Kiteboarding

Kiteboarding

The biggest attraction of the North Carolina Coast has always been the miles and miles of water, and sport enthusiasts of all kinds flock to the coast to claim the ocean and sound waters as their own personal playground. Drive along NC Highway 12 in between the Hatteras Island villages of Avon and Buxton on a particularly breezy day, and you'll spot living proof of the simple allure of the water. On these windy days, the Atlantic Ocean and Pamlico Sound waters on both sides of the highway will literally be speckled with large kites of all colors gliding across the sky, as the riders hold on and skim across the sound water or ocean waves.

This phenomenon is a relatively new sport called kiteboarding, and it's taking the North Carolina coast by storm. Kiteboarding enthusiasts from all over the world have designated the North Carolina beaches as a veritable Mecca for the sport for its miles of water frontage, perfect wind conditions and its reputation as a hub for the largest kiteboarding camps and stores in the country.

Though kiteboarding has a relatively short history, it has been given the designation of being one of the fastest growing water sports in the world. Originally called kitesurfing and gradually evolving into the common term kiteboarding, riders are popping up all over the country as the popularity of the sport grows.

Only a decade old, the origin of the sport is traced to two brothers from France, though some claim that America's own "Cory R." was also an originator of the sport, as he was the first to combine water skis with a large kite. In Hawaii, the ideas merged and the sport evolved. On the North Carolina coast, where windsurfing has always had a popular following, the sport flourished as the windsurfers who had always flocked to the coast easily picked up this new, alternative sport as well.

On the Outer Banks, Hatteras Island's "Kite Point," just 1/4-mile south of the famous Pamlico Sound windsurfing spot known as Canadian Hole, is credited as being one of the first launching points of kiteboarding on the East Coast. In the late 1990s, kiteboarders began to mix with windsurfers at the world famous wind sport launching areas. Today, Kite Point and neighboring Canadian Hole boast more kiteboarders than windsurfers on a regular basis.

So what, exactly, is kiteboarding? To enthusiasts, it's considered the ultimate water sport, encompassing the speed of water skiing, the tricks of wakeboarding, and the carving style turns of surfing. Kiteboarders literally attach themselves to large kites with a harness and lines. The kite is then launched about 100 feet into the air, allowing the riders to glide across the water, using the kite to maneuver them and lift them into the air. In the best conditions, like those found along the North Carolina coastline, an advanced kiteboarder can literally lift himself between 20 and 40 feet into the air and soar for up to seven seconds, spinning and flapping, or just gliding and enjoying the ride.

Beginners, don't worry! This doesn't mean that the only way to enjoy yourself is by performing highly advanced mid-air tricks. Many kiteboarders stick to the water's surface, mastering the technical maneuvers that can power them across miles of water.

With literally hundreds of miles of water frontage, North Carolina kiteboarders have a lot of possibilities when it comes to where to go to enjoy this sport. Beginners find that the calmer waters of the coast's Sounds, like the Albemarle Sound and the Pamlico Sound, are an ideal place to learn and hone their skills. Intermediate and advanced kiteboarders find that the unpredictable breakers of the Atlantic Ocean are a challenging locale for the sport. Often, you can find different bodies of water, and therefore different launching points, all located within the same area. For example, right across from Hatteras Island's Kite Point is Ego Beach, a popular spot for advanced Kiteboarders to test their abilities in the Atlantic Ocean.

Snow Kiting

For those folks who are itching to try kiteboarding but can't make it to the beach, snow kiting or kite skiing can be a fun and arguably easier alternative. Snow kiting is just as new as kiteboarding, and avid kiteboarders, skiers, and snowboarders alike are all catching on to this new sport.

Snow kiting even has its own line-up of events and tournaments throughout the world, like the Snowkite Masters held in France, and the U.S. Snowkite Open held in desolate snowy destinations, like Montana and Utah. Typically held only during the winter months of November through March, many West Coast states host a number of similar events and competitions. Snow kiting rallies are especially popular, like the Intermountain Snowkite Rally and the Tugg Hill Snowkite Rally in Tugg Hill, New York.

One of the reasons for the rise in popularity of snow kiting is its accessibility for those who doesn't necessarily have the means to travel to the water. Lift tickets are not required, as snow kiting can be done in any large, open snow-covered field. While kiteboarding requires some wind, preferably an average wind of 20 mph or so, snow kiting can be done with just a slight breeze.

Many adventure sport enthusiasts also attest that snow kiting is much easier to learn, as you don't have to battle with currents or choppy waters and waves, and it is much easier to stand on snow and hold an edge. Snow kiting can also be less expensive than kiteboarding, since you don't need a special board to take flight - you can just strap on your skis or snowboard and take off.

You will, however, need a particular kite called a foil kite in order to hit the snow. These kites have a solid infrastructure and are not easily damaged, making them ideal for fields that might be bordered by trees or rougher terrain. For challenging rides, you should look into purchasing a power kite, which is an offshoot of the foil kite.

If you are new to the sport, it is not a god idea to start with a larger power kite. It is best to start with a "trainer" or "beginner" kite, which is a high quality kite, but much less expensive than some of the larger versions. These budget kites are more or less disposable, so you do not have to worry about damage to the equipment. In addition, these beginner kites are a great option for snow kiters who just want to get a handle on the basics, then move on to something larger. These smaller kites can also be used in very windy conditions, while the larger power kites can be dangerous in winds over 25 mph.

No matter which kite you buy, make sure it is attached to a bar, and not to handles, as this is the preferred equipment for most professional snow kiters. You can purchase a kite from a local sporting goods store, or a reputable company with an online catalog, like North Carolina based kite shops Kitty Hawk Kites, REAL Watersports or Blowing in the Wind.

Once you have your equipment, it's time to find a location. Look for grassy, open, snow-covered areas with no obstructions upwind that will disrupt the windflow to your kite. Also, you'll want to avoid anything downwind or to your sides that might catch and damage your kite. Avoid active streets and highways, crowded areas, and high concentrations of power lines, just in case you lose control.

You'll also want to aim for ideal wind conditions, as a kite's lifting power increases dramatically as the wind speed increases. For example, when the wind doubles and picks up from 15 knots to 30 knots, the kite's pull increases four times. This can be the difference between feeling sporty tension from the kite, and being dragged, or yarded, while losing control of the kite and your direction. When you're just starting off, be sure to begin in safe, lower wind speeds so you can maintain proper control of your kite at all times.

As you progress, you are sure to find snow kiting is an exciting and challenging sport, and an easy fix for kiteboarders who just can't escape for a weekend at the beach.

Kiteboarding Camps

Back on the water, kiteboarding beginners will find that lessons or camps will be necessary in order to take their skills to the next level, or to master the basics of the sport. Luckily, North Carolina is home to some of the largest and most recognized kiteboarding companies on the East Coast, if not the world: Kitty Hawk Kites, REAL Watersports and Blowing in the Wind, to name a few. These companies sponsor events, sell and rent equipment, and offer seasonal lessons for all skill levels, ranging from beginners to experts.

REAL Watersports offers three instructional methods for kiteboarders, including lessons, private lessons, and a 3-day kite camp. All three methods utilize the same instructional syllabus, custom-designed by the coaches at REAL Watersports over the past 6 years. The courses are broken down into half-day segments, with typically two lessons per day, and a maximum student to instructor ratio of 2:1.

The lessons, both private and group, are broken down into different sessions and depend on the kiteboarders' skill level. The different lessons also have varying costs, depending on instruction time and coach involvement.

Beginners will want to start their lessons with the Ground Control session, a $100, 1.5-hour course which is the fundamental building block for learning the sport at any level. The on-land class covers the basics of rigging, tuning, line management, flying techniques, kite safety, and rider responsibility.

Once this course has been completed, students can move on to the Water Time session, a two hour course that costs $250. This class covers relaunching the kite from the water, body drags, water starts onto the board, basic riding, and self-rescue.

All water time is accompanied by a coach to allow teaching "On The Fly," a technique pioneered by REAL. For more water time, you can also try the 2-hour $250 Double Down Course. This lesson builds on and perfects your ability to rig, self-launch, self-land, self rescue and waterstart on your board. Extending your rides is also a main focus of the double down. According to REAL, Double Down is the ultimate confidence booster for those just hitting the water.

These classes are held at three instructional centers in Newport, Rhode Island; the British Virgin Islands; and Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. You can sign up by contacting REAL Watersports.

For folks who want to go from novice to kiteboarder in a hurry, REAL also offers intensive 3-day camps. These camps have been churning out kiteboarders since 2000, and offer total immersion into the sport, with a roster of 20 certified and world class coaches. The coaches are fully trained and educated beyond "user's manual expertise" on all equipment offered by the following brands: Jimmy Lewis, Slingshot, Liquid Force, Best Kiteboarding, Naish, Dakine, Kitefix, NSI and Mystic. Equipment is provided, and students also receive a discount on any equipment they would like to purchase after the camp is over.

The camps are held throughout the year at the REAL Watersports Center in Cape Hatteras, and their website offers information on all upcoming camp sessions.

The other international kiteboarding giant is homegrown Kitty Hawk Kites, the largest supplier of kites in the country. Kitty Hawk Kits offers professional instruction available for students of all levels. Backed by the long history of the largest hang gliding school in the world, which has been teaching the world to fly since 1974, the school has an impeccable reputation.

Lessons are provided daily, and beginners can start with the Learn To Fly course, offered for $299. This course includes two separate sessions, which can be taken separately. The first is the 3-hour Landboarding Course, offered for $99 as the prerequisite for all water courses, and perfect for those wanting to learn Power Kiting, Landboarding, Snow Kiting, or how to use a Kite Buggy. Next is the 3-hour First Water Course which costs $199, and teaches the fundamentals of kiteboarding, set-up, launch/landing, body drags, water relaunching, self-rescue, and the first water starts on the kiteboard.

Once you've mastered these courses, you can move on to the 3-hour Extended Water Course at a cost of $199. This is a semi-private lesson focusing on extending your ride in both directions. Teaching on the fly with Kitty Hawk Kites' watercraft, the goal is to smooth out the kite position, body position, and board position to get you continuously riding in both directions.

The kite surfing school approved by the PASA (Professional Air Sports Association.) PASA has created methods of teaching that have become industry standards for providing safe instruction.

Kitty Hawk Kites also offers kite camps to give you the inside edge on learning the sport faster. Like REAL Watersports, Kitty Hawk Kites has been offering camps since 2000 and uses professional instructions to fully immerse you into the sport of kiteboarding.

Camps for groups of 3 or more can be scheduled anytime, or you can join an existing camp session. Camps consist of two days of intensive training, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day, and you should be prepared for a hard day of playing. The Fast Track Kiteboarding Camps, held every Saturday and Sunday, with Monday as an alternate weather day, are a special opportunity for you to get loads of instruction in a group dynamic atmosphere. Student to instructor ratio will never exceed three students to each instructor at these camps. Students will also receive a discount on all equipment they might need after the lessons and camps have ended, and they're ready to kiteboard on their own.

Lessons and camps are held at various Kitty Hawk Kites locations, particularly along North Carolina's Outer Banks and the flagship store in Nags Head. For reservations and availability of all kiteboarding and lessons, contact Kitty Hawk Kites.

Boards

Unlike snow kiting where any standard snowboard will work, kiteboards are specialized pieces of equipment that can't always be used for other similar sports. Kiteboards may look like a wakeboard at first glance, but that is where the similarities end. Kiteboards are designed specifically for the demands of kiteboarding and offer many technical advantages that make kiteboarding both easier and more fun. In your search for a board, you'll come across variations of these four basic types of boards, described below.

Twin-Tip Board

The most universal of kiteboards, the twin-tip can be used for all riding styles. Symmetrical at both ends, the twin-tip is very similar in appearance to a wakeboard and is best suited for freeride and wake-style riding. By far the most commonly ridden board, Twin-tips are ridden with foot pads and straps. If you are looking for a board that's ideal for big air and/or wake-style tricks, the twin-tip is a good match.

Wave Board

If a surfing-like experience is what you are after and you plan to stick to the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, then a surf-style board is what you need. While twin-tips can be used in the surf, they do not compare to a wave board. Fashioned in the basic shape and fin configuration as surfboards, wave boards come with integrated traction pads and foot straps. For a more "genuine" surf-like experience, take the foot straps off. Because of their high buoyancy, wave boards are also great in light winds and can make getting your first rides that much easier.

Wake-Style Board

Very similar to the twin-tip, the wake-style board differs in how one's feet connect to the board. Instead of the foot pad and strap setup of a twin-tip, a wake-style board utilizes bindings, also known as "boots." Offering enhanced support, security and cushion, bindings often restrict flexibility and are reserved for riders who love doing tricks. Not optimal for beginners, these boards are best suited for advanced wake-style riding.

Light-Wind Twin-Tip Board

When the wind is too light, it's handy to have a light-wind twin-tip board. Typically a bit longer than your average twin-tip, light-wind twintips tend to be much wider. Because of the board's unusual shape, they allow you to ride in very light winds, though light winds are typically uncommon off the coast of North Carolina.

Once you have identified the type of board that would be the best match for your style of kiteboarding, you'll also have to take your skill level into account.

Many retailers, like Kitty Hawk Kites, go through great pains to select certain kiteboards out of hundreds to recommend for different skill levels and conditions. Remember, when in doubt, it's always best to turn to a professional for help when selecting a board. The same companies that offer lessons and camps also have experts on hand that can guide you in the right direction for purchasing equipment.

According to Kitty Hawk Kites, beginners should get a larger kiteboard and a smaller kite. For most average-sized individuals, this is around a 160-cm board. Larger boards may be necessary for low wind riding and smaller boards for higher wind riding, but the best all around size for a beginner is the 160-cm size. Many boards come ready to ride with the footpads, foot straps, fins, and a center handle for your convenience.

For beginners, consider the Wake n' Style kiteboards by Lite Wave Designs in the larger sizes and the Cabrinha Double Agent and new Prodigy kiteboards. They are the best for planning early and staying on top of the water, even when making big mistakes with the kite placement.

Intermediate riders might want to check out the selection of Hana Crew kiteboards, the smaller Wake n' Style boards by Lite Wave Designs, the Hammersurf kiteboards, or the Cabrinha Lab Rat and Icon.

Kites

The other piece of equipment you will need to research and purchase to suit your taste, abilities, and location is the kite. Before you launch into the water, you will need to know how to control your kite well, and if you have never tried kiteboarding before, a lesson will most likely be required before you can effectively guide yourself across Sound waters or the Atlantic Ocean.

The newest generation of power kites are being specifically engineered for the sport of kiteboarding. With the popularity of the sport growing, kite technology is rapidly advancing, making it easier for beginners to jump into the sport and professionals to perfect it.

Kitty Hawk Kites reports that power kites born out of this era have innovative features never before seen on kites including safety release systems, zippers and variable aspect ratio concepts. De-powering systems and emergency release systems have gotten more elaborate, making it easier and safer to control the power generated by these gigantic kites.

The amount of power needed for kiteboarding far exceeds the amount of power one would use with land kites. Each kite size is designed for use within a particular wind range. Kite size is determined by your local wind conditions, expertise, the rider's body weight and the board size and type.

Kiteboarding centers like Kitty Hawk Kites, REAL Watersports or Blowing in the Wind are the best resources for selecting the perfect kite that fits all these specific requirements. Like the selection of boards, these centers have experts on hand to effectively guide you through the process.

Getting on a Plane

When you're first learning how to kiteboard, getting on plane can be one of the biggest challenges. On a kiteboard, the process is very similar to getting on a plane on a wakeboard, so if possible, master how to get up on a wakeboard first. You can do this in any calmer body of water, like one of North Carolina's Sounds or a nearby lake.

Before you get started, it is imperative to fully understand the current wind conditions and the mechanics of the kite and board you are using. Before you head to the water, make sure that your kite is large enough to get you up and going in the current wind speeds. Trying to get on plane in light winds is nearly impossible, which can be very frustrating.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, trying to commandeer your kite in higher winds can be very dangerous, especially if you are relatively new to the sport. The ultimate goal is to find a balance for the kite and board that you are riding. For example, taking a 12-meter wide, 4-line kite out in 10-13 knots of wind with a 5 to 6-foot kiteboard would be optimal conditions for a beginner who weighs between 150 and 180 pounds.

It is also very important during your first kiteboarding sessions to always start at a long, wide beach with minimal people. Thankfully, these are in abundance along the North Carolina coast, and secluded Sound and Ocean beaches can be found around every corner, particularly in the fall and spring months when the beaches are less populated and the wind conditions are optimal. Large beaches are key because when you are learning how to plane you will most likely end up far downwind, and far away from your initial launching point.

Once your optimal equipment and outdoor conditions are secure, it is time to get into the water. To make things easier, always learn how to kiteboard with foot straps until you are very comfortable and gain a bit of experience. Foot straps not only make learning safer, but will help to simplify the process. It is always very helpful in the beginning to have an experienced kiteboarder walk into the water with you and hold the back of your harness to help keep you stable while maneuvering your kite and board simultaneously for the first time. Once you walk a safe distance into the water, put your kite in the neutral position, lay back into the water and let the kite cradle you as you put your board on.

Once your board is strapped on and you feel secure and stable, you are prepared to make your first dive with the kite through your power zone, which is the dominant area that you will kiteboard through. With the kite resting in the neutral position, pull the kite lightly in the opposite direction from the direction you plan to go, just past the 1 o'clock/11 o'clock position, then immediately dive the kite hard in the direction you plan to go. This process will produce a longer and more powerful stroke through the center of the power zone, giving you a sudden burst of energy, and pulling you upwards and out of the water. When your kite starts making its dive through the power zone toward the water, this force will cause a pull. As you feel the pull of the kite you will also feel pressure on your board against the water, identical to wakeboarding. The moment you feel this pull and tension, start bending your knees and pointing your leading foot straight downwind.

Now that you are moving in the water, the important thing is to keep your kite from losing power and crashing into the water on your initial down stroke, which is what causes beginners to have the most trouble in the sport. Many first-timers are not aggressive enough when it comes to bringing the kite back up into the sky, through the power zone and toward 12 o'clock. Be sure to be tough and pull hard to bring the kite back up fast, in order to keep your kite from collapsing and to maintain power throughout your ride. During the upstroke, you will feel much more power from the kite and will be able to continue to plane.

Once you have hoisted yourself up and you are planing, continue the process of stroking up and down through the power zone as you apply pressure to your heel edge. The harder you edge, the more power you will need, so it is all about balancing the two. Once you are up on a plane and edging hard, you can place the kite in a stable position anywhere from 30 to 60 degrees off of the water. Take time to understand your kite and how it reacts to your power strokes. This can be the most important and most challenging aspect of learning how to kiteboard.

Bear in mind that learning how to plane takes time and patience. It is probably something that you will not master your first time, but don't let that damper your spirits.

Most importantly, make sure you learn to kite on an open sandy beach where your drop zone is clear and where the winds are not blowing off shore, in case you drop your kite. It is suggested to take a lesson with a certified instructor in order to make the learning process quicker, and more important, safer for you.

Helpful Tips on the Fly

While you are learning the basics, here some helpful tips beyond the fundamentals that will help you ensure your kiteboarding adventure will be a breeze, from beginning to end.

For example, the extra large kites that kiteboarding requires can be a handful. To carry your kite in light or no wind, flip the kite over so the wingtips are pointed up towards the sky. This will let you support and comfortably carry the kite without dragging the wingtips in the sand. Try to hold the kite as close to the center as possible by the front, or leading edge, with one hand so it remains balanced. With your other hand, support and push up on the center downstrut. You can lift the kite in this position as high as possible and walk the kite either upwind or downwind.

While attaching the lines, the key phrase to remember is Front and Center, Outback. When translated, this means that the center lines always go to the leading edge of the kite, while the outside lines, at the ends of the bar, always go to the back edge of the kite.

For this reason, it is very smart to make the front lines a different color from the back lines. A typical line and bar setup would have one side of the bar red and the other black; the red side always goes in your left hand. Run a red line from the end of the red side of the bar and a black line from the end of the black side of the bar. Make the two center lines both a third color but with different pigtail colors: the left line with red pigtails and the right line with black pigtails. This will clearly designate which side of the kite each line hooks to.

For safety's sake, never go out alone, and whenever possible, take an experienced kiteboarder with you on your first attempts. Having a stronger friend to help you along will make the process that much easier. Also, avoid high winds until you have a stronger grasp on the sport. Even the best kiteboarders in the world are hesitant when it comes to gustier winds, as they know that higher winds make it more likely for kiteboarders to lose control of the kite.

Above all else, don't get frustrated. With such a short history, kiteboarding is virtually new to everyone, and it is easy to get lost in the terminology, the set-up, and the initial getting out into the water. Be patient and take your time, and remember that if you have never tried the sport before, a lesson or two will go a long way in mastering those 40-foot flips, or a least getting a hold of the basic terms and principals.

Book a lesson well in advance, be sure to inquire about equipment rentals, and during your vacation on the North Carolina Coast, you will be able to experience the craze that's truly taking the East Coast by storm.