About Kiesurf Equipment

Types of kitesurf kite:

Most kitesurf kites are inflatable and designed primarily for water use. The fact that they are inflatable means they float on the surface of the water in the event of a crash. Inflatables have bladders that form the leading edge and the struts.  Kitesurf kites are pumped up using a hand pump, and require enough air pressure to keep the kite rigid and create the aerodynamic shape while flying.  Having an inflatable leading edge, means that a kitesurf kite will float on the water indefinitely unlike a foil or powerkite which would sink as water enters the open vents. With the right technique, an inflatable kitesurf kite can be re-launched from the water after a crash. Kitesurf kites use a bar system very similar to depowerable foils, with the same trim and bar systems to change the power of the kite.

Inflatables kitesurf kites fall into two categories – C-kites and bow kites

C-kites

C-kites are the classic c shaped kitesurf kites and are considered to be the original true kite surfing kites. They give excellent performance and a very direct feeling to flying.  They come with four main flying lines and some have a fifth line for added safety.  These kites can have a more limited wind range and so, often, a larger quiver of kites is needed to get out in all conditions.

Hybrid/ Flat/ SLE/ Bow  Kites

Bow kites have a much flatter shape, similar to a foil.  Due to this shape bow kites will often have some bridle (Suported Leading Edge), and changes in the angle of attack can effectively depower the kite almost completely.  These kites are ideal for learners. They are forgiving and have excellent safety systems.  They also work exceptionally well unhooked for today’s technical freestyle moves.  More and more top riders are swapping their c’s for sle’s.

types of kitesurf board:

There are 4 main types of kitesurf board available which are wave, wake or twintip, mutant and race board.

The most common is the wake or twintip which comes in various sizes depending on the size of rider and conditions in which it is used. Most kitesurfers will learn using a twintip board as they are easy to manoeuvre and can be ridden in either direction without the need to gybe.

Kitesurf Wave boards have become hugely popular in recent years with the resurgence of kitesurf wave riding. Kitesurf wave boards very much resemble a surf board and can be used with and without footstraps.

Mutant kitesurf boards are a cross between a twintip and a wave board. Often not much bigger than a twintip, they have a fin and footstrap setup bias for wave riding yet can still be ridden in both direction's without gybing just like a twintip.

Kitesurf race boards are fairly new in recent years as a result in the explosion of kitesurf course racing worldwide. These kitesurf race boards are designed for speed and stability and have huge potential to opperate even in the lightest of winds.

Kitesurf safety:

As with all kitesports, kitesurfing uses mother nature and the natural environment and as such has inherent risks involved. These risks can be managed and reduced with proper training and a good knowledge of wind and weather. In addition the maintainence and use of kitesurf equipment with appropriate working safety systems will go a long way to reducing the risks.

Depending on the location the use of a good warm wetsuit can be essential together with wetsuit boots and gloves. A helmet and floatation device should always be worn to protect your head from impact and keep you afloat on the water should things go wrong.