|
Home / Recreation and Leisure / Sports
Big air equals big thrills in this new extreme water sport.
By:Captain Jeff Hoxtell
Kiteboarding or kitesurfing, if you don't already know, is like snowboarding on water. This, behind a boat, is called wakeboarding. OK, now forget the boat and add a giant kite for the power source. The kite is controlled or steered using a control bar in the hands of the rider. The kite can be flown is specific patterns to generate greater power, or can be used to jump or fly through the air. We are not talking about little hops either; you can really get up and float for some serious air time. The power is directed to a harness by "hooking in"; this takes the load off the arms which helps reduce fatigue.
Kiteboarding is the fastest growing water sport in the world, and for good reasons.
The freedom of jumping 10, 20, 30ft off the water, without the necessity of a wave for a ramp, means that people who live near lakes can still fly through the air. Snowboarders love it as a summer alternative to riding on snow, not to mention there's no lift ticket to buy. Windsurfers love it because you can kiteboard in less wind, and the gear fits in a economy car, instead of the truck, or trailer. Surfers can get out on the water when the surf is too low or blown out. Wake boarders are forced to rethink what big air really is, plus saving all the gas money they were putting into their boats every weekend. People who have never tried a board sport at all are getting into kiteboarding.
Ideal learning conditions include warm, flat and shallow water coupled with consistent wind. Being able to stand up after a gulp of water or a head first plunge is not only convenient but comforting. Having a boat right there where you need it saves time, as the beginner will end the kite surfing lesson far down wind from where he or she started.
Taking lessons with a qualified instructor is a must. The best thing to do first is to buy or rent a trainer kite, and watch an instructional video to get the basics down. Next, is the first three hour kiteboarding lesson, in which you will learn the safety issues and systems, setup of the kite, launching and landing, the wind window and power stokes, water re-launching and body dragging. From there you can continue with lessons or go practice on your own. The cost of equipment has come down over the years; a beginner setup will run $1000-$1500 for everything. Unlike many sports, such as snow
Skiing, kiteboarding is not something you should expect to be able to learn in an afternoon. Once you get it, you'll be hooked.
Captain Jeff Hoxtell
Air Padre Kiteboarding
5709 A Padre Blvd.
South Padre Island
956-299-9463
www.airpadrekiteboarding.com
About the author:
Captain Jeff Hoxtell is a certified kiteboarding instructor and has been teaching kiteboarding for 4 years. Check out the student testimonials at his website www.airpadrekiteboarding.comor email him at info@airpadrekiteboarding.com
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
|
|
| Top Sports Articles |
|
|
|
|
- 3). The Parachute History By : john
According to researchers, the first practical parachute was introduced by a French inventor in 1783, Sebastien Lenormand. It was he who demonstrated the parachute principle with a dog at the passenger’s “seat.” However, parachutes had been imagined and sketched by Leonardo Da Vinci while he was living in Milan centuries earlier, around 1480-1483. Also, other inventors have designed parachutes, including the Croatian inventor Faust Vrancic, who constructed a parachute device, based on Da Vinci's sketches.
|
- 4). Never paddle alone! By : Jakob Jelling
An important thing to remember about kayaking is that you should never paddle alone.One of the biggest rules of thumb when it comes to kayakin
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| New Sports Articles |
- 1). Weapon Tips For Quake III By : Kadence Buchanan
FPS games such as Quake III are fast paced games which generate a lot of energy and adrenaline rush. To take the Quake III experience to the next level, being skillful and adept at using the weapons involved, really helps.
|
- 2). Golf Game and Free Tips to Improve Your Game By : Jimmy Cox
Every good golfer has the ability to control his or her shots. Every good golfer learns that it is one thing to swing a golf club, but it is another thing to know what position the club is in while it is being swung.
|
- 3). Preparing For Your First Chess Competition By : Clive Jenkins
Before considering entering a chess competition, it is pivotal to ensure your game is up to scratch. If you find it difficult to beat players in your own club, perhaps you should focus on learning from the experience, rather than setting your sights on victory.
|
|
|
|
|
- 6). Billiard Games: Poker Pocket and Six Ball By : George Wood
Poker Pocket: it combines the skill and talent of billiards with the intrigue and skill of poker. If the total ball number is 15 on the billiards table, then poker pocket is played with one more ball than extra which totals.
|
|
|
- 8). Cycling and Aerodynamic Efficiency By : George Wood
Made of aluminum and dual carbon fiber chain and seat stays, the racing bicycle provides a dynamic posture to the rider trough it is lightweight and raised seat. For swift turning, the front and rear wheels are closely arranged. The racing wheel forms a teardrop with the tire because of its triangular cross-section, built for greater aerodynamic efficiency. To reduce wind resistance...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
