This dramatic interest in the athletically demanding sport has given AKSA founders encouragement about the value of their newly founded organization. Logan Long, co-founder of the association was not surprised by the results; “It’s just simply the largest adrenaline rush available. The combination of air, water, land, wind power, physical strength and balance the force of nature are the qualities that attract Kite Surfers.”

Wave riding is an explosive, fun and very addictive form of kite surfing. The waves are ridden like a surf board, but with the added versatility of the kite. Aerials and power tricks can be bust out using the power of the wave. Simple to get into because a kite surfer can practice doing sharp turns on flat water then go on to small waves and working their way up to greater levels of expertise.

American Kite Surfing Association is the leading organization for kite surfers in North America. Founded in 2006 by two extreme sport enthusiasts, membership is anticipated to exceed 30,000 before the end of the year. The purpose of the enterprise is to bring heightened awareness to this quick-growing, dynamic, and fun sport. A vast array of information, products, and techniques are available to the visitors of the AKSA website, www.kite-surfingusa.com. After more than a decade of popularity through Europe and Australia, active North American extreme sport athletes are recognizing the maximum adrenaline rush through kite surfing. According to Cathi Long, co-founder of AKSA, “The exhilaration of hang time in kite surfing is unbeatable…kite surfers are simply the sexiest athletes.” AKSA will select 50 leading industry product manufacturers to highlight and profile throughout an extensive national media outreach campaign.

With the surging popularity of wakeboarding more and more people are going out behind their boat and giving it a try. Unless you have skateboarded, kite boarded, surfed, snowboarded, wind surfed or water skied before you may find it quite hard. There is more to learning how to wakeboard than just watching it on television and dragging yourself behind a boat.

You may have a lot of guts and may even yearn endlessly to learn how to wakeboard, but if you want to avoid the painful trial and error approach to learning you should seek out some tips on how to wakeboard. This will take you through the paces of donning on the gear to placing your feet in the bindings and holding the rope behind the boat.

First off, there is the need to assess your own level of expertise which obviously in the beginning would be close to zero, and that would mean using small ropes as well as slow boats will come in handy.

With shorter ropes and a slower boat you won’t have any problem adjusting to the type of physical requirements that you must deal with. You may also find that your body is very sore the day after trying wakeboarding.

The best way to learn how to wakeboard is to start slowly taking a single step at a time which will prove safer and surer than trying to become an expert in one go, and thus end up with broken bones in the bargain. Try just jumping the wake first before you try to flip over it.

Another vital piece of equipment that you must always have on when you start to learn how to wakeboard is a life jacket. You must never be without a life jacket because it will prevent you from drowning should a wave suddenly strike you down, or when you lose your balance and are dunked into the water.

If you haven’t ever participated in water sports water can be like hitting concrete if you are going quick enough. If you hit your head hard enough and are knocked out, without a life jacket you will drown. A life jacket will also make you more visible to other boats in the water so you don’t get run over. A helmet may not be a terrible thought either.

How To Get Up On A Wakeboard

To get up on a wakeboard you need to have the board perpendicular to the boat, unlike waterskiing where your ski(s) are facing the boat. As the boat pulls forward hang on to the rope with a small bit of a bend in your elbow. Literally let the boat pull you out of the water.

As it pulls you up straighten the board bend your knees slightly and you are on your way. You will probably fall a few times, but that is part of learning how to do anything. After a few falls I reckon that you will get it. Just don’t give up because you are frustrated.

Kiteboarding lessons should be considered when attempting the sport for the first time. Newcomers to kiteboarding should expect to learn the basics on land before ever entering the water. Learning to glide a kite is a fundamental part of kiteboarding, this is usually done with a trainer kite of 2-5 meters. These kites can be used for training and landboarding, but, are not recommended for use in the water because they do not float. Kiteboarding also becomes a lesson in meteorology because of the requirement of steady winds. There are tales of minor shocks when kiteboarding in areas that are prone to lightning so always check the weather first. Side-shore winds at 12 knots or more are optimal for kiteboarding.

AKSA co-founder Logan Long states, “When thinking about getting into kiteboarding, it is vital to consult with professionals. Kitesurfers who attempt the sport without receiving the proper training run the risk of damaging expensive equipment and getting hurt.”

American Kite Surfing Association (AKSA) is the leading organization for kite surfers in North America. Founded in 2006 by two extreme sport enthusiasts, membership is anticipated to exceed 30,000 before the end of the year. The purpose of the enterprise is to bring heightened awareness to this quick-growing, dynamic, and fun sport. A vast array of information, products, and techniques are available to the visitors of the AKSA website, www.kite-surfingusa.com. After more than a decade of popularity through Europe and Australia, active North American extreme sport athletes are recognizing the maximum adrenaline rush through kite surfing.

This dramatic interest in the athletically demanding sport has given AKSA founders encouragement about the value of their newly founded organization. AKSA will select 50 leading industry product manufacturers to highlight and profile throughout an extensive national media outreach campaign.

Cathi Long
Executive VP
American Kite Surfing Association
Info@kite-surfingusa.com
727-772-1202

The Hydra from HQ-Powerkites is the worlds first and only water relaunchable trainer kite. This closed cell design is super simple to handle and lands and relaunches from the water.
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Kite surfing Road Rules adopted by the British Kite Surfing Association have been adopted by the American Kite Surfing Association. The key message is, “If in doubt don’t go out.”
• Be sure that you can handle the prevailing weather conditions and never sail in offshore winds unless it is in a suitable location.
• The upwind rider gives way to the downwind rider.
• The rider on the port tack gives way the rider on starboard tack.
• Kite surfers using the seafront should give way to other water users and retreat to a safe zone outside of the navigational channel when other craft approach.
• The seafront can get exceptionally busy both on the beach and in the water. No matters how competent you are, or excellent the conditions look, never risk the safety of others.
• Always maintain a 50-metre downwind safety zone between yourself and other craft. In the event of coming into conflict with other water users stabilize your kite at noon.
• Never kite surf within 50-metres upwind of any moored vessel.
• Never kite surf in or near to the bathing areas and swimmers, buoys and boat moorings.
• Never practice jumping on land or close to the beach.
• When returning to the beach, give way to riders who are launching.

This dramatic interest in the athletically demanding sport has given AKSA founders encouragement about the value of their newly founded organization. Logan Long, co-founder of the association was not surprised by the results; “It’s just simply the largest adrenaline rush available. The combination of air, water, land, wind power, physical strength and balance the force of nature are the qualities that attract Kite Surfers.”

American Kite Surfing Association is the leading organization for kite surfers in North America. Founded in 2006 by two extreme sport enthusiasts, membership is anticipated to exceed 30,000 before the end of the year. The purpose of the enterprise is to bring heightened awareness to this quick-growing, dynamic, and fun sport. A vast array of information, products, and techniques are available to the visitors of the AKSA website, www.kite-surfingusa.com. After more than a decade of popularity through Europe and Australia, active North American extreme sport athletes are recognizing the maximum adrenaline rush through kite surfing. According to Cathi Long, co-founder of AKSA, “The exhilaration of hang time in kite surfing is unbeatable…kite surfers are simply the sexiest athletes.” AKSA will select 50 leading industry product manufacturers to highlight and profile throughout an extensive national media outreach campaign.

2nd day of practice on REVOL’s new routine, pairs team composed of John Barresi and Takako Kishi (soon to be Takako Barresi)… Flown at Kasai park in Tokyo, Japan.

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In another article, I spend some time talking about designers — including some I’ve come into contact with through my industrial design firm — going to fantastic lengths to make high-tech products resemble obsolete products of the past. It was just one more of several articles we’ve done, and may well continue to do, on the divide between the technically inclined cognoscenti and, well, everyone else.

Today, but, we came across an example of a literally ancient device updated to the modern age: the thought of a kite-driven ship, which we learned of via Jack Moffett. Of course, this thought has the beauty of  being a very simple sell because of its familiarity, simplicity, and the fact that it really seems to work. It’s the exact inverse of the problem that Richard Ziade discussed last week about certain Internet applications that, while effective, fail to pass what he calls “the mom test.” As in “will my ___-year-ancient mom know this product.”

Ziade contrasts e-mail — which is very much like traditional mail — with more leading edge applications like OpenID and even relatively tried-and-right apps like RSS feeds. “RSS lacks a real-life sibling to help people know its purpose and value,” Ziande writes. “‘It’s like subscribing to a magazine’ doesn’t really cut it.”

So, before designing a new product for the high-tech era, it’s crucial for creators to consider not only whether or not the concept will work, but whether the technologically non-savvy will grasp its usefulness and, if not, just how and whether it’s possible to educate users enough to grasp its benefits. Sometimes a not particularly ground-breaking product may be far simpler to sell if it has a low-tech analog.

So much of the reason certain products sell has to do with our level of comfort. Consider the example of a product which we suspect is doing very well right now. The reason the Hamburger Phone is likely to sell a lot of units in the immediate future may have something to do with the luck of its placement in an unexpectedly well loved Oscar-nominated comedy, but we also expect that the reason the product may perhaps continue to go units for a few years to come  is that it combines two highly familiar products (i.e., hamburgers and phones) in a fun way — while being associated with the smart and likable soon-to-be teenage mother in Juno. The burger phone really passes the mom test.

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#1 You must be strong

First of all, let me tell you that I am 5’4”, female, I weigh 100 pounds, and I have only been to a gym once in my life. Even though my arm muscle is virtually non-existent, I can still manage to kiteboard hours straight because of the harness worn with kiteboarding.

#2 I’m too stout / too tall / too small / too ancient / too young

Many kiteboard stores require you to weigh at least 80 pounds in order to take a lesson. I’ve seen just about every size and shape out there kiteboarding even guys in the 300 pound range.

Height doesn’t matter, but if you are a petite rider, consider buying a seat harness rather than a waist harness. This will go the bar closer to your body and place the power/depower strap within better reach.

I’ve seen plenty of guys in their 60s & 70s kiteboarding. If you have back problems, buy a seat harness rather than a waist harness, and buy a kite that has a lot of depower (bow, SLE, or hybrid kite).

#3 Kiteboarding is very perilous

As long as you take the necessary pre-cautions, kiteboarding is relatively safe. I say relatively, because everything in life has risk, even driving your car to the grocery store. But, if you don’t know what you’re doing, things can go terrible, very terrible. Take a lesson! When in doubt, don’t go out. Never ride by yourself. Don’t kite in storms or other times when the wind isn’t steady and reliable. And again, take a lesson (the more the better)!

#4 I don’t need a lesson

Just because you’re a pro wakeboarder/snowboarder, etc., doesn’t mean you’re a excellent kiteboarder. You need to learn how to glide the kite as well as learn how to setup the kite, relaunch, perform a self rescue, etc.

This is not wakeboarding, skiing, or surfing. It is more comparable to scuba diving, except if you screw up, not only are you putting yourself at risk, but also everyone on that beach. It is absolutely critical that you know what you are doing. A minimum of at least one lesson is mandatory. No exceptions.

#5 I’ll take a lesson and be riding by the end of the day

Each year the gear is getting better and better. Three years ago, it would take weeks to be able to learn what people now learn in a matter of days. Even so, do not expect to be up and riding the first time (or second time for that matter). It does happen every now and then so to improve your chances spend as much time as you can with a trainer kite and work on your board skills.

#6 Trainer kite? I don’t need a trainer kite!

Buying a trainer kite is one of the smartest moves you can make (along with taking lessons and buying the proper gear). You can learn so much with a trainer kite that by the time you take a lesson, you’ll feel much more comfortable handling the real thing and your lesson will go much smoother. You can learn mandatory kite flying skills the hard way (with a powerful kite), or you can learn it the simple way (with a trainer kite); it’s your choice.

#7 Kiteboarding is expensive

If you go out and buy the complete kiteboard set up (kite, bar & lines, harness, board), you’re looking at around ,500 – ,000. Ok, that number may seem huge, but let’s reckon about this. If you want to wakeboard, you need a boat plus plot on spending a excellent chunk of money on gas each time you go out. In the winter time, you spend money on lift tickets every excellent powder day. Why not just strap your snowboard/skis on your feet and go snowkiting (use the same kite and harness, just add your skis/board). When you reckon of it that way, the ,500 for year-round fun doesn’t look so terrible.

#8 Kiteboarding can only be done in the ocean

Incorrect. Kiteboarding can be done in any large body of water. Heck, I’ve kiteboarded in a large mud pond that was only about a foot deep (not recommended). A sandy shoreline along with clean, steady wind is ideal. Open areas like the Fantastic Lakes or oceans typically get smoother wind than inland spots like lakes and reservoirs. Kiteboarding can also be done in the winter time (snowkiting) on open fields or frozen lakes with a snowboard or skis. And then there is kite ground boarding (KGB) where you use a landboard with a kite, the possibilities go on and on…

#9 I have a wakeboard, all I need is a kite

The bindings on a wakeboard are boot-like and are hard to get into, compared to the simple-entry, sandal-like binding of a kiteboard. Basically, when you’re in the water with the kite, you’re going to want it as simple as possible to place that board on your feet while you’re flying the kite.

Try to imagine wakeboarding in a choppy ocean, doesn’t sound too excellent does it? A kiteboard on the other hand, lets you cut right through chop and gives you a nice ride, thus opening up the possibility to ride basically anything.

#10 I found a fantastic deal on a kite off eBay!

Have you ever noticed how every kite listed on there is “fantastic for beginners.” Don’t believe everything you’re told. Just about every eBay kite that I’ve seen people bring to the beach makes me cringe. Many times, the kite is ancient (ancient in kiteboarding can mean anything over 2-3 years ancient) and unsafe. Remember, kiteboarding is still a new sport, and the equipment today is three hundred times better than it was 4 years ago.

Overall, you get what you pay for! Talk to someone at a kiteboard store for what kiteboarding setup would be the best for you and buy it through them. The right gear makes all the difference!

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The most awaited flick of the year ‘Kites’ does it live up to the hype? Read on…

The Film – Kites starts with a severely wounded J (Hrithik) dumped in a train carriage in Mexico who is on a quest to find his lost like Linda (Barbara). Cut to flashback – J is a Salsa trainer in Vegas who makes casual attempts at getting rich. One of his students, Kangana (Extremely gorgeous but a brief appearance) falls for J. She is the daughter of the Vegas huge gun Bob (Kabir Bedi). For J, dating Kangana is the simplest way to make it huge. Enter Kangana’s brother Tony (Nicholas Brown) who is getting married to Linda (Barbara). Linda too likes Tony only for his money. Eventually J and Linda find comfort in each other, and they escape from the guns of Tony. Rest of the flick, J and Linda keep getting chased by Tony.

Thumbs Up – The performance by the lead pair is terrific. All the talk of the chemistry between Hrithik and Barbara really sets the screen on fire (though there are no steamy scenes, thanks to the censors!) Hrithik gives his heart to the role of J, whereas Barbara proves to be a very fine actor. She seems comfortable at her bollywood calling. The music is first rate and the songs picturised with finesse. The climax packs in fantastic intensity. Anurag Basu deserves kudos for his direction. Nicholas Brown is cast perfect as the villainous Tony.

Thumbs Down – The tale is a let down. The plot offers nothing new. There are a lot of car chasing scenes in the second half which become repetitive after a while. The dialogues are forgettable.

To see or not to see? – Of course go for it. Its no landmark movie, yet the honest efforts place by the team behind Kites makes it a excellent watch.

With Kites, Rakesh Roshan once again proves, why he is still the powerhouse in the film industry.  Kites may prove to be an international hit, considering the cross-culture theme, the crisp length and the overall feel of the movie.

Well thats it for my review, let me know your thoughts on Kites!

Image courtesy: Kites-TheFilm

Swallow-tailed Kites, Gallinules, and Frigates

I don’t usually trek far to go birding. My trips are generally local. But, I teamed up with a birding partner from the past to do just that. My partner on this trip was someone with whom I birded in the last century (mid-eighties). So, when I got the email inviting me and others to join him on an all day birding trip, I couldn’t refuse. Thus started the rearranging of schedules and ordinary demands to accommodate this adventure which would start 100 miles from home before dawn.

We were up before our alarms, anticipation driving us. The early routine of coffee and making sandwiches for later in the day went like clockwork. Gear packed the night before was rechecked one more time. We noted that each had different, and better, binoculars since last we birded. We had both opted for the newer roof prism technology. Even my partner’s new scope was carefully stowed in the van; we knew we would use it on the coast.

The objectives for the day were to find Swallow-tailed Kites near Liberty, Texas; Purple Gallinules at Anahuac; Magnificent Frigatebirds near Galveston. In the burgeoning light of dawn we left College Station headed for Dayton and Liberty. My partner had checked with fellow birders on Texbirds to see if anyone had recently sighted the kites. An email confirmed we had a excellent chance.

We arrived at Liberty shortly after 8:00 and parked on the frontage road near the bridge over the Trinity River to start our watch for the kites. Local Law Enforcement checked us out to see what we were about. Having determined we had legitimate purpose, they left us to our search. Two and a half hours later we did get to sight three very agile and graceful kites as they hunted insects and lizards from the top of the trees. During those in between hours we also were treated to numerous Anhingas, Common and Snowy Egrets, Fantastic Blue Herons, Double Crested Cormorants, Eurasian Collard Dove and a Belted Kingfisher. For thirty minutes we loved the kites and their acrobatics.

Turning south we traced our way to Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. We did not meet any of our other objectives this day. But, we delighted in the viewing of many Common Moorhens and their fluffy small chicks, Green Herons, and Marsh Wrens. We noted the “floating log” had eyes.

We made it to High Island and stopped to take a look at the rookery of herons and Roseated Spoonbills. We noted another floating log with eyes. From High Island it was on to Boliver Flats where we sighted Royal, Caspian and Sandwich Terns, Marbled Godwits, a Long-billed Curlew, Brown Pelicans, and Reddish Egrets. One of the Reddish Egrets engaged in a spirited dance for which they are known.

Our next objective of Galveston and the frigates was thwarted by a flat tire and a very long line waiting for the ferries. Tired, hot and thirsty we headed toward our base. Returning to College Station that evening, thirteen hours later, we had traveled over 400 miles and seen 52 species of birds. I marvel at the mileage because I remember my history lessons in which I learned those courageous pioneers who crossed our continent headed for Oregon or California in their wagons would often travel only eight to fourteen miles a day. But I, like Mr. Frost, still had miles to go before I slept. I was still far from home.

There may be some who might count the day unsuccessful, for we had only accomplished one of our objectives. Yet, birding and fishing have in common that we do not always meet the objectives. Casting our lures into the water does not always net us a fish. Casting our binoculars over the field does not always result in a sighting. But, when we do hook the fish or sight the bird, what a rush it is. ‘Tis a lesson for life, even those of us who believe in goals and objectives should take to heart in living our days not just for the mechanics of met objectives, but for the unexpected in between. We had a grand day, filled with tales new and ancient. We caught up with each others lives and families. We had joked and done our share of “do you remember when?” We had shared in the hunt for some special birds and been impressed by their majesty. We had shared in a pastime which has sustained us, and many others, these many years.

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A kite surf board is similar to a surfboard or a wakeboard having a platform with straps attached to it to keep the rider steady while a kite, aided by strong wind, pulls him/her through the water at an incredible speed. This sport has but become well loved only recently – it first caught the public imagination in the 90’s. Some elements of windsurfing, surfing and wakeboarding can be found in the sport of kiteboarding. Since kiteboarding is an simpler sport to learn when you compare this with windsurfing and surfing, you are sure to come across kids who are taking their first attempts after just a lesson or two from a certified trainer. Kiteboard riding involves several other items apart from the board that includes a control bar with lines, a harness, an impact jacket, a helmet (optional) and a sharp knife to cut the line when high wind threatens to play havoc with the sportsperson.

Despite safety measures taken adequately, kiteboarding may sometimes pose hazards. You thus need to seek instructions from a professional because if you do, you will be able to reduce most of these associated risks. From these kiteboarding or kite surfing institutions you will be able to learn about the various skills involved that includes flying, learning to launch the kite, jumping/landing, using the control bar properly, lines and the safety measures too.

Turning is a very common trick in kiteboarding. One basic act done by a trainee is to first place the kite in neutral, sink it back towards the water, and finally turning the kite in the opposite direction and doing it once more. Someone who is an expert but tries the Heel Turn Jibe wherein the kite surf board is slowed down, flattened and then reversed flat on the water by changing position of the back foot and thus making it the front foot. This is naturally a fantastic go because the kite’s direction is reversed and the board’s route swings in a half circle while it is centered on the kite.

But if the kiteboarder fails to manage the go expertly, then the person may glide and fall down because he/she would not be able to bring down the board in the right angle. Here, safety measure like deadman system is often applied in which there is a sharp knife, which forms part of the kiteboarder’s essential equipment.

If you are someone who wants to lead life the wild side, the kite surf board is sure to satisfy your needs. Kiteboarding is a fantastic sport, but if you want to delight in it and feel safe too, what you need is proper equipment. This ensured, there is nothing that can prevent you from enjoying kiteboarding.

Find the latest wakeskating equipment at http://www.othersideboardsports.com. Here at the website you will also be able to know more about wakeskating gear.

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Flying kites is an brilliant leisure activity that anyone can take up and delight in. It is not only enjoyable but can be an simple way to get some excellent exercise and delight in the weather. Experts and beginners alike should know a few simple things before partaking in kite flying as a leisure activity and before purchasing a kite.

There are two main types of kites that you might want to consider purchasing when you choose you want to invest in a kite, stunt kites and power kites. Stunt kites are a excellent choice for beginners as they can glide without too much support and can perform a number of tricks while in the air. They are constructed with a lot of support so they won’t be ruined very easily. This is perfect for beginners as there is a excellent chance the kite will come crashing down a few times, and it will remain resilient to breakage. As well, they often come in pre built packages, so you don’t have to undertake the time and patience when it comes to putting your new toy together.

Power kites and built for and can maintain a lot of power. It takes much more strength to control a power kite so it is recommended that you practice with a stunt kite before moving up to the power kite levels. Some of these kites can reach speeds upwards of 50 miles per hour and can be used for many purposes. They are much more fragile than stunt kites, so you need to be a small more careful. Thus, beginners and children should not invest in a power kite unless they are sure they can handle the speed and the power.

There are obviously some conditions that are ready made for flying kites and some that you should avoid. Kits are not a seasonal leisure activity though, which is a major benefit. You can essentially glide kites all year round as long as the day’s weather conditions permit. You want to wait for days that have steady wind. Days with fluctuating wind can be just as frustrating as days with no wind at all. It is best to find an open area where the wind can flow freely and provide you with as much consistent wind as possible. Perfect kite flying spots are beaches and open parks.

Flying kites does not come without any dangers. There are some safety precautions that you want to take before involving yourself in this leisure activity or going out to glide a kite. It is very vital to stick to open areas that are far away from power lines, railways and roads. Try to avoid other people as much as possible as well, because powerful kite lines can cause serious injuries to innocent bystanders. Two other very vital safety rules are to never glide a kite in a storm or when there are signs that a storm is coming and never tie yourself to a kite in any circumstance. You never know when the wind or weather could change without warning and you could endure serious injuries.