Kitesurfing is a relatively new sport which was created in the last 15 years or so.

What is Kitesurfing or Kiteboarding ?

Kitesurfing or Kiteboarding is a mixture of wakeboarding, sailing and windsurfing (although we will probably be killed for saying this) It is a dynamic, colourful and mesmerising sport that can be seen at many beaches around the world. Essentially a kite is used to pull  person stood on a board...thats the simple version.. in reality it is far more complicated that that. Upwind, down wind, course racing, freestyle, wave riding and speed are all derivatives of the kitesurfing genre. Even then there is still a split on the freestyle to wakestyle and old school making this sport a complex mix with many areas still to develop.

So how do you get started kitesurfing or kiteboarding?

First find a good qualified school and go along for a lesson before buying anything. They will give you basic instruction in kite flying as well as tips on when its best to kite and when its not good for kitesurfing! Being taught by school also allows to try the sport without to much outlay as you may find that kitesurfing is not the sport for you.

In the UK there are lots of schools with both BKSA and IKO qualified so its up to you which kitesurf school you choose but check out our directory for one or two names.

Can we see it anywhere?

Kiteboarding is now becoming more popular and can be seen on many beaches around the world where there is wind. In the UK the largest concentration is on the South Coast but there is a very strong community North of Watford ;-), in Wales and Scotland where some of the beaches are uncrowded and amazingly beautiful. Europe has a mass of spots where you can kitesurf from well known places with hotels, activity centres and schools to quiet 'unused' spots whilst South America, North America, Africa, Asia and  Australia offer some stunning locations alongside a more 'adventure' type trip. Again if you want to know more about where to kitesurf try our directory.

Who kitesurfs kiteboards

Kitesurfing or Kiteboarding is a sport for many different types of people. Being at one with the ocean and weather systems it allows you to escape the everyday life you have and immerse yourself in a 'different' place. Many white collor workers take up the sport as a way of makin this escape as kite flying has been found to help with stress levels as it concentrates the mind. Young children are also taking up the sport with ages as young as 7 and 8 regularly being found kiting infact Britains very own 5Xworld Champion Aaron Hadlow won his first world title at the age of 15. There are also many people who cross over from other sports such as windsurfing and wakeboarding.