About Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is one of the fastest growing water sports in Ireland. With its roots in France and Hawaii, it has exploded worldwide. The idea behind kitesurfing is quite simple. A kitesurfer stands on a small board with foot straps and uses the power of a large, controllable water-relaunchable kite to propel themselves across the water. It can be a relaxing cruise along the coast or a gymnastic aerial display, and it can be done on flat water or curling surf in winds from 8 to 45 knots.

Kitesurfing is a fusion of kite flying, surfing, and wakeboarding. The light and compact nature of the equipment makes it ideal for travelling, opening up exciting exotic locations.

Kitesurfing is an open and friendly sport, with all age groups participating both recreationally and competitively within Ireland. Over the past 7 years the sport has grown rapidly. In early 1999, there were only a few hundred kitesurfers in the world and only a dozen or so in Ireland. This has grown rapidly to over 300,oo kitesurfers worldwide.

ALL THE GEAR

Inflatable Kites:

• Kites are usually sized from 3.0m to 16.0m depending on your size and weight. Kites comes with a good safety system with a leash system to depower the kite.
• Kite lines are generally 20-27m long. Kites have inflatable struts which are pumped up before every session.
• some kites have a one pump system
•  They pack down to very small back-pack size.
• There are different design styles:hybrid,delta, bow kites and C-shape kites. Bows are flatter and generally seen as safer for learners, while C-shapes with 5th lines are more for inter/expert for freestyle.

Boards:

• Twin tips: these are symmetrical so you can ride in both directions without moving your feet, similar to a wakeboard
  or snowboard. They’re 120-160 cm in length depending on your size and riding level.
• Wakeboards: these similar to normal wakeboards with bindings, and are for pros only.
• Skimboards
• Wakeskates
• Surfboards: strapped or unstrapped, surfboards are generally 5ft - 6ft in length. The shorter the length the less swing weight therefore it is easier for rotations.

Harnesses:
You’ll need a kitesurfing-specific harness. There are two types: seat harnesses and waist harnesses. Try each out for comfort

Wetsuits:
For kiting in Ireland you’ll need a 3mm wetsuit in the summer and a 5mm steamer in the winter with boots and gloves. Wearing a wetsuit will increase your time on the water as well giving you added protection.

Helmets:
A helmet is essential, especially while learning. Make sure you buy one that is specific to watersports.

Buoyancy aids:
A buoyancy aid will give you added confidence while learning and offer some protection while kiting.

Leashes:
Always make sure you have a kite leash from your kite to your harness.

A board leash,not really recommened  if the board recoils fast it can potentially hit you.

if you do use a leash you must wear a helmet.