32 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE • January/February • 2022
Linda demonstrating “wing foiling.”
Using different sized kites is an important
aspect of equipment adjustment so that
kitesurfers can ride in different conditions.
A larger kite will help larger people move
through the water or ride in less windy
conditions.
Choosing a larger kite if you are a smaller
person is not typically recommended,
unless there is a minimal amount of wind.
An easy way to know which kite to use is to
check out what everyone else around you is
fl ying or ask another nearby surfer if you are
still unsure.
It is often advised for beginners to
choose a kite that is a bit larger for easier
control. Until the time that you are able
to gain some confi dence and comfort
behind a kite, it is important to stick with
the recommended sizing based on your
weight. Simply by gently leaning back
and using the control bar for steering will
give you all the tools you need for great
movement on the water.
The best grip on any control bar is usually
a relaxed one because if you keep a tight
grip and try to muscle into each turn, you
will likely defl ate the kite or lose the board
with the sudden turning. The technique
does often take a bit of practice but doing
some exercises out on the water will help
you to develop the movements. Once you
have successfully learned how to “boost”
or jump, you will begin experiencing
sensations like the feeling of fl ying.
The sport of kiteboarding is still relatively
new on the water sport scene. In short
order, it has already managed to gain few
rivals in the extreme sports industry. There
is no shortage of arguments that will likely
be presented to you when you begin to tell
friends, family and other sports enthusiasts
that you plan to learn how to kiteboard. It is
probably best to humor them by listening,
but you can assure them that kiteboarding
is in fact easy to learn, accessible and,
according to experts, remarkably safe.