wise words

windfreaks - starting out

OK so you have seen kite surfers in action and you want to join in, you want to be a kite surfer. So what do you need, well its quite a long list

Kite

Obviously you need a kite, you don't need to spend a fortune, you don't need the latest model from manufacturer X, you want a kite that you can control and ease you into the sport gently. Do your homework, ask the shops, ask your fellow kite surfers what they think would be best for you. If you can get a expereinced kite surfer to go with you when you buy your first kite, their expereince may stop you purchasing the wrong kite. If you are buying second hand, get the seller to inflate the kite, check it for damage, makes sure the bladders are not deflating which would meand you would have to pay for a repair or replacement. Check the lines and bar for damage, replacment lines are not cheap, check all the seams and the stiching to make sure it is not coming unstiched. Finding any problem with the bits I have mentioned means getting the kite repaired (if it can be repaired) and will just add to the cost of the kite and delay you getting out and using your new kite.

Board

Board, new or second hand the choice is your (and your budget). If you buy second hand there may be a few scratches on the board but check for cracks, check the footstrap bindings and the board leash mounting for damage, again having to replace these items will only add to the cost.

Wetsuit

Wet suit, you won't always be out in the heat of summer, and if you fly in the winter you will want a thicker wet suit than the one you choose in the spring autumn time. Get a quality wet suit and look after it and it will last you along time.

Harness

Harness, when purchasing a harness make sure you are comfortable, get one that still has room for you to grow, if you can wear you wetsuit when you try it one, trying a harness on with your winter woolies or summer shorts can completely different. Some shops have a test rig for you to test your harness on, hook into the test rig and then lift yourt feet of the floor and see what it feels like. TIP when out flying wear a pair of shorts on top of your wetsuit and under your harness as this will protect your wet suit from the harness from rubbing through the rubber.

Helmet, Buoyance aid and leases

Safety is paramount, and it starts with your own safety and here I suggest you buy new, buying second hand you don't know the history of the product and you do not want that doubt when you are relying on it in an emergency.

A helmet is self explanatory, if you wipe out your board (or anybody else for that matter) could hit you on the head, it is going to hurt.

In the event of you being knocked out a bouyance aid will keep you afloat and keep your face up out of the water.

Leashes, now there are two trians of thought here, two leashes one for the board (so if you fall off it does not drift away) and one for the kite safety system, or one leash just for the kite safety system. Now some people consider two leashes a hazard if you get into trouble they can get in the way, and that you should only have one leashe for the kite safety system and if you were to come off your board and it drifted away you learn how to body drag (fly the kite so it drags you through the water) so you can recover your board. I would suggest you ask around and decide for yourself what you feel happy with.

Insurance

Right you have the basics what next?? No not the beach, have you got insurance?? yes you need 3rd party liability insurance. The main providers on this in the UK are the BKSA, British Kite Surfing Association or the BPKA, British Power Kite Association (formerly the British Buggy Club). The choice is down to you but you should check any local clubs or rules for beaches that you are going to kitesurf from to ensure that what ever insurance you get will be sufficent.

Check out their respective web sites:

BPKA

BKSA

Training

Yes training is recommended, for your own safety and for the safety of those around you which will include members of the public standing on the beach watching you. Many shops run training sessions with qualified instructors ranging from half day to 3 day course. Get yourself on a training course, learn the basics from an experienced instructor and get your interest in Kite Surfing off to a flying start.