By Admin 
Posted on March 16, 2022
Flying over water is still a dream for so many people, while some are out there learning to kitesurf. Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding, is practiced by young, old, beginners, and experienced riders alike. The main joy of kitesurfing is that it brings you close to nature, including both wind and water. Therefore, beginners need to understand the wind and its potential repercussions. There are certainly more factors that have to be kept in mind while kitesurfing, such as using the right equipment.
Now, this is a kind of sport that has gained huge popularity over the years. However, some people may still feel anxious about what it is. Actually, it's quite a simple activity where a kite is attached to your body, and you stand on a board with your feet. Then, you use the wind to glide on the surface of the water. It is an accessible sport that anyone can learn, regardless of age.
Firstly, your instructor will help you understand the wind and how to use it for kitesurfing. Several wind factors are involved, such as where the wind is coming from, what good wind looks like for kiting, what the wind window is, where you can fly the kite, and many more. Other than wind, there are other factors to keep in mind, such as the following:
» How does kite work
» Your safety system
» The danger spots
» Meaning of upwind and downwind
After getting introduced to these basic points, it's time for you to take a hands-on approach with the kite. With a little practice, you can gain good control of the kite. Then, the instructor will teach you exercises with the kite in the water, including body dragging, control, and re-launching. Once you have mastered these practices and your instructor sees potential in you as a kite surfer, you will learn how to do a water start.
» Theory:- It involves evaluating the wind direction, choosing a suitable location, understanding the wind flow, and being clear about your thoughts.
» Set your kite equipment accurately: - Start by learning the difference between pump kites and foil kites. You will also learn how to manage your kite.
» Pre-flight checks: - Checking everything before launching your kite is crucial to avoid any mishaps.
» Kite control: - Learn how to use proper control bar methods and steer the kite, including powering and de-powering the kite.
» Dry water starts: - Practice simulated water starts over land to build your muscle strength and memory.
Once you are done with all the aspects of step 1, the next step is all about learning body dragging, relaunching the kite from the water, self-rescue systems, and water starting with the help of a board. Overall, this step focuses more on improving your piloting skills, which involve further steps.
» Learn to pilot the kite using a single hand.
» Relaunch the kite from the water.
» Practice upwind and downwind body dragging.
» Learn how to rescue yourself.
» Perform your first water starts with the board.
» Here you will improve your kite relaunching skills from the water.
» Continue practicing water starts with the board.
» Learn to glide over the water.
» Always follow the right-of-way rules.
» Vella Island (aka. ‘Magic spot ') This is one of the best kite spots in Kalpitiya that people usually talk about. In summers when the wind blows offshore, it creates a perfect starting point for huge downwinders (for up to 25k).
» Kalpitiya Lagoon Kalpitiya is a little town on the Puttalam Lagoon peninsula on Sri Lanka's northwestern coast. It is well renowned for its high seasonal winds and numerous lagoons, which produce buttery smooth water ideal for novices and freestyle riders. Kiteboarders can visit our kite school in the Kalpitiya lagoon. If you're looking for kitesurfing training, the environment at our kite school is worth visiting.
» Donkey point This place is named after donkeys because wild donkeys have been seen roaming around there. This works great for those looking for a kitesurfing spot that is a mix of ocean waves and flat water in a safe and open environment. The wind there is consistent.
» Kappalady Lagoon This is a place that has the capacity of holding up to 50 kiters, which is why people usually prefer this place. It is a quiet and beautiful spot that makes you just hop, skip and jump away from the sea. The plus point is that you can kitesurf off the beach here.
Talking about IKO, it is an international organization that has gained popularity for ensuring safe growth in this spectacular sport with a set of rules to understand this sport. That's the main aim of creating IKO, to promote safe learning, teaching, and practice of kiteboarding. The IKO schools provide noticeable results to the students who want to become independent kiteboarders. There are unique quality criteria for the training instruction that ensures the student's safe and efficient learning. IKO provides standard teaching to its students as it has experienced instructors to do this job.
It is most important to take lessons from well-certified and experienced IKO instructors. An IKO instructor has responsibilities towards their students, and that’s the reason they teach according to the IKO community standards. They teach you about your safety and the safe use of your equipment. It is also their responsibility to check the kite before you fly.
Sri Lanka's kitesurfing season runs from mid-May to the end of September, which is the main season. However, there is also a windy season from December through early March, which is great for kitesurfing beginners. If you travel during the winter, the wind will be less steady, and you may experience both good and bad days. That is why adventurers flock to the island nation between May and September. December to early March is also known for the festive season in Kalpitiya, and within these months, the wind won’t let you down. So these are the months of celebration for the kiters when they can learn and do kitesurfing more efficiently. But for beginners, it is important to learn from IKO schools and instructors because trying it on your own can be harmful.
