Kiteboarding: Water Sports - Titan Dive Team

Facts:

It’s a new and fast growing sport.
It is called kitesurfing or kiteboarding or just kiting.
Kitesurfing is safe when safety precautions are met.
Kitesurfing requires a step-by-step approach that takes time to learn.
The equipment costs about RM3,000 to RM7,000 for board and kite.
The water is not cold when you wear a wetsuit that’s designed for the conditions.

Common Kiteboarding Safety Rules:

Kiters should stay 200 feet away from other boats, swimmers and the beach.
Kiters should launch and land only when there is enough room.
Kiters follow sailing right of way rules.
Starboard has right of way over port if the starboard sailor holds their course.
When kiters pass, downwind kiters should fly their kite lower than upwind kiters.
Kiters should always double-check their lines carefully prior to launching.
Kiters should give the landing signal - tap your head - when returning to the beach.
Kiters always offer to assist other kiters, especially to assist those with less experience.

Introduction to KiteBoarding

Kiting has roots that date back to as far as 3000 years ago. Kitesurfing is progressing rapidly with multiple equipment development cycles each year and a constantly improved understanding of how to kite. Kiting is quickly becoming easier to learn, more safe and beginners are getting good fast. At it’s ultimate, kitesurfing allows you to sail fast in light wind, to ride waves and to complete unbelievable aerials.

Learn with an expert

Modern kitesurfing requires careful procedures and planning to setup the kite, launch and land. Kiting with large kites powered by wind to propel a person across the water and through the air is potentially dangerous. A cooperative approach guided by an instructor is preferred to launch and land. Because of the possibility of danger around large kites and kite lines, learning to kite with a more experienced kiter is highly recommended. Follow the instructor’s directions carefully.

Be safe

Kiters are often overcome with enthusiasm. Kiters must be responsible to reign in their enthusiasm and take careful precautions for safe kiting. To ensure safe successful kiting system:

Evaluate the beach and wind — is there a safe place to launch?
Make a plan to land, have 2 backup plans - Are you capable of landing?
Kite with an expert - unless you know you are capable of kiting alone?
Offer prompt assistance to other kiters.
If you need help, ask for help to launch and land safely.
Are all safety requirements satisfied?
Don’t do tricks within 200 feet directly upwind of someone. If you fall, you could hurt someone.

Be cool

Do not endanger other people.
Do not jump within 200 feet from a downwind shore, swimmer or water craft.
Check your lines, carefully prior to launching.
Do not yell at people on the beach, unless it’s necessary.

Basic Concepts

Kitesurfing uses a kite sail to generate lift and uses the board’s edge as a keel to maintain direction and track upwind.
Kitesurfing is a form of sailing that is best initiated with an instructor.
Always kite with a buddy.
Safe boating rules apply; starboard has right of way over port. Starboard must maintain their course. Starboard tack means your right hand is in front and the wind is coming from your right side, port means your left hand is in front, wind is over your left side.
When passing closely, downwind kiters should put their kites lower than upwind kiters.
Always provide immediate assistance to sailors who request assistance.

Wind

First, observe the wind direction. Look at the water, trees, flags etc. for signs of the wind. Second, imagine a clock placed overhead in relation to the wind direction with 12:00 directly overhead. Fly the kite to left and right to 11:00 and 1:00 directly overhead in a stable position. Move the kite across the power zone from 10:00 to 2:00. For a full power stroke as you would when riding move the kite gradually from 3:00 to 1:00 to generate power and lift while learning to control the kite.

Equipment

Kite equipment is evolving quickly. The highest technology materials developed in aerospace technology and sailing are in use by a variety of equipment manufacturers such as carbon fiber, kevlar, spectra line and aerodynamic foil design. Kiting is ultimately hightech, yet developers are creating soft, safe and easy to use equipment.

Pictures courtesy by Star-Board.com

When you initiate kiting on a board in the water, turn slightly downwind then use the board edge to turn slowly upwind once underway. Like sailboats, kites can sail close to the wind and also downwind. The board edge acts as a keel and the kite bar allows the kiter to point by flying the kite close to the wind, or at the edge of the window, in effect sheeting in and out when neccesary to fly upwind. It is poosible ot increase the apparent wind by flying the kite more aggresively.

Lesson

In the first lesson students will focus on evaluating weather and beach conditions, becoming familiar with kiting equipment setup and handling, emergency release and issues affecting safety. Students will learn to handle the bar, launch and land kites. Students will fly a practice kite on the beach and eventually drag in the water powered by a kite. Students may use full size equipment and kite on the water when you're ready.

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SAFETY

OUTDOOR SAFETY

There are dangers to outdoor fun and adventure!

Some of the more extreme dangers will be discussed within our lesson packages though the most common types of accidents and injuries are rarely mentioned. Kiting can be dangerous and no one should attempt to learn to kite without expert instruction and practical experience.

Here are the most common types of injuries associated with outdoor adventure that you can take steps to avoid:

Sunburn:

Sunburn skin damage is among the most common dangers to kiters. Depending on where you kite, the sun can hit in the same place on your body daily, on your back, neck or your face. Use lots of sunscreen and reapply often. Use a head and hair sunscreen as well. Use sunscreen where your body is exposed including your feet. Areas with thin skin are the most sensitive, such as the nose, lips and some areas of your feet such as between your toes. Use waterproof 30 spf or greater. For example, Coppertone and banana boat make excellent products with spf 45.

Attitude:

Aggression and egomania plague outdoor adventure sports like kiting. Take patience and remind yourself of the pleasure and luxury of being outdoors kiting regardless of the weather or outcome of a trick. A bad attitude can take years off your life.

Diet:

Kiters exercise but often fail to eat healthy food. Use a diet plan that tracks your intake and be sure you get a well balanced diet with fruits and vegetables. Stay away from refined sugars.

Stretch:

Kiting is largely anaerobic. Take time to stretch daily and cross-train to increase muscle. Kiting tends to cause shortened muscles due to reduced movement of the arms under constant but slight pressure. A lack of stretching is the prime reason for muscle injuries.

AVOID INJURIES

Traveling to/from kiting:

Many injuries can occur on the way home from kiting when you’re tired, perhaps you had a beer. You're dehydrated. Tired and dehydrated is a dangerous scenario and is a setup for a car accident. Hydrate before driving home for safety. If you’re tired pull over and rest or grab something to eat.

Check your lines:

Attach your lines carefully, without interruption. Doublecheck your lines to be sure they are not crossed. Launch when an opportunity presents.

Uneven kite lines can cause very slight muscle strain. One arm has to work more than the other does. Muscle strain or aggravated repetitive stress is among the most common injury and once the damage is done it can take months to heal. Take the time to check the lines to be sure they are even lengths by tying the lines to a post and check for even lengths. While sailing check to see how they feel. Sometimes leader knots can slip causing a small change that can cause severe stress. If the lines are uneven or the kite pulls to one side, adjust the knots on the leaders to ensure more balanced pull. Lines must be fit to each kite in order to ensure the lines are proper lengths to fly the kite.

Uneven pumping of the kite:

Be very careful to use a straight back and bend your legs. Use both hands and even movements to pump the kite. Don't over stress yourself. Uneven moments can agitate existing injuries such as those mentioned above and increase repetitive strain disorder. Most commonly, people are stronger or more comfortable leading with their right or left hand. Few people are ambidextrous. This natural tendency leads people into injuries by favoring one side. The solution is to take careful efforts to balance your movements evenly to ensure full range of muscle development.

These are just a few of the most common dangers plaguing kiters. These situations happen every day, often imperceptibly until the damage is done. Take care, use patience, be safe and have fun.

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HOW TO KITEBOARDING?
Your First KiteSurfing Session

Everytime you go kitesurfing you are in a potentially dangerous situation. Follow all procedures taught in TITAN’s lessons carefully, under guidence from an instructor, to avoid danger to yourself and to others. Do not attempt to learn without a certified instructor.

Kite on Land to Build Confidence

First, master flying the kite on the beach and have experience launching and landing the kite on the beach in total control, then you’re ready for your first session on the water.

Kiting on the Water — when you’re ready

Complete your kiting equipment check - board, fins, straps, bar, lines, kite, harness, wetsuit and sunscreen.
Prepare for your first session by scouting out the beach launch situation. Choose a area near a popular kite beach and find an open area which is not crowded and ask for help from someone who is experienced. Often times there is a designated area to learn kiting near a kite beach. Generally, light to moderate winds, early in the day are a good time to start. Don’t rush. Be prepared to pass up a bad opportunity for another time when you have an experienced buddy to help in consistent light to moderate wind.
Choose a launch spot — choose a launch that offers a sandy beach with a enough room to layout the lines without endangering people on the beach. Popular kite beaches when the wind is light are a good spot since the crowd is kite savvy.
Choose a landing spot — choose a spot to land that allows you to drop your kite on the water or plan to have someone spot you and catch your kite. Once again, popular kite beaches are great since the crowd is kite savvy. Choose a 2nd landing spot. Choose a last ditch spot.
Layout the lines carefully and ensure the lines are correctly attached to the kite.
Have an experienced kite ammbassador hold the kite while you launch.
Enter the water, move out of the shallows near shore to water that is at least knee deep and is safe location to begin your run.
If you have trouble, don’t panic. Be prepared to drop the kite and use your leash to depower the kite. Always watch out for the safety of those on shore and in the water.

How to Kite —Basic Concepts

Once you’ve launched the kite, go out in water and you’re ready to start kiting you’ll to use a power stroke to power up the kite on a broad reach meaning your heading 90 degrees to the wind. Many beginner kiters make the mistake of flying the kite directly overhead and never fly the kite with a power stroke so they can’t get going. You must fly the kite "across the window," for example, from 12 o’clock overhead to the 3 o’clock to side, up and down to power up and go.

While learning about kiting and generating power, try to fly the kite similar to a rollercoaster, up and down. The hands will move like your handling the steering wheel of a bus, pulling toward you and pushing away. It’s important to build upon smooth controlled movements.

Bear off wind to get going in moderate or light wind.

With the kite flying overhead, put your feet in the footstraps. Start by putting your back foot in the straps. Then put your front in the straps. If it’s light remove your rear foot and move it forward of the rear strap. It’s possible to have only the front foot in the straps to start in light to moderate winds. Point the board — 90 degrees to the wind.
Power up the kite - fly the kite across the window from one side to the other and down to the water.
Edge the board - with weight on the tail.
Maintain steady speed on a reach. If you’re going to fast, edge harder to slow down but don’t stall upwind.

Kite Launch

Choose a safe spot with enough space to launch the kite. You need about 100 feet of beach area to setup the kite, preferably at 90 degrees to the wind.
Inflate the kite and place it upside down in the sand with the back to the wind.
Layout the bar lines straight downwind, separate the lines and check to be sure the lines are and not crossed.
Attach the kite lines.
Have a knowledgeable kiter assist in the launch by holding the kite as you stand ready to launch.
When your kite is fully tensioned and feels ready to fly out of the launcher’s hands, give the thumbs up launch signal for the launcher to let the kite fly.
Fly the kite slowly and steadily to 12 o’clock.

Kite Self-Launch

Choose a safe spot with enough space to launch the kite. You need about 100 feet of beach area to setup the kite, preferably at 90 degrees to the wind.
Inflate the kite and hold the end tip. Allow the kite to lay downwind with the leading edge in line with the wind.
Fold the tip over about 1-2 feet and put sand on the end to hold down the kite. Put enough sand to hold the kite down.
Layout the bar and lines straight downwind, separate the lines and check to be sure the lines are not crossed.
Attach the kite lines, carefully. Doublecheck to ensure they are not crossed and that they are attached properly.
With the bar in hand walk back upwind and stand 90 degrees to the wind to prepare for the launch.
When your kite is fully tensioned at the edge of the window and feels ready to fly take steps backwards until the kite is powered at the edge of the window.
Fly the kite slowly and steadily to 9 or 12 o’clock.
Keep the kite lower, toward the ground to maintain more control, especially in crowds or strong wind

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Kite Landing

When ready to land, approach the shore and choose a safe place to come in that’s clear for landing.
Approach slowly, and give the landing signal — tap your head. Make eye contact with someone who responds and acknowledges your signal by returning the head tap signal.
Land the kite slowly into the arms of the kite catcher, by flying the kite downward, pulling one side of the bar slightly to bring the kite down.
Do not crash the kite into the person, you are in control.
Bring the kite in low so you don’t overshoot the kite catcher.

Kite Self-Landing

When ready to land, approach the shore and choose a safe place to come in that’s clear for landing.
Approach slowly, and give the landing signal — tap your head.
With room to drop your kite downwind of you, fly the kite to 12 oclock, unhook and release the kite while pulling in on the safety leash (your safety leash must be longer than the leading edge of the kite).
Coil the leash line in one hand as you pull in, walk or swim to the kite. Do not allow the lines to wrap around you in anyway. Keep your feet behind you.
Once you reach the kite line, you may wrap the line around the bar, ensuring one side is wrapped first at least the length of the leading edge of the kite.
Wrap the lines as you get to the kite, and grab the kite. Deflate the leading edge when neccesary or simply hold the kite and the lines as you make your way into the beach.
Once on the beach, put your kite upside down, place sand on the leading edge to hold down the kite and unwind the lines in order to be sure they are untangled and ready for your next session.

Relaunching Inflatable Kites

One of the first challenges you may encounter when kiting is the kite relaunch. The kite relaunch usually requires you to swim quickly toward the kite. Assuming the kite has crashed nose first into the water follow these instructions to relaunch.

To initiate a kite relaunch swim to the kite in order to allow the kite to roll onto it’s back. The kite should fall over onto it’s back relatively quickly.
With the kite on it’s back, pull the bar to stop the kite from rolling further. Pull harder on the side of the bar that is closest to the water and point the other end to the kite in order to move the kite to the side. You may assist the position of the kite by swimming. Watch the kite carefully and hang on to the bar. You may be hooked in though it may be easier to control the bar without being hooked in until you have more experience.
With the kite in a crescent moon position slightly off to one side of the window the kite will begin to power and relaunch. Continue to fly the kite to the side and maintain control while it rises into the sky. You will be dragged as the kite powers-up on relaunch. Stay relaxed. The kite will be easier to control when it reaches the top.

Relaunching Ram Air Kites such as F-One or Peter Lynn

Ram air kites — use the 3rd line or backlines to reverse the foil and fly up backwards, then pull the bar more on one side while releasing the 3rd line and fly the kite up. Similarly, wipika kites with a bridle system can be flown off the water in reverse using the rear bridle relaunch lines.

Gybing — Sailing through the gybe - Directional surf style board

The first gybe lesson is intended for directional board riders. While sailing on a reach, remove your back foot from the footstrap. Fly the kite upwards and lead with the kite back across the window and follow through with the board, carving the turn of the gybe with the board. Stay powered and bear off through the gybe as you fly the kite downward and then back upwards to maintain power. Directional riders switch feet after completing the gybe. Maintain power in the kite and keep flying off on a reach. Don’t pinch up and stall the kite or you’ll fall.

Gybing - Changing Direction - Twin Tip

Twin tips are quickly becoming predominant in the sport primarily for their ease in turning and cchanging direction. To turn around or change tacks, head up into the wind to slow to stop. You may drop into the water, slightly. Pull the back hand to fly the kite across the window to the opposite side an initiate sailing on a reach in the opposite direction. Simple!

Jumping —Your First Jump

Fly powered-up on a reach with the kite low. Many kiters jump while hooked in though your first jump will be best if executed while not hooked in, powered up in moderate wind.
Pull hard with the backhand to send the kite upwards, when the kite reaches the top you’ll initiate the jump.
Keep the kite overhead. Stay relaxed and point the board off wind in the direction of the jump.
When you feel ready to land, pull with forward hand to fly the kite in front of you through the jump and ensure the kite is in front on landing.

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WIND DIRECTION AND TERM
W i n d P a t t e r n s

These are some common terms used to describe the wind conditions. If you are already a windsurfer, chances are you have already mastered the lingo. If not, then it is important to learn and understand these terms as they are essential when learning to Kitesurf.

For Wind Speed Table.

Upwind: in the opposite direction as the wind.

Downwind:going in the same direction as the wind (with the wind).

Reaching: travelling perpendicular to the wind (across the wind).

On-Shore: when the wind is blowing from the water towards the shore.

Side-Shore: when the wind is blowing parallel to the shore line (along the beach).

Off-shore: when the wind is blowing from the shore towards the ocean.

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TRICK TIPS

Straight jump

Power up on a reach and edge the board.
Choose a spot to ramp up for the jump on flat water.
Fly the kite low and toward the front edge of the window.
As you approach the jump take off spot, pull in hard with the backhand to send the kite upwards rapidly. As the kite reaches the top of the window, you’ll initiate the jump.
Point the board off-wind in the direction of the jump.
Before the kite goes backwards beyond the top of the window, pull in with the front hand to continue to fly the kite overhead. Do not let the kite fly behind you.
Fly the kite slightly in front of you as you land to maintain the speed and softness of the landing.
Land the board and continue flying the kite.

Straight jump rail grab (hooked in)

Power up on a reach and edge the board.
Choose a spot to ramp up speed for the jump on flat water.
Fly the kite low and toward the front edge of the window.
Pull in hard with the backhand to send the kite upwards rapidly, as the kite reaches the top you’ll initiate the jump.
Point the board in the direction of the jump.
Before the kite goes backwards beyond the top of the window, pull in with the front hand to continue to fly the kite overhead. Do not let the kite fly behind you.
Let go with the backhand and grab the rail of the board and hold it.
Maintain pull on the front hand.
Fly the kite slightly in front of you as you land to maintain the speed and softness of the landing.
Land the board and continue flying the kite with two hands.

Forward 360

Power up on a reach and edge the board.
Choose a spot to ramp up speed for the jump on flat water.
Fly the kite low and toward the front edge of the window, jump hooked in or unhooked.
As you approach the jump take off spot, pull in with the backhand to send the kite upwards.
Initiate a small jump about .5 meters off the water.
Maintain a gentle pull on the front hand as you spin your shoulders forward one slow 360 rotation downwind. Variations on this trick involve rotating the board above you and jumping one handed or with a rail grab.
Fly the kite in front of you as you land the board.
Continue flying the kite in a stable position, while hooked in spin the bar back.

Forward 720

Power up on a reach and edge the board.
Choose a spot to ramp up for the jump on flat water.
Fly the kite low and toward the front edge of the window, jump hooked in or unhooked.
As you approach the jump take off spot, pull in with the backhand to send the kite upwards.
As the kite reaches the top of the window, you’ll initiate the jump. Jump about 1 meter and fly the kite overhead.
As you lift off the water, spin your shoulders and your body hard to make two rotations. A 720 is similar to a 360 with another rotation. While trying your first 360s you may over-rotate and pull a 720 or possibly a 1080.
Variations on this trick involve rotating the board above you and jumping one handed or no handed.

Back 360

Power up on a reach and edge the board.
Choose a spot to ramp up for the jump on flat water.
Fly the kite low and toward the front edge of the window.
As you approach the jump take off spot, pull in with the backhand to send the kite upwards.
As the kite reaches the top of the window, you’ll initiate the jump and point the board up-wind in the direction of the jump. Initiate a small jump .5 meters off the water.
Maintain steady pull on the bar while flying the kite directly overhead.
Rotate your shoulders and body to complete a back 360 turning up into the wind.
Pull with the front hand to fly the kite in front of you through the move.
Keep the kite in front of you and land the board.
Variations on this trick involve rotating the board above you and jumping one handed or no handed while hooked in.

Forward 360 w/handle pass

You must be able to unhook and remain powered. Power up on a reach and edge the board.
Choose a spot to ramp up speed for the jump on flat water.
Fly the kite low and toward the front edge of the window unhooked.
As you approach the jump take off spot, pull in with the backhand to send the kite upwards.
Move your power hand to just front of center of the bar.
As the kite reaches the top of the window, you’ll initiate the jump. Initiate a small jump .1 meters off the water - jump unhooked.
Turn your head and spin your shoulders forward one slow rotation, prior to the peak pass the handle to the other hand behind your back-as you come around grab the bar with both hands.
As you land the board, continue flying the kite in a stable position and hook in.

Monkey (not hooked in)

Power up on a reach and edge the board while unhooked.
Choose a spot to ramp up speed for the jump on flat water.
Fly the kite low and toward the front edge of the window unhooked.
Pull in hard with the backhand to send the kite upwards rapidly, move your strong hand to the near front of center of the bar, as the kite reaches the top you’ll initiate the jump.
Point the board in the direction of the jump.
Use your free hand to grab the rail or let it hang like a monkey.
Land the board and continue flying the kite with two hands.

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GLOSSARY

Kite

2 line inflatable — 2 line kites have fixed position, they are simple and direct.

4 line inflatable — 4 line kites allow the user to change the aperture and shape of the kite to increase power or decrease in a gust. 4 lines are preferred by the majority.

2 line ram air — Highly efficient and sensitive design.

3 —4 line ram air — Similar to 2 line with relaunch lines to fly the kite backwards when it crashes.

Bars

Bar length — bar length corresponds to kite size and control. A longer bar is used with a larger kite or for increased control. A shorter bar is less sensitive to movements, which is helpful, when you are on a smaller kite in high wind.

Bar technology- Carbon, Aluminium, 4 lines vs 2 lines, harness line holes in the bar center versus an attachment or straps

Bar leash - optional leashes provide the benefit of a depower leash. Release mechanism — kite bars may be equiped with a line attached about 3 meters up to one line to allow the kiter to let go and depower the kite entirely by pulling hard on one line and laying out the kite flat on the water.

Ride Bar

Relaunch lines and bridles

Ram air kites use 3rd line to trailing edge to fly in reverse and launch

Inflatable kites use relaunch bridles attached to the lines.

Harness line

Power loop — full power, simplicity.

Chicken loop — depowering capability, requires 4 lines.

Boards

Directional — surfboard style board with definitive nose and tail and footstraps.

Twintip — works equally in both directions with footstraps or bindings.

Wakeboard — uses a small board with twin tip and secure footstraps or bindings.

Board Leash - Optional board leashes provide benefits but also may cause injury if the board hits you in the head.

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All picture courtesy by airush.com

Weather Forecast

Kiteboarding Fact & e-Learning	Plan Your Kiteboarding Journey	Kiteboarding Syllabus
Get to surfing with wind and wakebaording with wave. Sounds Impressive. Here is your e-Learning courses to get some background of what is kiteboaring is all about? Look no further, you'll find all the facts right here. Let browse the lesson step by step to give you a better view and understand of the sport.	In Malaysia, we offer a great wave and tide for kiters to surf in east & west coast of peninsular. It’s a new and fast growing sport. However it attract a lot of new kiters interest to get into this new sport.	This is a brief of introduction of Kiteboarding courses. It provides you a preparation before go into the actual course. Hope you'll find something useful in this course. (In Progressing)
Introduction to Kiteboarding	Peninsular Malaysia	Beginner Kiteboarding Courses
Safety	East Malaysia	Advance Kiteboarding Courses
How to Kiteboarding	Thailand
Wind direction and term
Trick Tips
Glossary



Updated on 2 February 2003. 21:40 ver 3.0	Titan Dive Team
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