Kitesurfing classes are an essential requirement for the pursuers of the adventure sport. While it may be an exciting and adrenaline-pumping activity, there is a danger of injury as well. Therefore, the participants must undergo training to master kitesurfing while ensuring their safety. Unlike cycling or skating, you can’t learn kitesurfing on your own. You may pose a danger to yourself as well as others if you engage in the sport unsupervised and without any formal training.
What is Kitesurfing?
Kitesurfing is one of the extreme sports that has become mainstream in the past decade or two. At its core, it can be considered a combination of wakeboarding and paragliding, although it does inherit a few aspects of other extreme sports like sailing and windsurfing. It may also be known as kiteboarding. The individual who engages in the sport is called a kitesurfer.
Like wakeboarding, a kitesurfer makes use of a twin-tip, bi-directional board. Sometimes, a hydro foil board or a directional surfboard may be used instead. While a wakeboarder is pulled behind a boat using ropes, the kitesurfer harnesses the power of the wind. A sail or bladder called a power kite is employed for the same. It is like a parasail and pulls the kitesurfer using the force of the wind. However, it does not generate enough force to make the kitesurfers fly, although they may be airborne for a few seconds. Surfers ride the waves, while kitesurfers sail across the water as the power kite pulls them with the wind. The power kite is attached to the surfer using a harness along with about twenty meters of flying lines. A control bar allows the individual to maneuver it easily.
Why Attend Kitesurfing Classes?
Self-teaching kitesurfing or any other extreme sports is haphazard. There will always be a random variable, and you will never be in complete control of your power kite. As kitesurfing harnesses the power of wind, it can be challenging to manage your direction and momentum. If you lose control, you will possibly be at the mercy of the wind. It is quite possible to get tangled in the flying lines if you are not careful. These situations can lead to severe and even life-threatening injuries. It is important to learn and master kitesurfing in an organized fashion to mitigate the risk of injury.
Kitesurfing classes are taught by qualified instructors who have years of experience both practicing and teaching the sport. They have made and watched others make mistakes and can prevent you from repeating them. You learn important lessons in kitesurfing classes like rules to follow, the right of way, relaunching from the water, and avoiding collisions. One of the main advantages of kitesurfing classes is that they teach self-rescue to kitesurfers. They are trained to free themselves and get to safety in case of any mishaps or mishappenings. Therefore, it is essential to attend kitesurfing classes to ensure your safety and learn about the sport in a safe and conducive environment.
There are a few additional benefits of enrolling in kitesurfing classes.
Gear Rental
Many organizations that conduct kitesurfing classes may allow students to rent gear. Most individuals will purchase their own wetsuit and water shoes. However, you will require additional items like a surfboard, control bar, harness, kite with flying lines, pump, helmet, lifejacket, and an impact vest. It may be quite expensive to purchase these yourself. However, by enrolling in kitesurfing classes, you can rent them for cheap. The facilities generally have a wide variety of boards and foil boards suitable for kitesurfers with varying skill levels. It will also be convenient as you won’t have to carry your gear from your home to the class. A few institutes may even provide complimentary wetsuits with some of their coaching packages.
Insurance Coverage
An underlooked yet crucial advantage of kitesurfing classes is that they may provide insurance coverage. While most professional kitesurfing classes implement safety measures to keep their students safe, there is still a risk of injury, no matter how minuscule. Your standard health insurance may not cover any injuries or mishappenings resulting from adventure sports. Professional kitesurfing classes may cover insurance in their package. If you have to incur medical expenses in case of an unforeseen event, the insurance will take care of them.
Emergency Support Staff
Organizations holding kitesurfing classes have emergency support staff on duty. They can be lifeguards, rescuers, or individuals trained in first aid. If the students need assistance, they can come to their aid. Their staff may even supervise beginners on a jet ski or a boat. They may ride alongside the students to ensure their safety. Having assistance nearby can be crucial in case there is a mishappening. Therefore, kitesurfing classes are the ideal way to learn the sport.
What are the Types of Kitesurfing Classes?
Kiteboarding classes are offered for children, teenagers, and adults. Most of them will accept children as small as nine years and adults up to sixty-five years, provided they meet the fitness criteria. Applicants may be divided into different groups based on their age and skill level.
Kiteboarding classes are organized as private and group lessons. A private lesson is one-on-one, i.e., each instructor is dedicated to teaching a single student. The pupil receives the undivided attention of the instructor. All lessons are planned according to the skill and requirements of the student. The kitesurfer will learn better and progress faster. However, private kiteboarding classes may be expensive.
Clubs and organizations imparting kitesurfing classes may hold group or semi-private classes as well. Two to three students are assigned to each instructor. Only students who have a similar skill level are grouped together to maximize their skill progression. Each student still learns on a separate power kite, although a few beginner lessons may have all students take turns on a single one. Semi-private kitesurfing classes are relatively affordable as compared to private lessons.
Adventurers and hobbyists who want to pursue the sport must enroll in appropriate kitesurfing classes. When opting for kitesurfing classes, ensure that the instructors are certified by International Kiteboarding Organization (IKO), a US-based body that defines the curriculum and standards for the sport.
