Power Board Sport

Power Board Sport

Most newcomers to kiteboarding ask where can you go kitesurfing? Luckily almost everywhere with open water is free to kite,  simply check with the locals and you'll be told of any no-go areas or dangers.

Every beginner should undertake lessons before attempting to fly a kite alone. The kites used in kitesurfing are high performance sports kites, and have the capability of causing injury, or even death.

The IKO is the world governing body of the sport, and a 2 day course with an IKO instructor or school will have to up and riding a kiteboard in safety.

Which kite is right for me?

2009 has seen huge development in kite technology, the Supported Leading Edge (SLE) bridled designs feel more like C kites, and five-line hybrids have better depower capability than ever before.

For newcomers to kitesurfing, the Kahoona is the perfect kite. It is ultra stable in the air, easy to fly, tolerate mistakes, and is used by hundreds of kiteschools around the world.

When you have mastered the Kahoona, most riders progress to more extreme kites such as the Best Waroo or North Vegas. These kites offer sharper performance, better handling and more power.

Which kind of kiteboard should I ride?

If you are learning, most people find it easier to start with a twintip kiteboard, which will allow you to change direction without jibing the kite. Once you're confidently up and riding, the board you pick will be a matter of personal preference and riding style. 

A twin-tip board, such as the Best Ouija or Balance Team 133 kiteboard, would be ideal for any creative freestyle, free ride and big air kitesurfers. If you prefer the thrill of riding big waves and swells then a directional board would suit you better. North Kites make the Bullets board, which is considered by many to be the best production board available.

For the ultimate in directional boards, you should look for custom surfboards by Luke Young, who has been rated as Shaper of the Year by Carve magazine.

So I just need a kite and board to kitesurf?

The minimum equipment list is a kite, board, harness and a bar, but you should not even think of leaving without safety equipment until you have been riding for a long time. Check out which personal flotation devices are available, these also give you some padding when you crash! A helmet can also save your head from some severe damage should the worst occur.

Tom has traveled extensively and setup Round My World in 2009.

Airtime Sports is an authorised dealer for some of the biggest names in the kitesurfing and streetboarding industries.

Not only can you purchase some of the world's top kitesurfing equipment and streetboarding brands at great prices. Professional staff also run regular demo sessions from the beach just outside the shop and offer regular reviews of the latest kiting and boarding equipment.

For comparison shopping

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