Water sports are those in which athletes perform physical activity in the water. These develop in water, on water, or in water. An example of a sport on the water is the one that we will explain belowę“˝ how does kitesurfing works.
Those who practice this curious sport navigate above the waves on a board, like the two modalities mentioned above, although the basic objective is to perform tricks and acrobatics. Of course, to see how high you can go and jump over the waves. Although Kitesurfing may seem like something very recent and one of the last inventions in extreme water sports,
What is kitesurfing?
There is evidence that in the 12th century, some Chinese and Indonesian fishing communities used kites to tow their boats.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the British George Pocock patented a kite traction system for cars and boats. With this, the ships came to navigate on courses less than 90 degrees against the direction of the wind.
But it was in 1977 when it became a sports modality when Gijsbertus Adrianus Panhuise patented a navigation system on a surfboard pulled by a type of parachute.
Today it is known as kitesurfing, kiteboarding or fly surfing. It is an extreme sport and navigation modality that is practiced on a board that is glided by a traction kite called a kite. It is propelled by the wind. It should be noted that the kitesurfing industry is mainly located in Indonesia.
How does kitesurfing work?
Because of the way kitesurfing works, it is considered a risky sport, although it can be practiced by anyone. It should be noted that strength, endurance, and coordination, and good respiratory condition are necessary since the adrenaline generated can increase blood pressure and heart rate.
It is not recommended that it be learned alone because it is dangerous because it is mainly based on controlling the force of the wind in the water. By mastering, it allows the athlete to reach great speeds on the water, navigate waves (wave riding) and execute incredible jumps.
The necessary equipment to practice it and, at the same time, ensure maximum safety is a kite, a kitesurfing board. A safety leash prevents the kite and board from escaping, a harness, helmet, impact vest, and booties.
Advice
The first thing you should do to get started in this sport is to get a school that is endorsed by other kitesurfers and has certified experts.
You learn about the weather, yourself, and learn to recognize under what wind and tide you feel comfortable. Knowing your limits according to your weight, strength or dexterity in handling the board and the kite.
First of all, one of the lessons is to learn to fly a kite on the ground to learn how to launch, land and control it, then go to the water where you learn to drag your body, controlling the kite with your body submerged and relaunch it. And finally, to get up and sail.
From this, you learn to correctly choose the equipment according to your conditions, safety procedures, and emergency measures. As well as continuous navigation, sailing against the wind, etc.
Now that you know how kitesurfing works, you know the basics and essentials of this sport. In case you dare to practice it, do it with greater awareness.
Kitesurfing stunts and tricks
To finish with our article on kitesurfing and how it works, we will see some of the stunts and tricks of this water sport. The first thing that has to be done to launch the kite or kite. It should not be launched with people nearby, and beginners should launch from the beach before getting into the water.
Once you have put all the equipment in order, we should ensure that the ropes that connect to the kite are without knots and fully unwound. If you are using an inflatable kite, it should begin to inflate a few minutes before attempting to launch. The next thing is to go to the water’s edge. Once you’re within a foot of the water, you may need to ask for help holding all the gear while you ride the board. Once you are in the water, you have to know how to control the kite.
We should start by lying in the water on our back with the board in front of us and the kite floating in the air.
As the kite gains power, you will be pushed out of the water. Push the kite in the maximum power zone to give it a good push and thus be able to start doing the jumps. To make a turn with the board, you must put the kite in a neutral position and use the control bar to put the kite in the opposite direction.
When you have more or less control over these basic principles, you can start trying some tricks and jumps. To jump, the kite must first be pushed down to move the board more quickly. Then, in one very quick movement, move the kite up and back to get a vertical angle of about 80 degrees.
The next thing is to bend your knees and stand on the edge of the board. When the kite starts to pull you, you have to jump. While airborne, put your feet back on the board and move the kite forward to prepare to hit the water again.
