Kite Surfing Equipment – Everything You Need To Get Started
Excited about kitesurfing?
Well, before anything else, the first thing that you need to ask yourself is this…
“What equipment do I need for kitesurfing?”
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced kitesurfer, you’ll need the right tool to fully appreciate the kitesurfing experience. There is a wide range of kitesurfing gear and we’re here to give you an idea of what you need. If you are having kite surf lessons in Dubai, your instructor should be able to advise you about the right equipment that should suit you based on the wind conditions in Dubai.
Are you ready? Let’s go!
Kitesurfing Kites comes in three different types of kites. These are C shape Kite, Hybrid, and Bow.
C shape Kite: As its name suggests, the C Kite resembles the shape of the letter C. Most pro riders prefer the C Kite for performing quick maneuvers and unhooked tricks. It has loads of pop, however, it’s not recommended for beginners since it’s quite hard to relaunch it from the water.
Hybrid Kite: They are sometimes called the Delta Kites. They cross between the bow kites and the C-kites. The Hybrids are very different in style, with some looking like the C-kite and others resembling a very flat arc. Just like the bow kites, Hybrids come with bridles to support their leading edge.
Bow Kite: This kite is designed to fly at a greater range of wind speeds and can be easily relaunched from water. This feature makes the experience of flying more comfortable to control for beginners.
Important factors you need to know before buying your first kite are: Average wind speed in the spot where you will practice, your weight, your board size and for sure your level.
Before you choose your kiteboard, first you have to consider the type and different sizes according to your level of expertise.
How do you choose the size? Well, there’s no specific rule. But to give you an idea here’s the basic guideline to help you decide which one is best for you: If you want to perform fancy maneuvers on the water, smaller size boards would be better. Riders find them to be more agile and loose, giving them greater maneuverability. The longboard, however, is the perfect freeride board during light winds.
There are several types of boards to choose from – wake style, twin-tip, foil board, race board, and wave board.
Wake Style: These boards work best for advanced wakestyle riding. They usually have boots to secure your feet while performing difficult maneuvers on the water.
Twin-tip: These boards have small fins designed for shallow water. They are considered universal boards. Why? Because their performance is suitable for freestyle, freeride, and wakestyle kitesurfing.
Foil board: Hydrofoil or foil boards are surfboards with hydrofoils on the underside. This design allows the board to float above the surface of the water at varying speeds. This is possibly the fastest board that you’ll be able to ride. Due to the board’s hydrodynamic wings, it flies above the surface of (choppy) waters, eliminating drag.
Race board: Specifically designed for kite course racing, the race board can perform well in upwind and downwind speed. The boards are uniquely designed with fins and shapes that perfectly point upwind like never before. For increased safety, the race board also features a scooped nose to prevent possible nosedive.
Waveboard: These boards are equipped with foot straps and integrated traction pads, which are essential for maneuvering on the waves. And since waveboards have high buoyancy, they can perform well in light winds. Perfect for making your first ride much easier.
One of the most important elements that you will be using during your kite surfing sessions. There are two options of harnesses either waist Harness or seat harness. Seat harness popular with people who are just starting to learn to kitesurf, the seat harness comes with a set of leg straps that resemble those found on a climbing harness. These straps are attached around the upper legs with the main hook resting on the lower core and it help to lower the center of gravity.
The waist harness is quite popular among seasoned kite surfers. It fits around the abdomen and
can be attached with one Velcro strap across your waistline. More freedom of movement so it’s perfect for riding the waves, for jumping and for freestyle.
SAFETY LEASH
Some people call it a “bypass leash” or a “handle pass leash”. It is primarily designed to secure the kite to your body if you accidentally drop the control bar. It features its own safety release so you can jettison the kite completely if you need to.
HELMET
Obviously, the kitesurfing helmet is intended to protect your head from injuries. They vary in size, style, and protection level. Choosing your helmet is very crucial. If it’s too tight, it will be very uncomfortable. Likewise, if it’s larger or loose, it could slip off your head and fail to provide the protection you need.
WATER SHOES
Do you need water shoes when kitesurfing? Hell yeah! A cut in the foot from rocks or other water elements might ruin your day. So better safe than sorry. Water shoes are designed to withstand the harsh condition on the water. Their surfaces dry faster and quickly drain water. Hence, you are less likely to get blisters compared to regular shoes.
KITE BAR
A control bar serves as a steering device and helps utilize the power from the wind. It allows you to turn, accelerate, slow down, or even jump. The device is usually made from carbon and aluminum and is covered in soft rubber grips so you won’t hurt your hands.
WETSUITS
Anyone engaged in water sports activity is advised to wear wetsuits. Usually made of foamed neoprene, wetsuits are designed to provide thermal protection when submerged. While it helps provide thermal insulation, it also protects you from abrasion, stings from harmful marine organisms, and the sun’s UV light. It also adds buoyancy to help you float on the water.
If you are having kite surfing lessons in Dubai your instructor should be able to advise you about the right kite surfing equipment to buy or you can can visit our kite surf shop in Dubai and our team will advise you about the best kite surfing equipment that suits your level and our wind conditions here in Dubai.
