KITEBOARDING GUIDE
The ultimate Kiteboarding Guide A-Z
OVERVIEW
This ultimate kiteboarding guide is not a replacement lesson! To learn kiteboarding safely you DO need an experienced and qualfied instructor. At least until until you are riding upwind with control, for your saftey and for the saftey of others.
We wanted to give our students an easy learning experience. So, we put together all the information we believe to help you on your kiteboarding journey. Saving you time during your kiteboarding course and giving you a tool to always look back on if you were to forget any of the useful tips and tricks we are about to walk you through. We hope that you can take advantage of this detailed kiteboarding guide for faster progression and enjoy our collection of tips, videos and tables for a unique way of learning.
KITEBOARDING GUIDE PRE STUDY MATERIAL
We have split this kiteboarding guide into 4 sections. Kiteboarding THEORY introduction, LESSON PLAN for students, AFTER COURSE TIPS and an ADVANCED section. Section 1 And 2 are for beginners, designed for Perukite students or clients wishing to refresh their knowledge. Following by section 3 which is for kiteboarders looking for skills to help becoming an independent rider. Finally Section 4 is for advanced riders and anybody wanting to join the kiteboarding community. We have even put together a list of forums, blogs, podcasts, helpful websites and the best wind forecast to use.
KITEBOARDING GUIDE SECTION 1
THEORY
These videos and tables are the first steps to learn kiteboarding. This section has been designed so you can avoid speaking about theory during your valuable time on the beach. We will, of course, be testing your knowledge and making sure you understand the fundamentals throughout your lesson. Our goal is to get you to enjoy kiteboarding safely and independently. A crucial step in achieving this is due to your understanding of a few important theoretical basics. Learn in your own time or always have this kiteboarding guide to look back on.
WIND WINDOW
The wind window is the name given to the three-dimensional area downwind of the pilot that the kite can fly in. Different lengths of the kite lines will determine the radius of that a particular wind window. Understanding the concept of the wind window is critical if you want to progress in the sport.
WIND DIRECTIONS
Where is the wind coming from?
The wind can arrive at different angles depending on the orientation of your beach. Please find below your study material (In viedo) to help you distinguish the safe directions from the unsafe.
At the beginning of every lesson, we will ask you to assess the wind direction and strength. All the pictures below is at our main teaching location so you can get your self-familiar to it before arriving. As you can see Paracas is a U shaped bay with the wind coming from the SOUTH. Making the direction offshore/ cross offshore. With this wind direction and the large peninsular that protects the bay is what gives us flat water.
KNOW YOUR KITE BEACH
Thankfully, there is a huge space between two very large sand dunes which allows clean wind in the perfect direction giving us a great kiteboarding location. Due to this Paracas has a venturi effect thats increases the wind that can not be read on weather stations that predict the forecast. This venturi effect is what gives paracas so much wind. The wind starts in Paracas National Reserve, and as the sun heats up throughout the day the wind gets stronger and stronger then pushes through the reserve until it hits the bay where it finally starts to calm down as it leaves Paracas.
TOP TIPS
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First turn your face into the wind. When you feel the wind blowing equally in both ears, then you are facing upwind.
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Use a visual cue such as a flag or windsock to find the wind direction.
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Pinch sand from the beach with your hand and then release it to see which way the sand blows away.
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WIND STRENGTHS
Wind is the key element to kiteboarding and it is important to know how to determine the wind strength. The wind strength and your body weight will determine the kite size you will need to use. Windguru, Seabreeze, and Windy are excellent reliable wind forecast so make sure to check the forecast before arriving. You can also buy a wind reader like Kaindl Windmaster 2 and get an accurate reading right there on the spot. Or you can use these tips below to make a general judgment. Please note that all locations will have different effects of the wind and these tips are uselful for Parcas beach and as a genral rule of thumb only.
USE THESE USEFUL TIPS;
| Observation from a beach fully exposed to the wind. | Approximate wind strength | Description and image/video | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calm flat water or a few ripples but no white caps in sight | Below 10 knots | Extreme Light Wind | This is perfect Hydrfoiling conditions otherwise you will need light wind specific equipment and a lot of experience. Water relaunching is extremely difficult in light wind. |
| White caps will start to fill the ocean. | Around 10 – 15 knots | Light Wind | EASY LEARNING CONDITIONS. This is very calm wind, you will still need bigger kites which will make the movements slower and smoother. Good for beginners but may still be a little light for heavier riders. |
| Dry sand gently moving on the beach and ocean full of white caps | 15 – 20 knots | Moderate Wind | SWEET SPOT – Perfect learning conditions with steady winds. We will use our Medium size range of equipment which is very stable and easy to learn. |
| A noticeable thick layer of sand blowing continuously on the beach.. | 20 – 25 knots | Strong Wind | We provide our students with much smaller kites and boards to reduce speed in these types of conditions. |
| Loose sand will be blasting your legs by now and thick sand will be blowing strong over the beach. You may even see the wind blow the tops of the waves creating a spray | 25 + Knots | Very Strong Wind | Extra caution must be taken when riding in strong winds.We do not teach in wind over 25 knots. It can be too strong and too dangerous for learning. Only more experienced kiters with small kites should be out in those conditions but if you are experienced you can also ride in winds much stonger but there are much greater risks. |
WIND EFFECTS
Can the wind be obstructed in my location? Certainly, Be aware.
Good quality STEADY winds are essential for progression in kiteboarding. Make sure you choose SAFE locations when riding in a new spot. Gusty poor quality winds can be very dangerous and must be avoided by learners. When you arrive at a new kiteboarding location, it is important to spot obstacles likely to create wind effects (or wind turbulence). These can be sand dunes, trees, and any other landmarks. It can be highly dangerous to fly your kite too close, over or downwind of large obstacles as the wind will be behaving in an unpredictable manner. For more information about wind effects check out this video:
LOCATION ANALYSIS
What makes a location safe or unsafe for learning?
As a beginner, you need to choose a safe location for learning. A beginner friendly location is typically where you will find a wide beach with soft sand to safely set up, launch and land your kite. It’s also where you will find fewer beach users as well as fewer obstacles (trees, lamposts, piers etc.) and fewer dangers both on the beach (rocks, shells, finshing nets) and in the water. Large waves and shores breaks must be avoided by beginners.
KITEBOARDING GUIDE SECTION 2
LESSON PLAN
These videos are in order of the steps you will take during your kiteboarding course. If you are a visual learner you may benefit from watching these videos before attending our lesson. besides, you can always look back if you forget any of the exercises we demonstrated after your course is complete to recap. This part of the kiteboarding guide is to help you undertand the excerises needed before trying the board, they are not a replacement lesson and we advise all learners to try these excersises with a quifiled kiteboarding instructor.
KITE SET UP
LAUNCHING & LANDING
KITE CONTROL & BODY DRAGGING
WATER RELAUNCHING
KITESURF SELF RESCUE
BOARD START
RIDING & STOPPING
RIGHT OF WAY RULES
PACK DOWN
COMMON MISTAKES
KITEBOARDING GUIDE SECTION 3
AFTER YOUR COURSE
Well done! You have completed your course and are now ready for your first steps to becoming independent. In this section of the kiteboarding guide, we will cover everything you will need to know about buying equipment. As well as maintaining your gear and those essential skills when kiteboarding alone.
BUYING EQUIPMENT
What equipment is right for me?
There is no such thing as a beginner kite but there are kites with characteristics that are good for beginners. Such as the Rally from Slingshot or Envy from Liquid Force which are all-around kites, easy to learn but also has great performance that you won’t outgrow. It doesn’t matter if you are aiming to just jump high or to land your first freestyle moves these kites will do it all.
KITE SIZES
Kite sizes are measured by square meters, i.e. a 9m kite has a total surface area of 9 square meters. It is important you choose the right size of kite and board size. Those decisions will mostly depend on your body weight, average wind strength and skill level . Below is a guideline to help you choose the correct kite and board size. Keep in mind that during your first lessons, for safety reasons, you will most likely be using kite sizes that are much smaller. Also keep in mind that not all kites generate the same power, so a 9m kite from a certain brand could be as powerful as a 10m kite from a different brand or model.
USE THIS TABLE
| Weight (KG) | Single Kite Beginner (18 to 25 knots) | Single Kite Intermediate (15 to 25 knots) | Two Kite Quiver (15 to 35 knots) | Three kite quiver (10 to 35 knots) | Recommended Approximate Board length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | 6 or 7m | 6 or 7m | 6/7m + 4/5m | 9m + 6/7m + 4/5m | 125-132cm |
| 60 | 7 or 8m | 7 or 8m | 7/8m + 5/6m | 12m + 7/8m + 5/6m | 126-134cm |
| 70 | 8 or 9m | 8 or 9m | 8/9m + 6/7m | 3/14m + 8/9m + 6/7m | 30-136cm |
| 80 | 9 or 10m | 9 or 10m | 9/10m + 7/8m | 15/16m + 9/10m + 7/8m | 132-139cm |
| 90 | 10 or 11m | 10 or 11m | 10/11m + 7/8m | 17/18m + 10m + 7m | 135-142cm |
| 100 | 11 or 12m | 11 or 12m | 11/12m + 8/9m | 17/18m + 11m + 8m | 137-145cm |
| 110 | 12 or 13m | 12 or 13m | 12/13m + 9/10m | 18/19m + 12m + 9m | 139-150cm |
VISIT OUR SHOP
Check our online shop for everything you need at great prices. We are the distributors for Prolimit, Slingshot kite, and dealers of Liquid Force Kiteboarding. Delivering straight to your doorstep after your kitesurfing course to save the hassle of extra bags and save airport fees.
At perukite, we offer demos to experienced riders! Just speak to our staff on Santo Domingo bay and ask them to show you our range of equipment. If you are still unsure, please get in touch, we are here to help.
USED EQUIPMENT
Be careful when buying a used kite, unfortunately, like with any second-hand sales, there is, of course, the risk of buying faulty equipment. Here are some tips to help avoid making this mistake.
TOP TIPS
Beginners should avoid buying C kites, these are for advanced freestyle riders only & will slow your progression.
Do NOT buy online without checking!
Ask to take it for a ride.
When viewing a used kite always:
Check the kite is holding air – (Wait an hour with the kite fully pumped and struts closed)
Look for rips, tears or holes – (Hold the kite up to the light for obvious markings)
View the stitching and material – (Feel the material, if it feels thin, it is thin! any loose threads shows ageing!)
Always check if the lines are stretched and tuned correctly.
Walk the lines out feeling for any knots or tears
HARNESS
Everybody is different!
Seat harness – Typically used for beginners as it offers more support and brings the bar closer to the body making it easier to control. This is also a great option if you have lower back pain.
Waist Harness – Standard harness, offers more freedom in movement but less support. Recommended only after taking your course as can be more uncomfortable when ill-fitted
TIPS
When buying a Harness some shops will have a harness attachment so you can hook in and lean back to simulate the feeling, allowing you to discover if its comfortable, and fits well.
If your buying a used harness always check to see if your Kite knife is still attached to the spreader bar. This is an essential tool in dangerous situations if ever caught in lines or fishing nets!
DO NOT
Buy a board leash – PERIOD! They are dangerous and have cost lives. We will teach you the essential skills to recover your board!
If you are struggling and looking for a piece of equipment to help with this issue then we highly recommend buying a GO-JOE – An inflatable device designed to sit unobtrusively between your feet on the board, you won’t even notice the Go-Joe when riding. However, lose your board and the Go-Joe’s inflated body will flip your board over for you and catch the wind, sailing the board downwind so that it is never far from you after a crash or hard landing.
MAINTENANCE
Taking good care of your equipment is extremely important to have safe working material.
Use these tips provided to get the maximum life from your gear.
KITE
When pumping make sure to roll out the kite fully to avoid bladder twist. (This can damage and even cause it to explode from the high pressure)
Don’t leave your kite in the sun for a long period of time for several reasons – (Your kite will age very fast from the UV damage and In extremely hot places it can even cause the bladder to expand and burst! (If you are taking a small break its recommended to leave your kite in a shaded area or deflate your kite just a little to avoid expansion)
Don’t leave your kite on the beach for long periods in strong winds ( Flapping of the material can wear thin quickly)
Don’t store your kite in hot humid places (The glue will start to melt and become loose)
Never pack a wet/damp kite (This can create mold and damage the material)
Always patch small holes immediately (A small hole can become a big hole fast, most kite bags have a repair kit inside with patches, be sure to patch both sides)
BAR
Bars can stretch very easy, sometimes due to continuously looping to one side, snagging on a rock, getting caught in heavy seaweed or simply due to age but this is not the end of the life for your bar.
Wash with fresh water after EVERY session
When setting up the lines ALWAYS run your fingers up the lines and check for knots or tears
If you have stretched lines watch this video to help retune your bar –
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u0xzVO-yd5U)
BOARD | HARNESS | ACCESSORIES
These are all very easy to keep but if kiting in salt water always rinse every piece of equipment with fresh water and dry out of direct sunlight. By accessories we mean, helmets, rash vests, headphones, impact vest etc.
WETSUIT CARE
When buying a wetsuit you’ll appreciate a tight hug fit to keep you warm! So it is crucial to care for your wetsuit to avoid stretching, holes and general wear and tear.
TIPS
AVOID hanging your wetsuit by the shoulders with a coat hanger (This will destroy the material as its extremely heavy when wet and will pull and wear away)
Wash your suit with fresh water after your session ( This will keep the zips from seizing up)
Dry your suit inside out ( To avoid sunlight bleaching the material)
Never use a washing machine or tumble dryer to dry out your wetsuit ( This will destroy your suit)
Or leave your wetsuit in your car or hot places ( Heat will cause neoprene to lose its elasticity and to some degree, even its shape)
And of course, don’t pee in your wetsuit – for obvious reasons! 🙂
PUMP
Nobody likes a stiff pump! This is simply due to poor care.
TIPS
Regularly clean your pump – (Sand will start to build up inside, unscrew the lid clean often)
Vaseline the inside – (This will keep it greasy and smooth to handle)
Keep pump out of sunlight – (Sunlight will age your pump and in extreme cases due to heat make the pump stiffer)
ESSENTIAL SKILLS
DEEP WATER PACK DOWN
This is an essential skill to have when you are caught in off-shore winds or have a punctured kite.
SELF LANDING
This is only recommended after you have enough experience and feel very confident. If there is someone around to launch you, then there is no reason to be self-launching, as things can go wrong.
KITEBOARDING GUIDE SECTION 4
ADVANCED
All of us at Perukite want you to keep going in your kiteboarding journey. So, we have put together some inspiration for you to advance your kitesurfing skills. Check out these helpful websites to join a community of thousands of others learning to kiteboard just like you. In this section of the kiteboarding guide you will find tricktionary videos, forums, podcast, blogs and the best wind forecast to use.
TRICKTIONARY
Looking for inspiration? How to develop your skills or new ideas for tricks to try. We have put together 4 of our favorite tricktionary videos on this kiteboarding guide to get you started. All of these videos comes with a detailed explanation and step by step tips on the Vimeo description. Follow the link for more info.
DARKSLIDE
BACKROLL KITELOOP
BACK MOBE
RALEY
PODCAST
Tune in and catch up with Adrian on Kitesurf365. Adrian sets out to meet and talk to riders, share new kite spots, talk about new gear with the aim of enhancing the kiteboarding community.
You can listen to our episode HERE and learn about Perukites future plans in Paracas with Paracas Kite Camp.
KITE CAMPS WORLDWIDE
Book unique surfing holidays and surf lessons worldwide. Shakabay is the first platform for water sports, providing global marine weather forecast and connecting enthusiasts with locals and professionals all over the world.
KITEFORUM
Join in on discussions happening all around the world on the largest Kiteforum. Created by Pro Rider and Airstyle Master Toby Braeuer. Find the latest kite news, videos, events, and competition results.
MAGAZINES
The Kite Mag is the ultimate magazine for kiteboarders! Sharing only the best content out there, each issue is filled with juicy inspirational awesomeness! The Kite Mag is for everyone, first-timers, and even pros.
BLOGS
There are so many useful blogs out there but one of our favourites is definitely Wake Up Stoked. Created by travel-addicted wind and wave chaser from Germany, Miriam keeps the passion alive and shares her best tips and travel inspiration.
WEBSITES
When, Where, Kite is a great website to help you plan your next kiteboarding holiday. Get familiar with the seasons and find out where the best places to kite and when.
WEATHER STATIONS
Finding a suitable wind forecast can sometimes completely depend on your location. Certain forecasts can read areas better than others so always ask your local kite schools or local riders for their recommendations. Below are two of our favourite forecast that we use as a daily tool.
Wind guru gives great in-depth information such as wind strength, wind direction, swell, cloud cover temperature on an easy to read graph.
Windy TY gives you a real-time live visual of the wind and its natural movement around the world.
Remember that there are many complex weather systems such as venturi and thermals effects that cannot be predicted, such as in Paracas.
Dont worry if you are unsure how to read these graphs. You can speak to us and we will talk you through it.
Remember, we’re here to help.
If you want to share your comments or add anything to this kiteboarding guide please feel free to get in touch!
We hope you’re enjoying your lessons and this Ultimate Kiteboarding Guide
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING PERUKITE TO BE AT THE START OF YOUR KITEBOARDING JOURNEY
MAY THE WIND BE WITH YOU
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