Kitesurfing is an exciting water sport that has taken off across the world. Kitesurfers can enjoy the sport on oceans, lakes, inlets, and bays—essentially any body of water. One way to think about kitesurfing (or kiteboarding) is as a combination of flying a stunt kite, wakeboarding, surfing, and windsurfing.
The sport has a steep but fast learning curve. If you take lessons from a qualified instructor (highly recommended), you’ll be up and riding in no time!
What kitesurf equipment do I need?
Kitesurf equipment is fairly straightforward and easy to set up. You'll need to wear a harness (either a waist or seat harness). The harness connects to a bar (used to control and steer the kite), and most bars have 4 lines (2 rear lines and 2 front lines) connecting to the kite, which enable you to steer the kite and control its power. Other than that, the two most important pieces of equipment are the kite and board.
The kite: Definitely nothing like the average one or two string kite you see on the beach, they are a lot larger and extremely powerful. Kites are made from high tech no-rip materials such as Dacron. The cloth is then stabilized with a resin to create strength: it has to be light yet durable. Kites are typically 6-16 meters in surface area. The average kitesurfer owns at least 3 kites for varying wind conditions. The less wind you have, the larger the kite you need. Conversely the windier the conditions, the smaller the kite.
The board: Boards come in a variety shapes and sizes. Some kitesurfers use bi-directional or twin-tip boards very similar to wakeboards. These are typically used in “flat water” conditions for jumping, tricks, etc., while others use surfboards which are typically smaller than a standard surfboard. The power of the kite can easily propel a kitesurfer 30+ miles an hour, thus the need for a smaller board. Kitesurfers can use straps on the board to help keep connected, or go unstrapped. The latter is becoming more and more popular as it is as close to pure surfing as possible, albeit with a kite.
The sport of kitesurfing is quickly gaining popularity all over the world as one of the most exciting water sports. Find great wind, surf, culture, delicious food and a wonderful home exchange at your next kitesurfing destination!
What are the best places to kitesurf?
The Hawaiian Islands
From Kite Beach on Maui where it all began, to the famed North Shore of Oahu, at spots like Mokuleia aka “Mokes,” you can find great waves and trade winds in paradise.
With the Aloha spirit, perfect year round weather, many activities on land and sea, rich Polynesian culture, abundant accommodations and food, Hawaii has it all! The Hawaiian islands cater to everyone, from beginners to expert riders.
Tarifa, Spain
On the edge of the Straits of Gibraltar and at the beginning of the unspoiled Costa de la Luz, Tarifa is situated on an ideal wind tunnel between Europe and Africa. Originally discovered as a windsurfing spot, Tarifa is now a well known kitesurfing mecca with thousands of visitors each year.
Enthusiasts flock from all parts of the world and are greeted by friendly locals who invite them to enjoy their wonderful food and wine. With wind and sun throughout the year, what kitesurfer wouldn’t want to visit this amazing place?
Isla Margarita, Venezuela
A small South American Island located just off the northern coast of Venezuela, Isla Margarita is a stunning tropical location, which also happens to harness Caribbean winds and sunshine throughout the year.
The island exudes a genuine, friendly vibe and locals are warm and welcoming to visitors. Isla Margarita is a mecca for beach lovers as well as for fans of all water sports. In addition to kitesurfing, visitors enjoy windsurfing, paddle boarding, wakeboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing and scuba diving.
Cumbuco, Brazil
Located just 15 miles east of Fortaleza on the Northeastern coast of Brazil is the beach community of Cumbuco — a perfect kiteboarding playground. Brazilians and world travelers enjoy kitesurfing on the ocean, attacking waves and amazing flat water lagoons by day, and dancing the samba at night.
Until recently this area was known primarily for surfing (even though there are no big waves); now, however, many foreign kitesurfers have purchased property in the area, thus creating an interesting mix of cultures.
Cabarete, Dominican Republic
The winds dance year round on the northern shores of this Caribbean paradise with its beautiful white sand and turquoise water. This small town has a reputation for being one of the best kitesurfing destinations in the world.
Due to the area’s laid-back attitude and friendly locals, the vibe is perfect all year. Every third week of June, Cabarete plays host to one of the largest international kitesurfing competitions in the world. If you want to kite and enjoy a variety of watersports as well as good food and the local culture, this town is ideal for you.
