it's all about flying a kite
OK....if you're thinking about trying it, here's a little motivation: My kids started kiting at 6-years-old. In 2005, the average kiteboarder age was 38. In 2004, the PKRA Women's World champ was only 10-years-old. I've met many kiters 60-70+ in age. A tiny Nordic girl set the first kiteboarding speed record. We kite often with a mother of 2 who is in her 50s. Basically, power kiting can be enjoyed by many and has few pre-requisites.
However, with that said, we must first reveal three facts often overlooked by new comers:
1 - Power kiting is a sport and is not for everyone! Many who show up at our door have a mis-understanding that kiteboarding is a ride and we can just take them out for an afternoon of fun. Even worse, are those who feel they only need to watch someone do it a few times before trying it. If you want to pursue the sport, there are definitive training steps you will need to be coached and guided on.
2- You're going to crash Your safety should always be the number one factor when pursuing any sport, including kiteboarding. Understanding that you're going to crash kites and you're going to fall will keep you in a positive mental state. There is a learning curve, and most must first fall before they can get on their feet. Keep your learning aptitude strong and you'll do well
3- Girls learn faster We've found women and girls have a faster learning curve than most guys. In our studies, we've nailed it down to finesse, center of gravity, and study skills. Overall, girls have more finesse and balance. Since kiting is more about "Zen" than strength, they do well by not muscling the gear around. Their natural lower center of gravity increases their ability to sustain rides. And, when we teach them something....they listen and absorb what's being taught (sorry guys).
Fuse your skills with other sports!
In just a few years, kite flyers, wakeboarders, surfers, skaters, skiers, snowboarders, sailors and paragliders have fused in their skills with kiteboarding. If your athletic background harvests in one of these areas, you'll find kiteboarding offers a lot skill familiarity, as well at some incredibly new feellings. Here's a few tips for those crossing over from:
wind sports: Windsurfers and sailors will love that they have a big sail on a small boat. The small gear size will have you stoked about transport and rigging. Your wind knowledge is a key strength. You'll likely need to unlearn riding big boards and holding on to booms.
Boarders: Surfers will love riding more waves in one kiting session than entire season surfing. Wakeboarders will love the hangtime as they control their own boat with an 80' pole. Snowboarders / skiers will stoke that they already have their board, can ride up mountains and avoid crowded lift lines (plus you can ride in summers on ground or water). Skaters will eat up the rails, sliders, and wakeskates, where falling from an ollie won't tear up any joints. All boarder types will all need to really work on wind basics along with kite control skills and launching.
You absolutely DO NOT NEED to have a background in any of these sports. In fact, we often find students without strong board sport experience have less to unlearn. However, those with pro-riding skills often have stronger learning aptitudes and the desire to push forward. Some of the best kiters never stepped foot on a board or boat. It really comes down to passion, desire and commitment levels.
