Kitesurfing is a water sport that involves harnessing the power of the wind with a large kite and board to navigate the water. You don't need to be very athletic to be able to kitesurf, although a moderate level of fitness may be required.
As in most sports, it is always best to start with a basic exercise to prepare yourself physically.
Discover in this article how to prepare yourself for kitesurfing.
All about kitesurfing
In recent years, this individual sport has become increasingly popular. But what exactly is kite surfing?
It's quite simple actually: with a kite attached and a board at your feet, you use the wind to glide across the surface of the water.
Kitesurfing is a sport which, as you will see, allows you to progress quickly and which can be practiced in very varied conditions, both in terms of weather and the equipment used. This water sport is practiced in beautiful locations around the world and can make for an unforgettable vacation or group experience.
In addition, kitesurfing is an accessible sport that welcomes everyone with a minimum age, sometimes as young as 7 years old. The diversity of personalities within the sport is remarkable. Contrary to popular belief, kitesurfing not only attracts top athletes and adrenaline junkies, but also people of all ages and abilities, from children to adults, mothers, fathers, grandparents parents, physically handicapped people, doctors, bankers, presidents and pretty much gets addictive for anyone who tries it. Most beginners are completely new to board sports, water sports or the use of a sail hence the need for good preparation.
How to prepare for kitesurfing?
As with other sports, you can prepare for kitesurfing by doing rudimentary exercises to condition your mind and body. 5-40 minutes of surface training will make a big difference than just jumping straight into the water. Getting ready out of the water will surely reduce muscle soreness and prevent injuries while kitesurfing.
This pre-kite exercise is entirely up to you on which areas you want to improve. Some kitesurfers prioritize stretching, strength training and core strength exercise while others choose to improve their balance and stability to gain more control over their kite and board.
These physical preparations are often overlooked but they will greatly improve your kitesurfing experience.
LEARN TO FLY A PRACTICE KITE
A trainer kite is a small 2-3 meter traction kite that will allow you to safely learn the basics of kiting before you get in the water. It's a great way to learn the wind window and power zone you need to understand for kiteboarding.
Traction kites usually have 2 or 4 lines, but 3 line models exist to help you. A 3 m2 wing is ideal, but be careful in very strong winds because even this small size can cause you to take off.
If you master your basic kite skills on a trainer kite before your kitesurfing lessons, you'll save a lot of time and money, and you can still use it later for mountain surfing or the snowkite, or lend it to friends when you go out.
GET KITESURF LESSONS WITH A QUALIFIED INSTRUCTOR
Don't miss this step! Taking lessons from a qualified kitesurfing instructor is undoubtedly the best way to progress quickly and safely.
As a rule of thumb, a 3 day, 4 hour course should allow you to ride with confidence. An instructor will quickly correct mistakes and prevent bad habits from forming.
Kitesurfing is an extreme sport and can be dangerous if not respected as it deserves. A 12m kite accidentally thrown into the power zone can end in disaster. Even if you think you can learn on your own, learning on your own will never replace the benefit of taking classes. In addition, kite schools have access to many equipment that will allow you to use a kite perfectly adapted to the spot and your level.
WATCH KITESURF INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEOS
Watch as many videos as you can about learning to kitesurf. They will allow you to progress much faster when you come to take lessons. There are many great videos that teach you the basics. Check out YouTube to learn better and it doesn't hurt to watch a few different clips on the same topic. Remember that videos are never meant to replace professional kiteboarding instructions.
TAKE OUT YOUR OLD SKATEBOARD
Board sports are very diverse and if you feel good in sports like wakeboarding, skateboarding, surfing and snowboarding, you will immediately be more comfortable on your kiteboard. The benefit of being comfortable on the board is that you can focus on steering the kite rather than maintaining your balance on the board. Wakeboarding is arguably the closest sport to kitesurfing as the board is very similar. So head to the nearest ski lift center and get comfortable on a wakeboard. It's a sure way to speed up your progress during your kitesurfing lessons.
