Kite boarding
makes use of kite for power to experience wide variety of kiting sports. The concept of kite boarding is similar to that of sailing where the rider uses the kite for tack movements along the wind movement. Kite boarding is a sport performed usually on flat water with aid of kite instead of boat. Kite boarding is of different types:
• Kite surfing
• Kite sand boarding
• Kite skating
• Kite skate boarding
• Snow kiting
Different styles of kite boarding are freestyle, wake style, and wave riding. In kite boarding, the kite boarder uses a board with or without foot straps combined with use of power kite to propel the rider. In spite of the depower system that is provided and safety release systems, extra care must be taken to avoid accidents and serious injuries. A few of the techniques featuring kite boarding are turning, controlled flying and jumping and board grabs.
Kite sizes depend on wind strength which is determined using Anemometer. Stronger winds need smaller kite to avoid overpower situations. Cross-shore and cross-onshore winds are preferred for kite boarding.Kite boarding are to be used under a well trained instructor to prevent kite repairs that are expensive and to provide safety for the rider to make income at home
SAFETY RULES –
KITE HIGH RULE
An upwind kite rider must keep their kites higher than those of downwind kite rider to avoid crossing of lines. Similarly a downwind kite rider should keep their kites beneath the kite of upwind kite rider.
CLEARANCE RULE
A rider must have a clear safety zone of at least 50m downwind to allow downwind movement during jumping. A rider must also have a clear safety zone of 30m upwind to jump as his lines could touch the lines of another rider.
STARBOARD RULE
When there is a rider in opposite direction, it is advised to “keep right”. This helps in preventing accidents.
Kite boarding
becomes an exciting sport only when the rules are followed and by following an instructor. A variety of different techniques can be applied to add on to the excitement of kite boarding.
