KITESURF GETTING STARTED GUIDE
Kitesurfing is a sport for everyone, and it offers a wide range of exciting experiences. Whether you're craving daring acrobatics high above the water, leisurely cruising on a sunny summer day, riding the waves, racing on a hydrofoil, or a mix of it all, kitesurfing has something for everyone. There's an aspect of the sport that will resonate with most people, and it comes with a fantastic community of like-minded individuals to share epic sessions with.
​
At AUSWatersports, we believe that you don't need to be a super athlete to enjoy kitesurfing. You'll use different-sized kites based on your body size and wind conditions. Instead of relying on brute strength, you'll harness the kite's power through a harness equipped with quick-release safety mechanisms.
​
Getting Started with Kitesurfing
​
First Things First: Get a Lesson Don't skip this crucial step. Lessons provide essential safety instructions that are indispensable for kitesurfing at all skill levels. After a few lessons, you'll be confident enough to ride independently, including launching and landing a kite with assistance, finding a safe kitesurfing area, riding in both directions, and performing basic self-rescue maneuvers.
​
Lessons will also help you determine the right kite sizes for different wind strengths, invaluable knowledge when you decide to make your own gear purchases.
Choosing Your First Setup
​
When selecting kitesurfing gear, it's essential to make informed choices. Avoid secondhand gear with suspiciously low prices, as older equipment may have stretched lines or slow punctures. Safety systems have improved significantly over the years, so it's wise to steer clear of outdated setups.
​
Consider your kite style when choosing gear. There are various kite types tailored to different aspects of the sport:
​
-
C Kite:
-
For Advanced Riders: Considered the original inflatable kite, the C kite is suitable for more experienced riders who seek a traditional feel and precise control. It's often chosen by those who prefer aggressive, unhooked maneuvers and a direct connection with the kite.
-
-
Bow Kite:
-
For Beginners and All Levels: The Bow Kite, with its user-friendly characteristics like high de-power and forgiving nature, is an excellent choice for beginners. However, it's also appreciated by riders of all levels for its versatility and ease of use in a wide range of conditions.
-
-
Hybrid Kite:
-
For All Levels, Especially Freestyle Riders: The hybrid kite, combining features of both C and Bow kites, is suitable for riders of various skill levels. It's often favored by freestyle riders who appreciate a blend of performance and ease of use.
-
-
Supported Leading Edge (SLE) Kite:
-
For All Levels, Especially Freeriders: SLE kites, including hybrid and bow kites, are suitable for riders of all levels. They offer good depower and wind range. Freeriders who enjoy a mix of performance and ease of use may find SLE kites a good fit.
-
-
Foil Kite:
-
For Beginners, Specifically for Land Training: Foil kites, with their ability to stay airborne without inflatable bladders, are often used for onshore training, making them ideal for beginners learning kite control on land. However, they are less common for water-based kiteboarding due to their design.
-
Selecting Kite Sizes
​
There's no one-size-fits-all kite. You'll need kites suitable for your body size and the most common wind conditions in your area. Having multiple kite sizes, with a 2-3 meter gap between them, is essential to tackle changing winds effectively.
​
As an example, consider a quiver of 7m, 9m, and 12m kites as an optimal choice for a 75 kg individual. This selection provides coverage from approximately 15 knots to 35 knots. This kite size combination stands out as a popular choice, accommodating various wind conditions, from light breezes to the lower range of storm-force winds. If avoiding stormy weather is a preference, a two-kite setup with 9m and 12m kites is ideal. Alternatively, a lighter rider may opt for 8m and 11m kites, while a heavier rider might find the 10m and 13m combination more suitable.
​
Here's a handy chart to help you: (Kite sizes are in m2)
Bars and Lines
​
Matching the bar and lines to your kite brand ensures compatibility and effective safety systems. Most bars are compatible with other brands however it depends on whether the safety system is high or low v. These components are designed to work seamlessly together.
​
We've pulled together a useful table on what size bar we recommend for different sized kites:
​
The most common bar size is 50cm as it is in-between the light and strong wind kites.
Choosing the right flying lines is important for any kite, no matter its size or the wind conditions. Your lines are a crucial part of your setup, and it's essential to take care of them.
​
If you use longer lines, it allows your kite to fly in a bigger area of wind, which is great when the wind is not very strong. On the other hand, shorter lines make your kite move faster.
​
Most people use lines that are around 23 meters long. However, if you enjoy riding waves, you might prefer even shorter lines for better control in those conditions.
Choosing the Right Board
​
The size of your board matters. As a beginner, opt for a slightly larger board than you would use as an intermediate rider. Consider the size you used during your lessons, and subtract a few centimeters to find the right board size. Bigger boards are more suitable for lighter winds and easy upwind riding, while smaller boards offer increased maneuverability and ride faster.
Other Essentials
-
Harness: Choose between seat and waist harnesses based on your comfort preference.
-
Leash: Select a leash suitable for your style, with shorter leashes ideal for neat and unobtrusive setups but you are unable to do unhooked tricks.
-
Pump: Ensure your pump has the right attachments to suit the brand of kites you planning on using.
-
Protection: Helmets, impact vests, and buoyancy aids provide added safety and comfort during kitesurfing sessions.
-
Wetsuits, Boots, and Gloves: Depending on your location and the season, choose flexible and warm gear to stay comfortable on the water.
-
Note that we would never recommend a board leash as they are considered dangerous as it is safer to eject from the board instead of being permanently attached to it.
​
FAQ
-
Is kitesurfing easy? Kitesurfing offers an incredible blend of physical and mental challenges, providing a unique sense of freedom and focus.
-
How long does it take to learn kitesurfing? Learning times vary, but the journey is a rewarding experience that opens up exciting possibilities.
-
Is it worth learning to kitesurf? Absolutely! Kitesurfing offers physical and mental benefits, and it's a fantastic way to connect with a welcoming community of outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you prefer calm days or wild adventures, kitesurfing has something for everyone.
​
At AUSWatersports, we believe that kitesurfing is an inclusive and exhilarating sport accessible to anyone willing to give it a try. Once you experience the thrill of kitesurfing, you'll never look at the weather forecast the same way again.