudly, just like the pro riders do. Be ready for any adventure.#wearahelmetlikeapro

Check out the video on the IKO YouTube channel.

Buoyancy Aid (50 N): Your Protection of Safety

Wearing a buoyancy aid with 50 Newtons (N) during kitesurfing lessons is mandatory when learning with an IKO instructor. This is crucial for your safety. Even in shallow water, unexpected falls can occur. A buoyancy aid keeps your head and torso above water, allowing instructors and rescuers to assist you easily in need.

Impact Vest: Everyday Buoyancy Aid

An impact vest provides more agility but less buoyancy compared to a 50 N buoyancy aid. It is called an "impact" vest because it protects you from impacts during falls. While it offers some buoyancy, its primary function is to protect your torso from impacts during jumps, freestyle, or advanced maneuvers with a higher risk and probably hard falls, reducing injuries.

Make sure your vest is well-fitting and comfortable. It should allow you to breathe well without overtightening your rib cage and provide full mobility. This ensures you can perform all maneuvers without feeling restricted.

Kite Leash: Your Inseparable Companion

The kite leash is a crucial piece of safety equipment in kitesurfing. According to IKO standards, attaching the kite leash to the front of your harness is essential. This ensures you can easily reach it with both hands in an emergency. Fastening it behind or to one side of the harness can pull you backward or sideways, making it hard to reach the quick-release system.

Attaching it to the front ensures the quick-release system works properly and doesn't snag on your harness hook. Always test the kite leash before entering the water to ensure it is not blocked by salt or sand, including the quick release of the chicken loop. It's better to know it works before you enter the water than to find out in an emergency.

Kite Line Cutter: Your ace in the hole

IKO recommends having a line cutter as part of your safety gear. Keeping it on your harness can turn a dangerous situation into a story to share with friends on the beach at sunset. It’s an investment in safety for you and other kiters in case someone gets tangled in the lines. Be aware that not all harnesses come with a line cutter included. Check your harness to see if it has one, and if it doesn't, make sure to get one separately. Regularly ensure the blade isn't rusted, just as you check your phone's battery before leaving the house.

To prevent the blade from rusting, cover it with candle wax. This will protect the blade from water, salt, and sand, but it will also ensure that if you need to use the line cutter, the wax will quickly come off, allowing the blade to work effectively.

#BeSmartBeSafe

Equipping yourself with the must-have safety gear is about following guidelines and embracing a preparedness mindset and respect for the sport. Your helmet, buoyancy aid, impact vest, kite leash, and line cutter are critical in safeguarding your kitesurfing adventures. They turn potential hazards into manageable risks so you can focus on the excitement of your kitesurfing session. Each item is designed not only to protect but also to enhance your overall kitesurfing experience.

Next time you go kitesurfing, wear your helmet with pride and your buoyancy aid or impact vest confidently, and check that every piece of your equipment is in top condition. You protect yourself and set an example for others in the kitesurfing community.

Stay safe, ride hard, and make every session an epic adventure.+

Happy kitesurfing!
#wearahelmetlikeapro #StaySafe #KiteSmart #SafetyFirst

For more tips and safety guidelines, visit the IKO YouTube channel: @IKOintl

Do you really know how your kitesurf bar’s safety system works?

Author: Marica Moda

Kitesurf bars and safety systems, let's clarify.

Kiters at the beach often argue about which brand makes the best bar, what materials are used, and which safety systems work better than others.

But do you really know how your bar's safety system works? Did you simply rely on the shopkeeper, the owner of the kitesurf school that sold it to you, or the friend who recommended it?

How many kitesurf bar safety systems do you know?

Kite companies are always trying to innovate in equipment performance and safety. If you compare the performance and safety of kitesurf from its origins to today, we have made great progress.

We have moved from essential two-line bars with no depower capabilities and no quick releases to bars with depower systems, simple adjustments, and quick releases that can be used with one hand.

One of the most important features in the design of a kitesurf bar is the operation of the safety system.

Bar security systems: safe and unsafe.

First, it's necessary to clarify that no safety system can completely depower a kite, especially in high winds. 

Some safety systems come very close to 100% depowering; that is why IKO recognizes and approves safety systems if they can release most of the kite's power in any wind condition (from very light to strong).

This occurs in bars with front re-ride or 5th-line safety systems and doesn’t occur with other safety systems on the market.

Approved by IKO: front re-ride security system.

It's one of the 4-line bar safety systems, most commonly used on LEI (Leading Edge Inflatable) kites, thus with the inflatable leading edge.

The safety line is one of the two front lines, and in order for the system to work, the bar must be able to slide along this line in the direction of the kite for a distance equal to at least one wingspan of the kite (in the graphic: d1 ≥ d2).

Once the chicken loop's quick release with the front re-ride system is activated, the bar will slide toward the kite on the front safety line, and the kite will instantly and safely lose most of its power.

Be careful not to have the front lines too tightly rolled together (related to jumps with rotation and kite loop), because this could still cause the security system to malfunction (in this case, use the swivel to keep them separated at all times).

The front re-ride system is the safest, which is why it’s IKO-approved, and fortunately, today, it's the most widely used by major kitesurf equipment manufacturers.

For the front re-ride system to function correctly and be approved by IKO:

d1 must be equal to or bigger than (≥) d2 (wingspan of the kite).

Approved by IKO: 5th line security system.

The safety line is a 5th line, connected to the center of the leading edge on LEI kites and the center of the trailing edge on foil kites.

For the safety system to work correctly, the bar must slide along the 5th line in the kite's direction for a distance equal to at least one kite string (in the graph: d1 ≥ d2).

It facilitates the relaunch from the water of a C-Kite, and some brands use it to ensure more excellent structural stability of the kite.

IKO approves it; however, the depowering is less than the front re-ride system, and the risk is that the 5th line wraps around the kite since it’s attached to the kite tow point (where the pump leash connects).

Activating the quick release of the chicken loop allows the kite to lose most of its power; still, you must be careful because, as mentioned before, the 5th line could wrap around the kite and damage it.

For the 5th line security system to function correctly and be approved by IKO:d1 must be equal to or bigger than (≥) d2 (kite chord).

NOT approved by IKO: OSR (Oh S**t Ring) safety system, asymmetric and mini 5th line.

Fortunately, few brands use these security systems, and IKO recommends that you never use them in any circumstances. If your bar has one of these security systems, we recommend that you change it to protect your safety and the safety of others.

The asymmetric safety system and the mini 5th line don’t totally depower the kite because once you activate the chicken loop’s quick release, they keep both front lines in tension, not allowing the kite to lose most of its power, risking also kite loops.

In the OSR system (fortunately, few are seen on beaches), the safety line is one of two directional lines (back lines). Even in this case, the system doesn’t allow total depowering of the kite, risking uncontrolled kite loops.

So, what is the best safety system for a kitesurf bar?

The best safety system is the FRONT RE-RIDE, and it’s 100% IKO-approved.

On bars with the front re-ride safety system, you can find the stopper ball; it will be on the safety line.

Not all brands use it, but it can be very useful and is recommended for:

• self-landing;
• bar recovery in the water to relaunch the kite;
• self-rescue.

Without it, upon activation of the chicken loop’s quick release, the bar will be free to slide up to the kite, and you will have to spend more time arranging the often tangled lines.

If you use a single bar with the stopper ball for different-sized kites, we recommend adjusting the stopper ball position before entering the water.

The stopper ball must allow the bar to slide a distance ≥ the wingspan of the kite you plan to use or make your life easier by fixing it according to the wingspan of your biggest kite.

Where to place the stopper ball on the safety line correctly?

To determine the correct stopper ball position, simply lay the safety front line next to the leading edge of your kite.

The stopper ball on the front safety line should be placed at least:

• 1 kite wingspan from trim, on bars with the front re-ride system (in LEI and 4-line kites);
• 1 kite rope from the trim, in kites with the 5th line.

What is the other stopper ball you have on the bar between the chicken loop and the trim?

Some bars may also have a stopper ball along the center line (between the chicken loop and the trim), which is used for some old-school freestyle tricks. It can be fixed or slid and limits the upward movement of the bar.

Be careful: this stopper ball may slide down without you noticing, not allowing you to depower the kite; check it periodically.

IKO doesn't recommend that beginners use this stopper ball because, without it, the kite can be easily and completely depowered by simply letting go of the bar.

How often do you test your kitesurf bar safety systems?

Remember that a broken or malfunctioning security system is dangerous, so it is essential to check its proper functioning; otherwise, when you need it, it will not work as it should.

Try the safety systems every time you go kitesurf, it will only take a second, but once you are on the water, you will be sure you have all the safety systems you might need.

Pre-flight check before connecting to the bar:

1. Activate the quick release of the leash and close it again
2. Connect the kite leash to the front safety line
3. Activate the quick release of the chicken loop and close it again
4. Aook the chicken loop to the harness and lock it with the chicken finger
5. Grab and bring up the floaters on your bar to make sure the lines are in order

In addition, we recommend that you periodically rinse your bar, kite leash, and line cutter with fresh water so that any grains of sand or salt encrustations dissolve, keeping your safety systems 100% efficient.

Do you know what your kitesurf bar is made of?

The kitesurf bar is composed of several elements, all made of materials that are generally very strong and suitable for high stresses.

The bridles and pigtails.

They are made of high-modulus polyethylene fiber with a unidirectional core and braided sleeve. The patent is from Spectra and Dyneema, from which the respective names are derived. This material has high abrasion resistance due to its low coefficient of friction and self-lubricating characteristics. Pulleys can be plastic or metal.

The lines. 

They are made of thermoplastic material cast and drawn into fibers. The high-density polyethylene is Dyneema or Spectra, braided at optimized angles to minimize the risk of stretching lines. Heat treatment and brushing optimize the material's inherent properties, while an additional coating protects the lines from UV rays and water absorption, making them buoyant.

The diameter of the lines varies between 1.5 and 2.5 mm, and the breaking strength varies between 180 kg and 300 kg (depending on the quality, diameter, and final seam).

When the kite is in the air, never touch the lines for any reason, even during launch or landing.

The bar.

The bar is in aluminum with a non-slip coating.

You must consider the ratio of the size of your bar to the size of your kite. A large kite has a larger radius of curvature than a small kite. For this reason, the length of the bar, which acts as a lever, should be proportional to the kite's size:

• use a short bar (45 cm or less) with kites smaller than 8 m²;
• use a medium bar (45 to 55 cm) with kites measuring between 8 m² and 12 m²;
• use a long bar (55 cm or more) with kites measuring more than 12 m².

Thanks to a system at the end, many bars can be adjustable and be lengthened or shortened depending on the kite you use and the responsiveness you prefer.

Generally, it's not possible to interchange 2, 4, and 5-line bars and use one bar on different types of kites.

The chicken finger.

It's a rigid rubber tube that ensures the chicken loop stays connected to the hook of your harness.

The chicken loop.

It's a rigid rubber ring that connects the bar to your harness. It's also connected to your kite's front lines. Its connection to the harness allows you to ride without supporting the kite's full traction with your arms.

The chicken loop’s quick release.

The chicken loop’s quick release system allows you to quickly release yourself from the kite's pull in an emergency.

In this regard, some brands have devised a quick and effective release and reattachment system: after operating the safety system and then opening the chicken loop of the bar, to reattach it, simply push the end of the chicken loop into the appropriate slot. No need to touch the release system; the chicken loop also closes with one hand.

The stopper ball.

It's a hard rubber or marine aluminum ball that stops your bar when, for safety reasons, you activate the chicken loop’s quick release, and it slides on the front safety line toward the kite.

The stopper ball position is dynamically settable. It must be calculated to allow the kite to foil and hold itself in an inverted position, minimizing aerodynamic drag.

The swivel.

It's a rotatable component of your bar that keeps the lines from rolling up in the event of a trick, allowing through its rotation to put the front lines back in order, leaving the bar free to slide on the front safety line.

The floaters. 

They are made of floating foam and are located on the sides of the bar and make it float.

Simple golden rules.

Follow these simple IKO Standards for your safety on the water and the safety of others:

• Use a bar with a chicken loop with quick release;
• Use a bar with an IKO-approved safety system: front re-ride or 5th line;
• Use a kite leash with the quick release connected to the front of your harness;
• Always keep a line cutter in your harness (in case you need to get rid of lines it could become your first safety system).

These are a few simple rules to follow for safe fun.

Remember that all safety systems should be tested by turning them on and off before each use, so you can be sure they will work when you really need them, and always use a bar that allows your kite to lose all its power.

Have fun and enjoy the wind.

In this article, I'll introduce you to the intriguing and fast-growing sport of wing foiling and give some great insight into how, and why, you should take the plunge.

Basic winging terminology

• Wing: The handheld inflatable sail
• Board: The platform the rider stands on
• Foil: The underwater hydrofoil which gives the board lift
• Leash: The leash connecting the wing to the rider

Background on winging

Different forms of wing powered sports have been around since the 80's however the wings were often bulky, heavy and awkward to manoeuvre. The sport as we know it today has only taken off in the past couple of years as equipment has become increasingly lighter. The development and affordability of hydrofoils have allowed the sport to grow and is one of the main driving factors in the sudden surge of wingers on the water today.

What is winging?

The rider holds a wing that is not too dissimilar from an inflatable kite. Most wings take their shape and rigidity once fully inflated, however, some wings have a physical boom structure to increase stiffness. The rider stands on a board and uses the wing to harness wind energy which in turn, powers them along. Where this sport differs from any other wind-powered water sport is that the wing is handheld and not attached to the rider by a harness nor the board. This makes it an extremely free-flowing sport and is part of the reason so many people love it.

What is wing foiling?

Winging can be done on a variety of different boards. The most basic form of winging can be done on a stand up paddleboard. This is a lot of fun for kids and families turning a relatively calm day down the beach into a bit of an adventure. A great way to introduce wind sports in a low-risk manner!

Wing foiling is where the rider uses the same type of handheld wing to power them along but now with the introduction of a hydrofoil. A hydrofoil can be mounted onto a variety of different sized boards. The more beginner boards being larger and higher volume whereas advanced boards will be much smaller and partially sink under the rider's weight.

Wing foiling is much more extreme and allows riders to perform increasingly more technical tricks, ride at higher speeds, surf waves, and even jump!

Why should kitesurfers learn to wing foil?

I’m a keen kitesurfer, kite foiler, outdoor sports enthusiast, and love all things watersports related! I decided to take up wing foiling last year and here are my top reasons why all you kitesurfers out there should join me!

1. Simplicity: There is something sweet about simple sports. It makes it easy to travel with, reduces set up time, plus there's less equipment to buy! When I wing foil, I'll head to the beach, pump up my wing, attach my leash and I'm good to go. 
2. Easy to learn: Due to its simplicity, winging is surprisingly easy to learn. Less equipment means fewer things to think about!
3. Cross-offshore winds: It's not great for kitesurfing at my local spot when the wind blows in a cross offshore direction. The wind tends to be very gusty on the beach making the kite unpredictable and dangerous to handle. Before winging, I would travel to other kitesurf spots. Now I can stay local and wing even in cross offshore winds. I have found this to be my favourite wind direction as it allows me to catch swell and drop a hand putting the wing into a neutral position.
4. Safe: It is a very low-risk sport. The power in a wing doesn't even come close to the power a kite can generate. The boards tend to be much more buoyant too which makes it easy to self-rescue and paddle back into the beach like a regular surfboard. 
5. Accessible: Due to the low-risk factor, it makes winging extremely accessible to people of all ages, young and old. As I mentioned above, it's the kind of sport families can try on a low wind day down the beach.
6. Busy days down the beach: During the peak of the U.K summer, beaches can often become overcrowded and many members of the public are unaware of the potential dangers kites and lines can involve. I find it's not worth taking the risk of trying to launch a kite on a busy beach. These busy summer days are the days I have turned to wingfoiling. I can simply walk down to the water's edge without needing lots of space to set up or launch and off I go!

How to learn wing foiling?

1. Practice handling the wing on the beach: You need to have a relatively good understanding of wind sports before even picking up a wing. Some introductory videos on youtube can teach you the basics.
2. Suss out how to carry the wing and board together: This may sound extremely simple but trying to carry a wing and a large foilboard together can be awkward especially if you have a large shore dump crashing down on top of you. It's important to master this skill before even venturing out so that when you return to shore post-session, you'll be able to escape the waves before your shiny new kit becomes victim to a good spanking.
3. Practice on a SUP: This is particularly useful for anyone who hasn't tried hydrofoiling yet. Learn how to wing first, then learn how to foil!
4. Use your wing foil board behind a boat: If you or your friends own a boat, it can be valuable to foil on your potential wing board behind a boat first. This will give you a chance to work out the foot positioning and riding speed required for the foil to provide lift.
5. Keep an eye on the IKO website: The IKO will soon be offering wing courses for all levels. To get updates about winging and other courses, log in to your IKO account and sign up for training alerts.

Top Tip!!!

Learn in strong enough winds! My biggest mistake when learning was trying to wing foil in light winds. I soon found out that this can make the wing hard to handle and requires a lot of pumping and good technique to get the board onto the foil. Going out in a moderate wind allows you to 'park and ride' meaning you will have enough power to lean back against the wing and won't have to pump as much to get going.

Winging progression path

• Setup, secure and pack down the wing
• Handling wing on beach
• Enter/exit water with wing and hydrofoil
• Self-rescue
• ROW rules
• Ride on your knees
• Ride standing
• Pumping/getting on the foil
• Ride upwind/downwind
• Foot change
• Jibes
• Tacks
• Catching swell
• Jumping

What's the future of winging?

In only a matter of years, the sport has already seen vast improvements and new boundaries are being reached every day. Freestyle is a fast-growing discipline and the level of tricks some riders are now performing is difficult to comprehend.

In my humble opinion, where I see this sport developing is wave-riding. Being able to use the wing as a source of power to catch a wave, a bit like tow-in surfing with jet skis. The beauty of wing foiling is to drop one hand and surf freely on breaking waves or even rolling swell, this has got to be one of the coolest feelings ever!

Let's see where this sport takes us in the years to come. One thing is for sure, wingfoiling is here to stay and I highly recommend anyone contemplating whether or not to take it up to just do it already!

Want to turn your passion for wingfoiling into a career?  
 

Become an IWO Instructor.  

The International Wingfoil Organization (IWO) is IKO's sister organization and was founded by professional wingfoil instructors with more than 20 years of experience in watersports education. 

The IWO Instructor certification is recognized worldwide, allows you to have your professional skills recognized when you apply for jobs at wingfoil schools and sets you apart from the competition with non-certified instructors.

You can start the IWO Instructor Training Course (ITC) online today. 

Author: Bradley Mackelden 

Wow, what a hectic time we've all had the past few months! Covid-19 has taken over the world and ground everything to a halt. I'm so pleased to say that most countries are now on the declining side of this gnarly wave and that lockdown restrictions are starting to ease in the majority of countries around the world. And so with it, kitesurfing has made a miraculous reemergence!!!

Here in the U.K., I have never seen so many kites in the sky! I'm sure it's the same for all you kitesurfers out there wherever you may be? If we can take one positive from all of this, it's shown just how fortunate we all are to call ourselves kitesurfers, shredders of the seas!

A busy return to the sport can also bring inherent dangers. With more crowded spots than ever before, it is important to be safety cautious and take care of one another. In this article, I'm going to refresh your memory on some important kitesurf safety procedures and checks to ensure we all have a fun, but ultimately safe time on the water.

What to do before you arrive at the beach?

Check over all your kitesurf equipment for wear & tear. You don't even need to be at the beach to do this! 

1. Find an open space large enough to run out the full length of your lines. Next, you're going to walk through your lines untangling them as if you were heading out for a session. I like to attach a leash to a fixed object and hook the end of all my lines through the carabiner on my leash. Walk back down the lines towards the bar (checking for knots and worn out fraying lines). Top tip for removing stubborn knots: leave the line to soak in hot water for a few minutes first before working the knot out. If the lines are severely damaged, you should replace them.

2. Check the line length! Grab your harness and hook into the chicken loop. As long as you've secured the lines onto a fixed object, you should be able to lean back into the harness putting light pressure on the lines. Use the trim strap to take all trim out of the bar (max power setting). Now sheet the bar all the way in. Where does the bar come to? It should be touching the top of the safety system. If it isn't, this is a sign that your front lines have stretched and your kite will be prone to back-stalling. If you have extra knots under the floats on the bar, move the steering lines down one knot, therefore making the steering lines longer. Pull the bar in again and see if it now touches the top of the safety system. Repeat this process until all lines are equal length. If you have used all the knots down by the bar, you may have the option to trim the lines on the kite. The final possibility is to physically stretch out the lines, just double-check that the bar is level and not steering to one side.

3. Look over the kite for any repairs such as pinholes, patch as necessary. I highly recommend inflating the kite and leaving it for a few hours to ensure there are no valve/bladder leaks. The last thing you want is a jellyfish kite on your first session back!

4. Check the bridles on the kite as these can often become worn-out from the pulleys travelling along the line constantly. 

Refresh your memory on the kitesurf R.O.W. rules

Have a quick look over the R.O.W rules and test yourself on them. The most important rule is to avoid collisions at all costs. However, here are my top five rules to help avoid any near misses in the first place.

1. Upwind kite Up, Downwind kite down (The golden rule).

2. Starboard tack has the right of way over port tack. Starboard tack means you are going to the right with your right hand and right foot first.

3. Give way to kitesurfers entering the water and trying to get away from the beach.

4. The rider surfing a wave has priority, give way to them.

5. No priority on land, please use common sense.

Know how to perform a self-rescue

This is an essential skill which you will have learned if you had lessons at an IKO affiliated kite centre. Have you forgotten how to perform a self-rescue? If so, you can visit your nearest IKO affiliated school and book a lesson to cover this. Alternatively, the IKO has a great step by step video tutorial explaining the process. To gain access to these tutorials, sign up for IKO kiter premium today!

It is essential to have practised this especially at a time like this! We don't want to put unnecessary pressure on our emergency services as they are already overwhelmed.

Keep a distance when on the beach

This is super easy to forget as we are all so stoked to be back at the beach and excited to see our kitesurf buddies! Please respect your country's social distancing rules to help shed a good light on the kitesurfing community.

Launching a kite safely

It is important to launch a kite with as little power as possible. Unfortunately, the majority of kitesurfing accidents actually happen on land when launching the kite. It is always best to launch with an assistant rather than a self-launch. Here is my simplified launching procedure:

1. Ask your assistant to pick up the kite by the leading edge and flip it so the leading edge is in a vertical position (you should be hooked into the kite at this point).

2. Keeping CONSTANT tension on the front lines, slowly walk upwind. You can let go of the bar while walking upwind.

3. Keep watching the kite, once the canopy of the kite stops flapping, you are almost in the correct position to launch.

4. Take a couple of small steps upwind to ensure the kite won't stall when launching.

5.  Give the thumbs-up signal once you have done your pre-flight checks and you are sure the kite is set-up correctly. 

6. Slowly launch the kite upwards with one hand. My top tip here is to have the spare hand ready to fire off the safety, should anything go wrong.

Landing/Self-landing

Again it is always best to land with an assistant. Simply ask a fellow kiter or tap your head (universal landing sign) signalling you want to be landed, slowly lower the kite down.

You may find that you have such a rad session, happily unaware that you are the last kitesurfer on the water. This has certainly happened to me numerous times!

In this case, you will need to self land the kite. The safest way to self land your kite is to pull the safety release.

1. Pull the safety and wait for the kite to flag out. 

2. Once the bar has travelled all the way away from you, work hand over hand along the safety line. 

3. Follow this line through the bar making sure to only keep tension on the single safety line preventing the kite from relaunching. 

4. Walk all the way towards the kite grabbing the bridle connected to the safety line. 

5. Now you can hold the kite by the leading edge and pack away as normal.

I hope you've found this article worthwhile, please share the article across social media and spread my knowledge for safe kiting! Enjoy that first session back on the water if you haven't already done so. I can tell you now, it’s unimaginably fun!

Sign up for a Kiter Membership to get worldwide insurance coverage along with access to 25+ hours of eLearning. Your kiting has never been safer!

Written By: Be-Rad Watersports

Improve your riding, adjust your lines

Why is it that in 99% of the cases we always use the same line length? A  majority of the bars that come out of the factory are equipped with lines between 20m and 24m. This article will show you in which scenarios you could use shorter or longer lines. You will discover ways to improve your riding and adapt your equipment depending on your weight, your level and the discipline you choose. We will also touch on why it is mandatory for IKO instructors to use short lines during lessons and why it is highly beneficial for the student.

Impact of the wind window on your kite

The wind window is the area where the kite can fly. It is also where we use the kite clock as a reference for teaching. In the neutral zone, the kite generates minimal power, because it only receives the true wind. In the power zone, the kite will be able to accelerate as fast as it can and create an “induced wind” which when associated with the “true wind” will be called “apparent wind”. This is where the kite can generate maximum power. By using shorter lines, we can move the kite faster up and down the wind window, this increases the power of the induced wind and increases the power of the overall apparent wind even further.

By changing the length of your lines you are actually changing the size of your wind window. The bigger your wind window is, the more power you will generate because the distance from a point A to a point B is bigger which gives your kite more space to accelerate.

Wind gradient

This is a wind effect that explains how the wind changes, the higher up we go. It has been discovered that the wind is 35% stronger at 20m than right above the water level. In other words, the longer your lines, the higher your kite is, and the stronger the wind that is captured by the kite resulting in more power.

.

So why aren’t we using 70m lines?

The additional power captured when using long lines comes at a cost. Longer lines will create more drag which will reduce the reactivity of your kite and will make your kite sit deeper inside the wind window. The longest lines we use are around 30m, longer lines than that would create too much drag to be effective, the kite would become too hard to steer and loose its upwind abilities.

What about line lengths for lessons?

Trainer kites

A trainer kite is a kite that does not generate enough power to make you lose balance, in certain situations a 2 line foil kite is used but in most of the cases, a small LEI kite with short lines ( 2 to 18 meters ) will be a better option. This is very useful for many reasons:

• reducing the space needed for a lesson, 

• reducing the stress for the student,

• having less impact on other beach users,

•  reducing the kite’s power, 

• softer crash for the kite, 

• much safer in strong/gusty conditions etc…

Increase your line length as you progress 

At IKO we strongly believe that changing the length of your lines throughout your progression is a key factor in your learning process. 

Once the student starts gaining confidence and is able to handle more power, we gradually increase the length of the lines. This method allows us to precisely adjust the power delivered by the kite to the student while keeping the rhythm of the lesson fluid.

Adjust your line length to your riding style

Using short lines (20m or less ) gives you an advantage if you’re looking to have a quick and reactive kite for your style.this length of lines can be very effective for the following riding styles: 

-Big air when learning kite loops: Learning how to kiteloop can be an intimidating step because of the power the kite generates during this move, shortening your lines is a great way to make your learning process faster and safer, even pro riders like to use lines as short as 10m in certain situations.

- Wave riding: whether you are using a directional board, a hydrofoil, or even a twin tip. If your goal is to shred some waves then shortening your lines is a very good idea, the added reactivity will allow you to turn quicker improve and maneuverability on the waves.

Long lines ( 24m or more ) will be particularly useful in situations where you will need more power and a stable kite :

- Freeride: In other words, riding while performing tricks and jumps that don’t require you to unhook. Freeriding is a hard subject to approach as it covers a very wide aspect of our sport but in a  majority of the cases, it does not require fast steering of the kite, on the contrary, slightly longer lines will “slow down” your kite allowing you to focus more on your body position. I would recommend a length between 22m and 24m for this discipline depending on your wind conditions, skills, and the tricks you are trying to perform.

- Old school: Old school is a discipline that consists of jumping high and doing grabs or taking one or more feet out of the foot straps on your board To perform these tricks well you will need to have a powerful setup to lift you high and give hangtime as well as a slow setup that will allow you to focus on your board without having to worry about your kite moving everywhere.

How can I change the length of my lines?

Some bars come with sets of extensions

A few brands will give you the option to buy a set of lines that come with extensions, allowing you to adjust the length of your lines every session, those extensions are usually between 2m and 5m.

Folding

It is possible to fold your lines in two in order to use only half the length, to do so simply grab connection knot/loop at the end of your lines and bring them back to the bar, you will then connect the back lines to the knot of the leader lines and the front lines to a pigtail attached to the point where the center lines split, you will then attach a set of pigtails at the end of your lines. Make your quick release still work after folding your lines! You can double back your lines several times and use ½, ¼, or ⅛ of your line length with this method.

Splicing your lines yourself

A very good way to be prepared for every situation and have several line lengths on one bar is simply to cut your lines and create line extensions that you simply have to add or remove depending on the discipline you will be riding. To do so, you can either ask your local kite doctor or do it yourself by splicing your lines. 

Click Here to watch a video made by one of our examiners that will guide you throughout that process. 

Conclusion

As you can see, the length of the lines play an important role in kiteboarding. If you're not sure about which length to use, contact your nearest IKO Center or learn more about the subject during one of our pro courses!

What about you? what length of lines do you use?

Author: Charly Roche

Your lesson or one of your first kite sessions is almost over which means it is time to land your kite. Launching and landing the kite usually takes place on land, the obstacles and activities happening there can make it challenging to feel comfortable doing this for the first time. 

Therefore we made a video that explains and shows you the most common mistakes that are encountered when landing your kite with an assistant.

This video will help you to anticipate any mistakes you may encounter when landing your kite. It will also make you feel more confident knowing how to handle such situations.

Have a look at the video tutorial now if you’re a Kiter Premium or Pro member. Otherwise, upgrade your membership to gain access to this video and more than 25 hours of online learning!

WATCH VIDEO NOW

What is a GoJoe? Have you ever heard of it? What about seen one or let alone used one? The GoJoe is a leash board recovery tool. It is an inflatable body that is designed to sit unobtrusively between your feet on the board. If you ever lose your board the GoJoe will make your board easily visible by flipping your board over for you and catching the wind sailing the board down the wind so that it is never far from you after a crash or hard landing.  

Some schools and instructors around the world are using them; now the question is… should you? The truth is that it is not always necessary but it can be useful. It is an awesome tool for students with difficulties to get the board back or places with strong currents that make the board harder to rescue.  

GoJoe is the perfect solution for people who are afraid to stop using their board leash because of the difficulties they have body dragging or the conditions at their spot.  Many people who are still using a board leash believe they are not dangerous as they have yet to have an accident with one.

If the GoJoe is an idea and concept you like though you do not want to invest the money, another alternative is buying an arm buoy for kids and inflating it around your board handle. This won’t be as effective though it will still help with board recovery and save you money.

There is no question that hydrofoiling is growing extremely rapidly across the world. More companies are making boards at different price ranges, new hydrofoil competitions are emerging, schools are beginning to offer lessons and hydrofoil board rentals; these all signs of a growing industry.

When learning to hydrofoil at an IKO center you will be receiving an impact vest, helmet, and proper instruction. As the trend has risen we hear more and more horror story of pirate instructors who do not have proper progression or safety measures “teaching” others how to hydrofoil only to have them get injured.

It is important that no matter your level when you are learning and throughout your progression to continue using an impact vest and most importantly a helmet. We have unfortunately witnessed far too many hydrofoil board accidents. Hydrofoil accidents are worse than most other forms of accidents as with a hydrofoil it usually ends up being deep flesh wounds.

What we have seen is that whether or not someone who is hydrofoiling agrees with wearing safety protective equipment or not, eventually they convert after a close call or accident.

So what do you say? Should you always wear a helmet and impact vest when hydrofoiling or no point?

How curious is the fact that despite science and logic, sometimes us humans behave against what we instinctively know is beneficial for us; like eating clean and healthy, wearing a helmet while doing extreme sports and investing in pair of polarized sunglasses when out in the sun near water or snow to name a few!

Just like with helmets, wearing sunglasses while kiteboarding seems unfashionable and excuses like “I will lose them”, “They are annoying”, “They are expensive”, “Water droplets on the lens bother me” and so on, seem to always come up.

Truth is companies have filled all these gaps offering a range of options with different styles, price points, fits and a wide variety of options. So what is holding all us kiters back from wearing sunglasses while kiteboarding?

We believe that it is the social norms of the majority overriding the logic. If all the professionals, instructors and kiteboarding promotions wore sunglasses while riding, competing, teaching it would make people think twice… “If these people are wearing them…. maybe I should too.” Although it is not the case, just like with helmets. Only a few wear it and so it’s not really popular.

The use of polarized sunglasses, in general, will help reduce the chances of cataracts, macular degeneration, sunburn on the cornea and the risk of experiencing vision issues like “snow blindness” which can and have happened to kiters before.

After taking time to research we found many companies that offer sunglasses specifically for kiteboarding. We have found these top-rated companies offering a variety of different styles, prices, and features that are excellent for kite use: Kurtis Eye Wear, Ocean Glasses, Sea Specs, and Lip Sunglasses! We know there might be many more companies out there and if you are currently using one of them let the community know which you use and recommend!

So the question is do you already wear sunglasses and if not when will you start? Don't see the point of wearing sunglasses? Tell us why in the comments below!

The most common thought for those who are thinking to get into kiteboarding is the strength and fitness aspect. Most imagine that to kiteboard you must be incredibly fit and healthy. Unfortunately/fortunately this is not true; virtually anyone can kiteboard!

We have seen it all from the ultra-fit hardcore athletes to the weekend warriors making it happen and having fun out in the water. That is the beauty about kiteboarding, anyone can get into it. Kiteboarding can become as challenging as one makes it. If someone wants to push the boundaries and go to the extreme or simply cruise around - the individual can choose as one wishes.

Overall, when you are kiteboarding you are putting in an effort, though, with the technology and equipment today it is way less demanding than it used to be in the very beginning. Essentially your core stability, upper body strength, and aerobic fitness are what are being taxed when kiteboarding. These three areas will be used when kiteboarding so if you are thinking to train any area of your body for kiteboarding consider those three.

Your upper body strength will help you carry your equipment in and out of the water as well as steer your kite efficiently. Having core strength will help reduce the chances of bodily injuries and maintain comfort during those long sessions. The only way to have long sessions though is having a healthy heart and good lungs especially once you begin trying to push your limits with tricks or stronger conditions.

An active warm up before and deep stretching after your kiteboarding sessions will help maintain your aerobic fitness and prepare the body for repeated sessions day after day on and off the water!

Which preconceptions did you have before you started kiteboarding? Comment them below

Most of us after watching extreme mega loop videos, king of the air replays or clips of wave riders going down huge barreling waves might become tempted to search for those extreme conditions and ride in them. These pro athletes featured in these videos make it appear relatively safe and easy. We do occasionally witness those brutal, close call, crash videos that we tend to forget about relatively fast.

Those 40 knots storm conditions or 8m tall swells might excite you though when those once in a lifetime “opportunities” cross your path you must take time to think twice. Going out in the wrong conditions can prove fatal. Becoming number one on the WOO Global Leaderboard must be done in as extremely controlled situations as possible and not simply “winged”. Same goes for larger swells and or a combination of strong wind and huge waves.

Kiteboarding is extreme enough - don’t enter extreme conditions because you might enter a situation that is extremely dangerous.

Examples of conditions to double think:

• If the wind is offshore
• 35+ knots
• -5m+ Tall Waves
• Waves with very shallow reef
• Gusty and Unstable Stormy winds

Comment below other conditions someone should double think before going out.

Bonus: Let us know what are some ways someone can minimize the risk in kiteboarding more extreme conditions?.

Where is your leash positioned on your harness right now? If you have yet to move your leash to the front of your harness, go do that now before continuing to read any further. Over the last months we have been pushing and reminding Instructors as well as kiteboarders about this easy and important safety change.

Instead of using a leash on your back or sides it is best to attach it directly in the front. This makes your leash accessible to both hands at all times whether to hook in or release during an emergency.

If you are one of the kiteboarders with a long leash, you can now consider changing your leash for comfort and accessibility. Having a long leash does not make sense for anyone other than those practicing unhook wakestyle. If you are a beginner, wave rider or cruiser there is no need to have a long leash. Nowadays most brands will have a short leash option available.

What is great about this safety improvement is that many brands and companies have realized the safety benefits and altered their designs according to this. Creating simple ways to attach one's leash to the front and supplying short leashes with bars instead of long ones.

If you have yet to change your leash position on your harness or its length - do not wait any longer or until an accident. Do it now, you won’t regret it!

Have your lines ever crossed or been crossed by another kiter? The moment this happens can be quite nerve wracking as just the thought of it happening to you can be.

The truth is that a line tangle situation it is a bit hard to answer as there are plenty of situations… For example, lines are only over the other lines and you know the rider (he is not gonna do something crazy) in this case it would be advises to pilot the kite away, and no big deal.

In a more complicated situation it would be advised that both kiters release their quick release at the same time (so they need to communicate) as if only one does it, it can be very dangerous. Plus they need to be ready to release the kite leash too as when 2 kites are tangled it may block the safety system effectiveness.

Generally if lines are tangled, it is also because at least one of the riders have not respected one or several ROWs. This is why the IKO insist on the importance of knowing and applying the Right Of Way rules!

It is important that you understand your safety release system and know how to perform a self rescue. If you do not know and have yet to practice a controlled self rescue- we recommend you find an IKO Instructor to help you become familiar and practice this very important skill to becoming a truly independent kiteboarder.

Have you ever been in a tangle? Share your story with us-

We have spoken about health and wellness before though it is something to be spoken about again especially as the new year comes around.

Before we being, we want to note that health and wellness are quite popular yet broad terms being used nowadays. Health and wellness has different meanings depending to whom you speak to. We will not dive to deep though to give context, we are referring to health both physical and mental and wellness on a spiritual, physical and mental level as well.

Kiteboarding is a sport that trains individuals to be focused, strong, creative, adaptive and well rounded amongst other positive traits. You must not only connect and observe your physical and natural surroundings but also become a master board rider and kite pilot over time.

Cross training as a kiteboarder can go many ways - some feel more inclined to something like Yoga that requires strength, tranquility and focus or something like high-interval training requires energy focus and stamina. Whether one is better than the other is debatable though what is important is that YOU feel drawn to it and the after results are rewarding. We cannot base something on if we like it because the truth is many people do not “like” training every day or multiple times a week.

No matter what you are doing on the side of kiteboarding it is good to be doing something consistently on the side that can be done by yourself. It is best if what you are doing doesn’t rely on other people or Mother Nature.

Whatever your cross training activity is, you can always try to tweak it towards relating to kiteboarding. Whether doing exercises, poses or activities try to find ways to incorporate an aspect from kiteboarding to help better overlap.

So this year what are your plans not only for kiteboarding but for training? What is your favorite activity and or training to do aside from kiteboarding?

What stance are you, regular, right, wrong or goofy? Trick question… as there are no right or wrong stances, though you can definitely be regular or goofy! Either way, each and everyone’s body is different so there is not only one truth to this question.

Even though there is not a one answer fix all we do have some tips and tricks to make sure you have the best possible stance for yourself. It is important to note first that a good stance and duck is crucial as without a good one it is hard to ride well, can be uncomfortable and even painful.

Generally, your stance should be a bit wider than your shoulders. To do a quick stance test; jump on the beach and look at your landing position of your feet. In this landing position try to bend your knees, it must feel easy and natural. Usually a bit of an outward angle will help with comfort; like a duck. This is where the term “duck stance” originates from. How much of a duck stance one has depends on your body composition and riding style.

Now the golden rule with trying out any new stance is that it should not be hurting in the hips, knees or ankles. If it does hurt or you feel major discomfort- stop your session and modify the angle of your duck and/or stance. A wider stance will give you better stability but will also reduce maneuverability. Kiteboarding stances differ from similar board sports like snowboarding. This is because in snowboarding the angle of your front foot is usually more open than the back foot because people tend to ride more on their good leg. In kiteboarding, it is usually the very same angle in both feet as we are pretty much riding 50/50 with each foot in front. So when setting up your stance consider this difference especially if you have influence from other similar board sports. Also consider for comfort that more angle in the feet will be better for freestyle but less comfortable to ride in choppy waters.

In the end, everybody is different. We cannot recommend one stance for everyone as everyone will have their own preference. If you feel your stance is not right because you are not comfortable, we recommend you run tests off and on the water with different stances; always applying the golden rule.

Have you found your golden stance yet? What have you done to do so? Let us know in the comment section below-

A common question amongst kiteboarders who are trying to improve their riding and want to jump higher is… HOW? How does someone jump higher? What does it take? Bigger kite? Smaller board? Bigger kicker? Stronger wind? More speed? A Red Bull Energy Drink?

Let's say you had perfect board and kite technique the only way you will get to jump higher is by going faster. Speed is directly correlated with height and more speed you get - more lift you will have. Of course, you can add a “kicker” to help you boost higher though this is conditional. Whether you want to jump higher on flatter or wavier water- speed is the variable that must increase to increase height.

Now you might think if you use the biggest kite and ride in the strongest wind you will go the highest - this is first of all not a good idea as it is not safe and dangerous - secondly there is another element which is control. If you are not in control you won't be able to maintain and use proper technique to jump.

Riding in strong winds with equipment that allows you to be powered and be in control to get lots of speed will be your best bet to jumping higher. Using a kicker additionally to this will help you get even higher-

Currently, the highest jump ever recorded is by Nick Jacobsen at 28.6m with the WOO Sports device. Do you believe we will ever get higher than 30m or even 50m jumping?

Picking a harness is never easy especially with so many different brands, fits and features. When you look at all the harnesses there are common themes that arise. You have some harnesses described as soft, medium and hard shell. Additionally we now have hook and slider spreader bar options as well sitting and bathing suit options. For now though we will focus on soft, medium and hard shell options.

Depending on your body shape, gender and needs you will have one harness that works better for you than another. In the end when choosing a harness it comes down to your needs, what kind of support and comfort you want. Here are some tips when considering which rigidity in a harness to choose.

Soft: Soft harnesses are quite comfortable though are not ideal for people who are less muscular or need back support. The softness in harness increases comfort though decreases support.

Hard Shell: Hard shell harnesses offer the most support and are ideal for individuals that are  less muscular or in need of back support. For some, hard shell harnesses are not as comfortable as soft or medium. These harnesses are usually the most expensive harnesses in a companies line up.

Medium: Medium harnesses are the balance between soft and hard shell harnesses. Normally they have some frame that gives support though leaves freedom of movement to the wearer. These are the most common harnesses sold as they are comfortable, supportive and work for the masses.

When choosing a harness it is important to make sure you find a harness that fits your body shape and fits perfectly. Having a harness that is to small or big will not only annoy you though can potentially hurt you and in the long run make your kiteboarding sessions shorter and less enjoyable. Finding the right harness for yourself is one of the most important things you can do for your kiteboarding career.

Expanding your repertoire of knowledge and skills is always a positive thing. If you are new or even a seasoned kite boarder and yet to try a strapless surfboard you are missing out! Learning to ride a strapless surfboard is easier than one might image and can introduce you to a whole new world.

Riding a strapless surfboard is the feeling of ultimate freedom as you can find your true natural stance and enjoy the liberty of cruising without being bound and tied down. When riding strapless you have 100% control over your board whether it is for wave riding, cruising or strapless tricks.

The challenge of learning something new is revitalizing and fun. Once you get the hang of riding both directions on a strapless you have a whole new set of challenges ahead from jibing, transitions and wave riding. Getting on a strapless surfboard is a way to mix it up from time to time.

If you are a surfer or someone interested in riding waves then strapless is the way to go. Once you begin mastering a strapless surfboard, you might never go back to anything else. Kiteboarding with a strapless surfboard is the ultimate way to take advantage of the waves. Instead of take 5-20 waves in one traditional surfing session - you will take hundreds and have a blast on every single one.

Riding a strapless surfboard has many more benefits and perks though we would like to hear from you! What do you think about riding a strapless surfboard? Have you tried it?

Let us know in the comment section below-

The best time to start learning tricks in kiteboarding is once you have learned the theoretical, practical and safety side of the sport. At this stage, you will be considered an independent kiteboarder. You will have the right mindset and confidence to begin pushing yourself to new heights, literally!

Some of the first tricks to learn in kiteboarding is how to control your speed by edging, riding toe-side, and changing direction without stopping. Once you’ve mastered the independent and intermediate stages of kiteboarding you can move into the advanced side of the sport.

The advanced side of the sport will take you deeper into the art of kiteboarding. Mastering riding in all directions, how to help your friends with board recovery, jibing and basic jumping techniques!

Apart from learning how to stay upwind most kiteboarders strive to learn how to jump and/or ride waves with a surfboard! This is one of the many beautiful things about kiteboarding; the freedom of expression. The best time to start learning tricks is once you successfully passed the independent kiteboarder stages as you will have a greater understanding of the sport which will keep your progression safe and fun!

Question to all the independent kiteboarders - what is currently your favorite kiteboarding discipline and trick? Tell us in the comment section below-

As you progress in kiteboarding it is inevitable that the urge to learn tricks like jumping, wave riding, foiling or aerial maneuvers will arise.

Before beginning to learn new tricks consider these 3 things.

1- Make sure your kite is under control. If you are uncomfortable flying your kite, we would suggest practicing more before planning to learn tricks. Once your kite flying skills are good you can begin learning tricks.

2- Once you decide what tricks or discipline you want to learn do some research. Watch people riding in person, talk to people who are doing what you want to do and lastly watch lots of videos. Doing proper research will help mentally prepare you for when you go out and try what you want.

3- When you feel ready to try your tricks pick an optimal spot and day. If you are trying freestyle tricks finding a place with average steady winds, flat water and open space with no obstructions would be your optimal place. If you are riding in a crowded spot with super choppy waters and 40 knots of wind this would not be the ideal place to try your new tricks.

When planning to do and learn something new some will say “just do it” though this advice is flawed. We have seen and heard of many unfortunate accidents that could have been easily avoided with better preparation.

If you are unsure about your progression and want to safely learn new skills consult an IKO Center,an IKO Instructor or even better an IKO Coach for advice and advance training.

Have fun and stay safe out there while training,

IKO

When kiteboarders progress and begin building up their kite quiver, one of the many common questions that arises is if they should get a carbon or non-carbon board? Truth is, there is no right or wrong answer really. Some can benefit from carbon more than others.

The biggest difference people associate with carbon vs non carbon is price. Carbon boards are usually more expensive than non-carbon boards whether twin tip, foil board or surfboard though do not let this fool you thinking that a carbon board will be better for you just because it cost more.

One of the main advantages with carbon boards is the weight reduction. Carbon boards are significantly lighter which has advantages. A lighter board helps maneuverability; whether it is handling the board on land or in the water. Many surfboard freestyle and wave kiters have began using carbon surfboards due to the weight reduction over standard surfboards.

Another pro that also happens to be a con for some is the stiffness of carbon. Carbon boards are generally stiffer than non carbon boards. This stiffness can help riders have an engaged and predictable feeling with the board though this stiffness can also hurt the rider. If a kiter suffers from knee or back problems riding a carbon board will make you feel the choppiness of the water and have harder impacts when jumping or doing tricks. This will lead to injuries or hotter sessions due to discomfort.

The two main factors when deciding whether to choose carbon vs non carbon is weight reduction and stiffness. If you are someone who is not particularly strong and want to easily move the board around whether on land or water or are trying to improve on your freestyle surfboard tricks, riding light winds with twin tip or foil racing then you might want to consider carbon equipment. If you are someone who has knee and or back problems or discomfort - stay away from carbon. Do not be confused; just because it is more expensive does not mean it will be better for you.

We could list more pros and cons of carbon vs non-carbon though we want  to hear about your thoughts and personal experience. What do you ride and why would you recommend someone a carbon board over a non-carbon board (and vice versa)? Looking forward to hearing what you have to say in the comments section below!

You probably have seen them and occasionally wonder - what is that flying in the air? As foil kites are becoming more and more popular due to the foil movement it is a good thing to know what they are and if you should be using one.

Foil kites resemble parafoils as they are multi-celled, air inflated, light, efficient and powerful kites. With all these perks you might be wondering why we are not all using them? This is primarily because they are fragile, more technical and expensive compared to inflatable kites.

Foil kites are popular amongst avid racers and light wind riders across kiteboarding, snow kiting, land kiting; people have managed to get around in winds as low as 3 knots with foil kites! If you are not planning to race or do not live somewhere that requires a light wind machine you don’t really have a reason to ever buy one. Foil kites will cost you more money, require tedious maintenance, not offer you the wide crossover possibilities that inflatable kites offer you and don’t forget the nightmare it can be relaunching the kite once it touches the water…

If you do ever have a chance to learn more about foil kites or the opportunity to test one out by all means; learn and expand your knowledge. If you are ever considering to buy one, we generally believe majority of kiters across the world have all their needs met by inflatable kites. If you are still debating to cross over make sure to assess your needs and do your research before purchasing one.

Now the question is… do you have a foil or inflatable kite? If you have tried both- which do you prefer?

Let us know in the comment section below!

As the sport continues to grow we begin seeing more and more cases of active kiters which range from average-intermediate up to professionals with knee braces, or mentioning back problems. Unfortunately, in most cases they are injuries that occur while kiteboarding.

This raises the question- why are these injuries becoming more common, and can we do anything to help prevent them?

Once an individual learns to kiteboard they seem to forget that they are still doing an extreme sport. Kiteboarding has so many variables and it really takes a toll on your body. Sure… many believe that accidents are only happening to those who are competing professionally and doing freestyle. This is not necessarily true; professionals are probably on the smaller percentile of those injured. Most injuries are from the grand majority of kiteboarder which do not push high levels of freestyle and kiteboard recreationally.

In previous tips, we mentioned the importance of incorporating some sort of exercise into your life to maintain your overall health. As kiteboarders we must remember to keep our lower backs, core, shoulders and quadriceps not only strong though flexible to help prevent injuries. How you go about training these parts is up to you. Doing dynamic exercises at home or in the gym will be the easiest way to train.

Just because you are kiteboarding everyday does not excuse you from training, and preparing your body for future sessions. Incorporating regular exercises into your routine will pay you huge dividends in the long run!

Let us know what you think: should we be training off the water in addition to kiteboarding regularly to help prevent injuries? Write in the comments below!

In this day and age, most people understand that warming up before activities and stretching after exercise can help prevent injury - although few really understand why. Regular stretching lengthens the fibers of the muscles and with time, creates flexibility. When you deeply and slowly stretch a muscle group you are also helping to bring a good flow of oxygenated blood to the area.

This increase in irrigation has another important function, which is to allow the trillions of muscle cells to discharge their waste products, primarily lactic acid. Lactic acid build-up is the reason that the muscle fatigues and, in large quantities, can form trigger points or painful “knots” in the muscle body. For this reason, it’s important to stretch after your kite session.

Note that a flexible muscle is much stronger and more resilient than a rigid one. This means that a flexible muscle will most likely experience fewer injuries.

Now you might have questions running through your head like what stretches, how long, etc… Truth is… There is no right answer on how long to hold a stretch or even how long to stretch in general as it all depends on the individual.

A general rule of thumb when doing static or dynamic stretches is to try and hold each stretch for 5 long breaths, and if you feel like you need to go longer, just listen to your body and move accordingly. Stretching routines usually take a good 10-25 minutes to properly stretch overall.

Before you go kiting try to get the blood flowing and body warmed up to reduce chances of injury. Some ways to do that is by pumping up your kite, doing jumping jacks, quick swim anything that is light and easy though gets the heart pumping.

If you want to get the most out of stretching then do not worry so much about stretching directly after a session. Wait 4-5 hours after your session to do a stretching routine as this is when your muscles really begin to tighten up. A nice habit to develop is stretching right after brushing your teeth and going to bed. This will help you physically as well mentality unwind after a long day!

In our stretching series we will be releasing information, specific actionable stretches you can do anywhere, anytime and taking questions and requests.

We would like to know if you warm up before a kite session and stretch after you are done. If you do warm up and stretch tell us your favorite warm-up exercises, static stretches, and dynamic stretches.

Let’s all stay flexible and injury free from here on out!

If you want to check out the complete eCourse today on stretching check it out here.

In general, for most people 2 kites will cover the basic needs to get out on the water. As time passes and depending on what you are doing a 3-4 kite set up will help fine tune every session.

Finally made the decision to invest into yourself and get a kite quiver to develop your passion and get on the water, though, you are now stuck on what to purchase! Is there such thing as the perfect quiver?

Anyone who tells you X, Y and Z is the perfect all around quiver might be innocently misguiding you. The perfect quiver doesn’t exist per say… everyone's local conditions, needs, budget and demands are different.

There is still hope though!

Purchasing the perfect quiver for yourself can be guided by these general questions though you can go much more in-depth and technical.

#1 What is your budget? This will help determine what is in the actual realm of possibilities for you! Whether you must go second hand, new or how much of a wind range you can cover?

#2 Common conditions where you plan to kite? Average wind speed, choppy or flat, river.

#3 Skill level.

#4 How often are you trying to get out on the water? Are you trying to go any day the wind blows no matter what or only when it is 20+ knots only?

#5  Do you generally prefer riding slightly under power / powered or powered / overpowered?

#6 Do you want to focus on only landing new wakestyle tricks or going for wave/surf session or riding around or trying hydrofoil or maybe

What board style and size to choose and whether to get a surfboard or foil will as well depend on your preference and kite goals!

What does your quiver look like and is it the perfect quiver for you?