How to choose the right kitesurfing equipment for your first lesson
Kitesurfing can seem like a complex sport when you’re just starting out, but choosing the right equipment is key to your success and safety. At Surfers Island, we make sure that every student understands the reasoning behind our equipment choices, aiming to educate you to become an independent kiter. This article will guide you through the basics of kitesurfing gear, and help you understand how we choose the right equipment for your first lesson.
The basics of kitesurfing equipment
To begin your kitesurfing journey, there are a few essential pieces of gear that you’ll need:
- Kite
- Board
- Harness
- Bar and Lines
Each of these pieces of equipment plays a critical role in helping you control the kite, balance on the board, and navigate the water safely. At Surfers Island, we provide you with the best gear for your first lesson and explain why we’ve selected each item. Our goal is to set you up for success and teach you the fundamentals for future adventures.
Choosing the right kite for beginners
At Surfers Island, we have a variety of kites to suit different conditions and skill levels. Depending on the wind and the student’s experience, we always choose the most suitable equipment to ensure a safe and effective learning experience.
Selecting the right board for beginners
The board is the platform on which you stand while riding the waves, and it’s essential to choose one that helps with balance and water starts. At Surfers Island, we typically use larger boards called “doors” for beginners. These boards are generally between 140-160 cm long and are designed to be easy to use, especially or the water start. A larger board helps you balance more easily as you learn how to get up and ride. Once you’ve mastered the basics and you’re ready to work on riding upwind, we can adjust the board size to help you progress. We offer boards suitable for all levels, from beginner to advanced, so as you improve, your equipment will grow with you.
Harness: Seat or Waist?
The harness is what connects you to the kite, helping to relieve strain on your arms and giving you better control. There are two main types of harnesses to choose from: seat harnesses and waist harnesses.
Seat Harness: Stability and Safety for Beginners
Seat harnesses sit lower on the body, reducing the risk of rib injuries, which can occur when a waist harness rides up due to frequent high kite positioning—common among beginners. While waist harnesses allow for more freedom of movement, they tend to shift around more, increasing discomfort and potential impact on the ribs. By providing extra stability, seat harnesses help beginners focus on learning the fundamentals safely.
Waist Harness: More advanced riders typically use waist harnesses, which sit higher on the body. These harnesses provide more freedom of movement, allowing for a greater range of motion, making them ideal for performing tricks and maneuvers once you’re comfortable with the sport.
The importance of safety: Leashes and body dragging
At Surfers Island, safety is our top priority, which is why we do not use board leashes. Board leashes are dangerous, and according to the IKO (International Kiteboarding Organization), it’s forbidden to teach with them. While they may seem convenient, they pose a serious risk to both the kiter and those around them. If you lose your board, the proper technique is to body drag back to it – this is an essential skill every kiter should learn before attempting water starts.
Why Body Dragging is Important:
Body dragging allows you to recover your board safely without the risks associated
with leashes. It’s a skill that we focus on during your lessons, ensuring that you can
safely retrieve your board while maintaining control of the kite. At Surfers Island, we emphasize body dragging as an integral part of the learning process.
Let us take care of the gear
At Surfers Island, we provide you with all the equipment you’ll need for your lessons. We make sure that your gear is the right fit for your skill level and the current conditions. After each lesson, we’ll walk you through our decisions, explaining why we chose particular equipment for you. This approach ensures that, by the end of your lessons, you’ll not only have learned how to kite safely, but you’ll also have a better understanding of the equipment that you’ll use in future sessions.
Conclusion: Choosing the right equipment for your first kitesurfing lesson is an important step in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. At Surfers Island, we’ve got you covered with beginner- friendly gear that will help you learn the basics and set you up for future success. Our approach to teaching includes not only providing top-notch equipment but also explaining the reasoning behind our choices to help you become a more independent kiter. With the right gear, you’ll be ready to tackle the wind and waves of Fuerteventura in no time!