Kite surfing is an exciting new sport that has grown from the fusion of surfing, wakeboarding, and windsurfing. The combination of elements from each activity means an electrifying new sport perfect for today’s “bigger, better, faster” world. No surprise, then, that it’s gaining immense popularity all over the globe.

The basics behind kite surfing are simple enough. You use the power generated from a large controllable kite to propel you across the water while riding a board. Sounds easy? It can be…well, at least the part about propelling yourself through the water on your board is not too hard to grasp. It can be learned in with lots of practice, just like anything else.

Where to start

There’s no need for a watersports background but you do need to be relatively fit. North Kite-sponsored instructors are IKO certified and will provide the necessary equipment and skilled instruction.

The equipment

You’ll need a bi-directional board, a waist harness that attaches to the control bar of the kite and a kite with an inflatable leading edge design that floats and enables a water re-launch. This isn’t as complicated as it sounds so read on!

What to wear

Boardshorts
Rash vest
Sunglasses
Life jacket for initial training

Established retailers such as Al Boom Marine stock the latest kite surfing equipment from North Kites and Underground Boards. They also have the right clothes to impress in the surf from Rip Curl and other leading labels.

What to expect

The first lesson will be a theory introduction to the sport and familiarisation with the equipment.

A trainer kite is initially used for beginners. This is a smaller kite that nevertheless helps you get the feel for basic kite control, wind direction and wind strength. This portion of the lesson is conducted on the beach, and not in the water. A novice kite surfer disappearing over the horizon is not the plan at this point!

Once you’re comfortable with kite control, you’ll progress to a small leading edge inflatable kite, which is a 5 line kite. You’ll learn how to launch, land and control your kite. (Professional riders use 4 line kites.)

The next step is body dragging in the water and water re-launch (not as painful as it sounds!). After this, the instructor will assess if you are ready for board work and progression to a larger kite. Body dragging is an important aspect of the board recovery you’ll do later on.

Board work involves getting onto the board, standing up, positioning the board, changing direction… all while maintaining control of the kite.

Eight to ten hours of instruction should give you a good grounding and the confidence to practise on your own.

Safety

With the advances in kite technology, kite surfing safety has improved dramatically.

The basic safety components are: an inflatable feature (so that the kite floats on the water, and enables a water re-launch), and an inflatable edge (to prevent the kite from sinking in the water). The kite has further multiple safety features that the instructor will fully explain during training.

Kite Boarding in Dubai

North Kites sponsors progressive riders in Dubai who, with the sponsorship, continue to develop the sport and increase its popularity.

To kite surf in Dubai, you need to be a member of Dubai Kite Club. Currently, the only kite surfing-dedicated beach is Wollongong Beach in Jumeirah. More information is available on the club website http://www.dubaikiteforum.com/forum/
For additional information contact northkites@alboommarine.com