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Kitesurfing Knowledge

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Toby
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Kitesurfing Knowledge

Postby Toby » Wed Jan 04, 2017 2:43 pm

Here you can find a lot of helpful knowledge about Kitesurfing.

Wind Window

The wind window is the area where the kite can fly. On its edge, the kite generates its minimal power, because it only receives the true wind. It is also where we use the kite clock as reference for teaching. Positions 9 and 3 o'clock are also called launching and landing positions. 12 o’clock can be called the Zenith too. On the center of the wind window, the kite will be able to accelerate and create an “induced wind” which associated to the “true wind” will be called “apparent wind”. This is where the kite can generate its maximum power.
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The Drop Zone

The drop zone is located under the wind window. The drop zone must be kept clear of any obstacle for the rider’s safety and others’. Do you know how to calculate it? The drop zone is anywhere underneath the wind window where the kite can drop, plus the size of the leash in extension and the size of the kite span in the case the rider releases the chicken loop quick release. This means that for a 12 m kite on 25 m lines, the diameter of the drop zone will be around 60 m!!! This is one of the reason why IKO uses short lines to teach beginners.
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The Safety Zone

The safety zone corresponds to 3 lines length. This is the area beyond the drop zone that a pilot keeps clear of any obstacles because it takes time and distance to stop a kite. When the wind is stronger, the size of the safety zone should be increased. A cautious kiteboarder should also keep a safety zone upwind of him and not let another kiter get too close.
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User avatar
Toby
Very Frequent Poster
Posts: 50281
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2001 1:00 am
Kiting since: 2000
Weight: 95 kg
Local Beach: Cumbuco, Brazil
Barra do Cauipe, Brazil
Favorite Beaches: same
Style: Airstyle
Gear: Rebel 2015 18
Brand Affiliation: None.
Location: World (KF Admin)
Has thanked: 826 times
Been thanked: 2354 times
Contact:

Re: Kitesurfing Knowledge

Postby Toby » Wed Jan 04, 2017 2:46 pm

Right of Way - The Golden Rule

There are many Right of Way rules that kiters need to be aware of. The most important one is the Golden Rule! When two riders are kiting in the opposite direction, the one going upwind must keep the kite high and the one going downwind must keep the kite low. Being aware of this simple rule will allow you to kite in a crowded spot without tangling your lines with others. Many beginners are not aware of the Golden Rule and tend to bring their kite up every time they approach another kiter who, as a result, will have to bring his kite up too and stop.
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Right of Way - Rules

Would you drive a car without knowing the right of way rules? The answer is no! The same logical applies to kiteboarding. Spots are every time more crowded and kiters travel a lot. It is important to have a common language to make the session safer and more enjoyable. There are many rules, but always remember that the kiter with the most manoeuvrability must give way to the other one or other beach users, exception made to the Starboard rider who has the ROW over the others.
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Right of Way - Rules

Would you drive a car without knowing the right of way rules? The answer is no! The same logical applies to kiteboarding. Spots are every time more crowded and kiters travel a lot. It is important to have a common language to make the session safer and more enjoyable. There are many rules, but always remember that the kiter with the most manoeuvrability must give way to the other one or other beach users, exception made to the Starboard rider who has the ROW over the others.
5th.jpg
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User avatar
Toby
Very Frequent Poster
Posts: 50281
Joined: Mon Sep 24, 2001 1:00 am
Kiting since: 2000
Weight: 95 kg
Local Beach: Cumbuco, Brazil
Barra do Cauipe, Brazil
Favorite Beaches: same
Style: Airstyle
Gear: Rebel 2015 18
Brand Affiliation: None.
Location: World (KF Admin)
Has thanked: 826 times
Been thanked: 2354 times
Contact:

Re: Kitesurfing Knowledge

Postby Toby » Wed Jan 04, 2017 2:51 pm

Jump Safety

Are you ready to attempt your first jumps? What an exciting moment in every kiter’s life that is going to become 3 Dimensional! However make sure to respect the following basics to ensure your safety! Do not try your first jump on gusty winds or strong winds. Light steady wind is the one you are looking for! Always wear a helmet and an impact vest to avoid injuries. Remember to keep a clear zone of at least 30m upwind and 50m downwind. Never forget that when you jump you lose the right of way. A piece of advice, focus on the board’s pop without any kite movement at first, it is the key to jump very high later using the kite.
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Riding on a Wave

Tired of flat water twin-tip riding? Challenge yourself and diversify your practice riding the waves! You can use your twin-tip for the first discovery attempts however it is recommended to switch for a directional board, keeping the straps for aggressive riding, or removing them for smooth or freestyle riding! You will be more in contact with the element. Be sure to know the tides, currents and that the waves are not too big for you! Never use a board leash as it is very dangerous and remember that the rider riding a wave has the priority over the others.
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You wanna start kiteboarding, here are some beginner tips

Ready to finally jump off the plane and start kiteboarding? If not well organized, a first kite experience can be frustrating… You will need 3 to 5 days of practice to become an independent rider. This means 3 to 5 days of wind... So first of all, select the spot where you want to learn and check on several sources what the best time of the year is in terms of wind probability. Schedule a stay of at least 2 weeks so you have more chances to hit these windy days.
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How to buy used kite gear

Now that your first course is done, you may want to buy your first kite equipment! You still might crash your kite from time to time and possibly break it. For this reason buying a second-hand gear is a good alternative as it will have fewer financial consequences. Before buying a second-hand kite, be sure to physically see it. First thing first, pump it up and control it stays inflated. While inflated check out for repairs, or small tears. Watch closer the leading edge, valves and especially the trailing edge. You must also control the lines and the general state of the fabrics all over the bar. Look for small knots that would weaken the lines. For boards, check if you see any holes due to impacts. Watch the fabric state of the straps and pads. Ask for the year of the equipment and compare the prices on the market to be able to negotiate it. If you are not experienced, the help of a more advanced kiter is always welcome!

http://se.kiteforum.com/adsitems
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