Kiteboards Information and Learn about Wakeboarding

by David Hagerman

Kiteboards- A Fundamental Tool For All Kiteboarding Enthusiasts

What is kiteboarding all about? Simply put, you fly a specifically designed kite and let it propel you as you use kiteboards to surf the water. There is no need for any motor boat or any other artificial wake. You simply let the kite do the propulsion for you and simply use the power to move over the water.

Kiteboards are specifically designed boards made out of wood, foam or, as is the recent trend, composite fiber glass. There are many factors to be considered when opting for kiteboards. Some of them are listed below:

a. Length of the board

The length of the board is one of the most important factors to be considered when purchasing kiteboards. The most parameter to be considered when purchasing the kiteboard is weight of the individual. If you weigh more than the average individual, you should opt for a board in excess of 150 cm in length. Further, if you are just beginning to participate in this sport, then you should opt for a longer board. The board will be slightly difficult to maneuver. This will prevent you from going out of control even by mistake. Experienced surfers should opt for kiteboards less than 140 cm in length. This makes it very easy for the surfer to control the board and even perform tricks if needed. The lightest kiteboards are best for really advanced tricks like spins and inverted tricks.

b. Width of the board

Kiteboards for experts are short in length but more in width. This makes the ride very smooth and also helps the individual control the board better. If you weigh a lot, a shorted but wider kiteboard will serve you well.

c. Rocker

Kiteboards with low rockers are very stable and facilitate easier acceleration and better control. On the other hand, a higher and sharp rocker will make it easier for the individual to perform tricks and stunts.

d. Edge of the kiteboards

The edge is called the rail. Sharp rails make it easier for the individual to accelerate quickly. This helps the board grip the water better and this has a huge impact on the performance of the kiteboard.

e. Safety

Safety has become a very important issue for kiteboards. People often lose control of kites and land on other individuals or even on hard places thereby injuring others or themselves. To enhance safety, the bottom of the board is made as flat as possible. The recent trend is to design the bottoms with a concave shape to make it stick to the water and give additional traction to the rider.

f. Bindings

These boards too have bindings like wakeboards. However, there are three types of bindings which include foot straps, plates and boots. The foot strap merely straps your foot to the board. This is a cost effective solution but is not the most comfortable option. Plates are footpads combined with foot straps. Boards that integrate this option are more comfortable than those that offer foot straps. On the other hand, boots, just like wakeboards, are perfect as far as comfort is concerned. However, you will find it very difficult to get it off in an emergency.

Go to Wakeboard Zone to get your free ebook about Wakeboarding at Wakeboard. Wakeboard Zone also has information on Kiteboards and a Wakeboarding Forum where you can connect with others who love Wakeboarding. You can Find your free Ebook on Wakeboarding at http://www.wakeboardzone.org/.