Kite surf aerial

Benefits of Kitesurfing

An ecological sport

The benefits of Kitesurfing are multiple, but the first I would mention is that it is ecofriendly. Despite being an adrenalinic sport with high speed and high jumps requiring propulsion, it does not utilize a motor, nor an electric battery. Instead, it uses two of the natural sources of energy, namely the Wind and the Waves.

The Wind is the main force that allows a kiteboarder to practice the sport. Wind power can vary according to its speed, and the density of the air determined by the temperature. The colder the air, the denser it is, and more force will be generated from it. In fact, the wind is movement of air resulting from different pressure areas. Kitesurfing spots are now often close to eolic parks that turn the wind energy into power generation.

Kiteboarding can be practiced in flat water, the element of Water not generating any particular force except to the floating aspect of it. When water takes the form of Waves though, is when it does generate some tangible energy. This advancing form of water allows for extra speed and ramps (moving towards the rider) for higher jumps.  

Kitesurfing destination - El Médano


connecting with the wind and waves

Before going to the most appealing part of the sport (speed and jumps), let’s analyse the basics taught in an introductory course. The first approach to learning Kiteboarding consists of a theoretical explanation of the Wind, its range of speed and directions for a safe practice of the sport. There also needs to be an understanding of the aerodynamic functioning of the Kite, as well as the sailing directions. 

The first connection to the wind is made with the Kite, by controlling it on the beach and later in the water. Kite control ultimately consists of feeling the wind in our hands, on the control bar and through the kite. It is an exercize of maintaining a constant  tension on the bar adapting its position according to the wind variations. 

The ultimate goal of the Kite though, is to generate the power necessary to ride and jump, which comes mostly from the pull on the harness. We then need to counterbalance this pull with our body’s weight to maintain a dynamic equilibrium

Garganosurf Kite control

On the other hand, the connection with the energy of the water is really made when riding on the board. There are several types of boards, but the easiest to learn on is the twin-tip. More advance boards such as surf and foil boards have a different floating system that can more intensely connect with the waves (especially with the surf board). 

Click on the button below to find more info on these disciplines:


Balancing, Keeping focused, fit and healthy.

Connecting with the wind initially requires to fully focus on the task. It might take some practice before actually feeling the wind on the control bar. But this need of focus allows us to liberate the mind from other thoughts of our daily lives, at least for that moment of practice. 

Kitesurfing is technical and does not require so much strength. But until you learn the technique it will take some extra physical effort. Especially the waterstart phase requires some fitness in particular parts of the body.  That fitness can be developed as you are learning, and consolidated  while practicing it.

Kite lesson

In fact, we utilize the entire body, so it activates the circulation in the whole system. Moving the body in the water and under the sun also has an overall positive benefit to your health condition

The process of waterstarting is about generating enough power with the kite to stand on the board and start moving forward. All the while the body needs to counterbalance this force generated by the pull, and find a dynamic balance together with the edging of the board.

 

connecting with likeminded people

Kitesurfing can be an activity that brings social cohesion among practicioners. Although it is an individual sport, the safety aspect of it makes it preferable to practice around other kiters. 

Sharing the challenge of learning a new sport and the good moments spent in the water with fellow kiters is part of the experience. And a nice way to do that is semi-private or group courses, that have been popular among friends, couples, families or even co-workers. Kitsurfing clinics are being used as team building events by companies and organizations.

Kite group course

A shared course can create new friendships or solidify existing relationships by going through the challenges of the learning adventure. It also creates a common passion and activity through which you can share support, knowledge, equipment, and entire trips!

sustainable travel with the winds

The element of the Wind being a requirement for the practice of the sport, it makes it necessary to travel to places where the wind season is on. This fact takes us to understand that it is Nature that tells us when and where to do certain things.

Kites in Cabo Verde

You can find some information about our Kite destinations in the button below and check when the wind seasons happen. You can also look in the yearly statistics of each spot on the wind forecasting websites for any particular destination that you may be interested in. 

 We have traveled and selected spots and partners that contribute to a locally sustainable development of the tourist destination. In countries such as Brazil and the Dominican Republic, the activity of Kiteboarding schools has allowed local kids to learn the skills and compete internationally. In return, these athletes have been able to support entire families by also working or opening their own schools.

We will be happy to assist you in finding your next destination.

Please feel free to ask us about any of the related topics that you would be interested in knowing about.

Thank you, and let’s get ready for your next Kitesurfing trip!

5 thoughts on “Benefits of Kitesurfing”

  1. I must thank you for the efforts youve put in penning this site. I am hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my very own blog now 😉

  2. This is the perfect blog for anyone who wishes to find out about this topic. You understand so much its almost hard to argue with you (not that I actually would want toÖHaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a topic that has been discussed for many years. Excellent stuff, just great!

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *