Kiteboarding - The Extreme Water Sport

If you ever have craved for an extreme water sport that combines all the elements in one gig, then look no further. Kiteboarding has taken extreme sports to another level. Unlike other water-based sports that rely completely on waves for propulsion or even speedboats to drag them, kiteboarding relies on the strong winds and waves.  There is probably no other sport that can brag about that. And if you've seen kiteboarders on the beach, then you probably know what I am talking about.

Kiteboarding is a hybrid of different water sports like surfing, windsurfing and wake boarding. Put them all together and you get this adrenaline filled activity. The rider is pulled by the wind, and this enables anyone who's doing this to literally fly over the waves creating a long maximum hang time. And if that was not enough, the waves also play a key part in adding maneuvers and tricks to do while cruising on the water. But this sport isn't just limited to the water, as there are some individuals that use modified equipment for land. So the possibilities of this new sport are endless.

But before you try it out and go straight to the beach, I highly recommend that you learn all the basics needed for your own safety.  There are some people that immediately buy the equipment and disregard any suggestions on getting kite surfing lessons. And without a sold background and even a slight idea of how to control the kiteboard, they set out to the sea, confident that they could pull it. Of course, this is just a disaster waiting to happen, as they are unprepared to read weather conditions, manage waves and basically control their direction.

Learning the sport isn't a problem. There are a lot of qualified instructors that provide kite surfing lessons. Though some may charge prices differently and varies from coast to coast, most offer the same approach in order for a beginner to get started.  This method works best for those that have no idea on what kiteboarding is, and hiring a professional instructor can help you get started quicker than self-taught kiteboarders. You may even learn some tricks and secrets from an instructor.

Another option that you can look into is by researching through the internet, there are some sites that offer kite surfing lessons DVD and instructional books that give a complete background and the basics in kite boarding. Since most of us may not have the time to stay on the beach always, buying an instruction book on kite surfing lessons is the next best thing. Not only are you learning while you're at home or reading during lunch breaks at work, but also this certainly can supplement what you are learning from instructors.

And with a level of commitment in practicing and learning all the moves, you can be sure that by devoting a significant time in mastering all that the lessons required, the next time you show up on the beach you can take all your skills and show it to your friends.

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Kitesurfing - What's Next in Extreme Water Sports

Water sports have always defied gravity and conventional wisdom with their extreme nature. With waterskiing, wakeboarding, surfing and windsurfing, water sports enthusiasts have no shortage of sports to try and master. Enter kitesurfing.

Kitesurfing has been added to the growing list of Port Angeles water sports and is the newest one to try. Kitesurfing is akin to wakeboarding or surfing, but it involves using a directional board in combination with a large wind-powered kite that pulls you over the water. If kitesurfing sounds like something you'd like to try, consider this information first.

To begin kitesurfing costs about $2,000 to purchase the equipment needed. It is a good idea to rent some and try it first to see if it is something that you enjoy. Once you've got the equipment, it is advisable to hire an instructor before you try and set out on your own. An instructor can give you valuable tips on how to work the kite and board simultaneously, something that may be hard to learn from a written source. If you try and learn on your own, remember that unsupervised kitesurfing, especially in the ocean, can be potentially dangerous, and to always bring a spotter or a friend along with you.

Remember that there are different levels of kites for different levels of riders. The best way to find the right kite for you is to experiment with rental equipment until you find a kite that works best for you and you have the best feel for.

Olympic Marine (http://olymarine.com/) is a Port Angeles water sports retailer. Billings Farnsworth is a freelance writer.

Big Air Equals Big Thrills With This New Extreme Water Sport

Kiteboarding or kitesurfing, if you don't already know, is like snowboarding on water. This, behind a boat, is called wakeboarding. OK, now forget the boat and add a giant kite for the power source. The kite is controlled or steered using a control bar in the hands of the rider. The kite can be flown is specific patterns to generate greater power, or can be used to jump or fly through the air. We are not talking about little hops either; you can really get up and float for some serious air time. The power is directed to a harness by "hooking in"; this takes the load off the arms which helps reduce fatigue.

Kiteboarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world, and for good reasons.

The freedom of jumping 10, 20, 30ft off the water, without the necessity of a wave for a ramp, means that people who live near lakes can still fly through the air. Snowboarders love it as a summer alternative to riding on snow, not to mention there's no lift ticket to buy. Windsurfers love it because you can kiteboard in less wind, and the gear fits in a economy car, instead of the truck, or trailer. Surfers can get out on the water when the surf is too low or blown out. Wake boarders are forced to rethink what big air really is, plus saving all the gas money they were putting into their boats every weekend. People who have never tried a board sport at all are getting into kiteboarding.

Ideal learning conditions include warm, flat and shallow water coupled with consistent wind. Being able to stand up after a gulp of water or a head first plunge is not only convenient but comforting. Having a boat right there where you need it saves time, as the beginner will end the kite surfing lesson far down wind from where he or she started.

Taking kiteboarding lessons with a qualified instructor is a must. The best thing to do first is to buy or rent a trainer kite, and watch an instructional video to get the basics down. Next, is the first three hour kiteboarding lesson, in which you will learn the safety issues and systems, setup of the kite, launching and landing, the wind window and power stokes, water re-launching and body dragging. From there you can continue with lessons or go practice on your own. The cost of equipment has come down over the years; a beginner setup will run $1000-$1500 for everything. Unlike many sports, such as snow

Skiing, kiteboarding is not something you should expect to be able to learn in an afternoon. Once you get it, you'll be hooked.

Captain Jeff Hoxtell PASA Kiteboarding Instructor kiteboarding, and kiteboarding lessons [http://airpadrekiteboarding.com/lessons.php]

Lifesaving Safety Tips For Water Sports Enthusiasts

Tips to Insure a Safe Fun Time with Water Sports and Boats!

Water sports are very popular amongst athletes and non-athletes alike especially in the hot days of summer. After all, any of the water sports is an excellent way to keep cool and look cool, stay active and tanned as well as get your exercise and its health benefits.

However, water sports can be dangerous, too. Reports of drowning and other water-related accidents worry us and yet we still fail to adopt certain safety guidelines to avoid becoming the next victims. Well, if you want your family and friends to be safe at all times while engaging in water sports while having fun, it pays to take heed of the following safety tips.

Be a Strong Swimmer

In any water sport, it is important to be a strong swimmer. At the very least, you will be able to swim to shore or to avoid moving objects on the water such as boats. Likewise, you must ensure that the other participants in the sports are also strong swimmers not only because it is a competition where the strongest have the highest chances of winning but also because lives are at stake here.

Wear a Life Vest

Many drowning deaths in the open seas have been attributed to the failure to wear life vests. Even if you consider yourself a good swimmer, life vests are de rigueur in case you lose consciousness or get tired from floating on your own. And remember that not just any toy flotation device will do for the purpose.

Learn CPR

Do not rely on the lifeguards and other medical personnel to come on time to save the life of a family member or a friend. YOU must learn how to administer CPR at the soonest possible time because mere seconds can mean the difference between life and death.

Your local college, hospital and Red Cross branch offer CPR classes so take advantage of them.
Avoid Alcohol and Drugs

Alcohol and drugs will never ever mix with water sports. Both substances have adverse effects on your mind and body, not least of which is slower reaction time, lesser focus and, worst, unconsciousness.

If you must take alcohol, do so after the competition is over so that you are in no danger of drowning. Well, of course, you will be in danger of alcohol-related traffic accidents so you are better off staying away from it.
Stay in Designated Areas

Of course, one of the thrills of extreme water sports is facing death in the eyes and living to tell the tale. However, if you want another shot at that heart-pumping move, then do try to stay within the designated area of the competition.

For individuals who are swimming in the open seas, this tip is very important especially when strong currents and waves are present.

Know the Safety Rules of the Sport

Each sport has its own safety guidelines and equipment. It pays to become familiar with them and then take heed.


For example, if your sport says that you have wear shoes and a helmet like wake skating, then do so. Better yet, you should undergo sufficient training before hitting the competition circuit.
Indeed, water sports accidents, injuries and deaths can be significantly reduced if only we know how to engage in them as safely as possible.

Whitney is a lover of all water sports and participates in many wakeboard and wake skate competitions, in Louisiana, United States.