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.
American Kite Surfing Association
www.kite-surfingusa.com
Cathi Long
Executive VP
Info@kite-surfingusa.com
727-772-1202
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.
American Kite Surfing Association
www.kite-surfingusa.com
Cathi Long
Executive VP
Info@kite-surfingusa.com
727-772-1202
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.
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.
Bob Westal represents Nectar, an award winning product development consultancy and industrial design firm helping clients make products that connect to their users and expand their markets. For more information, please visit us at http://www.nectardesign.com
Kite Board ? This Is An Essential Equipment Along With A Few Others That You Need To Delight in The Sport
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.
When you want to get the least in wakeskating equipment, you have to visit http://www.othersideboardsports.com. Here at the website you will also be able to know more about wakeskating gear.
All of you must have heard about kite surfing and the thrill or excitement it carries. Basically kite surfing is a water surface sport that makes the use of wind power to pull a rider through the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard. This sport has become quite well loved and has taken a lead over other water sports because people can learn the hybrid sport of both kiting and surfing.
There are certain kite boarding techniques that can be followed in order to master this sport. One of the most vital Kitesurfing techniques is mastering the dead-man safety release system. If you are a beginner, then you should carefully study the manufacturer’s description of how your dead-man safety release system works and operates.
Controlled flying is another aspect that you need to learn. Flying occurs when the momentum of the surfer pulls the kite. Before jumping, the surfer builds up as much tension as possible by accelerating and strongly edging the board. The kite is flown quickly (snapped) to an overhead position, usually just as the surfer goes over a wave. The kite must then be quickly turned to glide in the direction of motion, usually into the wind.
A foil kite is mostly fabric (ripstop nylon) with air pockets (air cells) to provide it with lift and a fixed bridle to maintain the kite’s arc-shape, similar to a paraglider. Flying lines, control bar, kite harness, helmet, a safety hook knife, personal flotation device, impact vest and a board leash.
There are various kite surfing techniques that you need to practice and master. But remember that safety is also an vital factor and you need to consider all these things before taking the plunge.
Generally these kites are no larger than a foot across, ideally suited for the youngest flyers, they can glide in the slightest of winds and simple to glide, a single line attached to the kite means that they can be flown with ease. On the whole the Mini Kite range is the cheapest range of kites we stock, which also makes them fantastic birthday presents for young children. As these kites are made and sold with young children in mind, safety is of paramount importance, their small size means even in a worst case scenario of the kite being crashed into someone it is unlikely to cause any injury. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.
Diamond Kites
The classic kite shape, unchanged for centuries, but now available in a huge range of styles and sizes. The diamond is a suitable first kite for children and is a very simple to glide style of kite, although some consideration should be given to the size of the kite as we sell many different sizes of diamond kite and some of the larger kites may be unsuitable for smaller children. Diamond kites generally require only the slightest of breezes to glide and can reach a high altitude quite easily, most can also be easily adjusted for the angle of flying to ensure a stable flight in a wide range of wind conditions, although they are best flown in a moderate wind coming from a constant direction. Diamond kites can usually be disassembled easily by removing the horizontal strut, which makes them simple to store and transport. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.
Creature Kites
Creature kites are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and as the name suggests they represent a creature, which could be something you’d expect to see in the sky, like a bird or butterfly or something you may not expect to see soaring through the air like an octopus or frog. Some are diamond in form, some are delta, but some are purely custom shapes to represent the creature. They are 99% single lined, and therefore an simple kite to glide for the novice pilot and very appealing to the young pilot. Usually requiring a moderate wind to glide they are a low drag kite which means they’re not going to pull you about when you glide them but can easily reach a excellent height with small effort. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.
Delta Kites (Not to be confused with delta stunt kites)
Delta kites are named after their delta-wing shape, a slanted triangle design, very aerodynamic and able to glide in very gentle breezes. Alike to a birds wings or an aeroplanes body. They are a single line kite and simple to glide, suitable for young pilots they represent a change to the standard diamond shaped kite and are more suitable than the diamond to changable winds, although not suitable for strong winds as they tend to ‘corkscrew’ in the air. Available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colours they are a very fun kite to glide and will be an enjoyable gift for any child, check the size of the kite though as some are larger than others and the larger ones may not be ideally suited for the youngest of pilots. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.
Box Kites
Another age-ancient design, the box kite, flies in a different fashion to other kites in that the air passes through the kite to make lift rather than push against a solid face. They usually look as though they shouldn’t glide, but in fact are one of the most graceful flying kites there are. Not available in as many forms as the diamond kite, but every one is gorgeous in it’s own way. They are suitable for children as they produce very small drag, but may also appeal to the adult flyers out there, in fact they are the ideal gift for active grandparents to accompany their grandchildren when they’re flying their kites. Single flying line guarantees an simple flying experience. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.
Stunt Kites
Getting a bit more complicated now than the previously mentioned kites, stunt kites get their name from their ability to perform tricks in the hands of the pilot, this is down to their 2 string control method, which by shortening or lengthening one of the strings by pulling or extending one of the control handles makes the kite take a different course through the air, practice will allow the pilot to perform incredible loops, dives and climbs with ease. Not the perfect choice for smaller children, but will be greatly received by older children, and also adults, for who we stock a wide range of high end stunt kites. When browsing our shop note that the stunt kites are divided into different sections; childrens, novice, advanced and expert, this is generally dictated by the size of the kite – the larger ones produce more pull and require more tug on the lines to perform their tricks. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.
Power Kites
Finally we reach the cutting edge of 21st century kiting – The power kite, ever more well loved and our best selling kites. Powerkites are named for just that reason – they take the maximum power from the wind, flying a power kite is not about watching it gracefully soar into the air, it’s all about the drag. Even the smallest power kite can produce an outstanding amount of pull, and the largest can even make you take off! Always take care when choosing a power kite that the person you’re buying it for will be able to cope with it. Safety is of maximum importance when flying a power kite and that’s why we stock a wide range of safety equipment to accompany the power kites, such as kite killers (specially designed wristbands which will allow the kite to drop out of the sky in an emergency), and a range of protective body wear; like gloves, pads and helmets. We recommend that you work your way up through the sizes of power kite and don’t just jump in at a huge 6 metre kite without prior experience. Safety aside, power kites are well loved for one reason, they’re so fun to use, whether you glide it on it’s own or combine it with an ATB (off-road kite powered skateboard) or a buggy, they produce a huge amount of power which is very exciting to be at the end of. Smaller power kites tend to be 2 lined, whilst larger ‘traction’ kites are generally 4 lined, which require some form of handles or harness to glide them, sometimes these are supplied with the kite or they are available seperately. Again we have to stress the safety point with power kites, glide safely, know your limits and most of all choose the time and place to glide your power kite with the greatest of care, for yourself and other people. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying. And see our special page on flying power kites safely.
Safe Kite Flying
Location – Select a location that is free of obstruction such as houses and trees that can pose a danger to your kite and the public, and even more importantly do not glide your kite anywhere near power lines, substations or airports. Make sure wind conditions are right for your particular kite. Also make sure that as well as preventing hurt to yourself and your kite, that you are going to glide in an area where you are not going to cause harm to anyone else or any wildlife, a beach is a perfect place, but make sure that there are no people around you if you are using a large or powerful kite. Also be aware of changing weather conditions, if you reckon there may be a storm approaching, quickly and carefully stop your flying activities, a kite can act as a lightning conductor when it is damp, and even if there’s no lightning, excessive winds can hurt or ruin your kite, or just pull it from your hands, which in the case of children can be very upsetting.
Launching – With the wind at your back, take the kite about 50 feet or more downwind and have a friend hold it up, pulling the line tight. As your kite catches the wind, pull on the line handle until the kite gains altitude. Smaller kites can be launched from a smaller distance than this. Ensure you quickly give the kite lines some length after launch as the wind tends to swirl close to the floor and can quickly bring your kite back down. Ensure that there is no chance of wrapping the lines around another person or yourself as this can be perilous in changable wind conditions.
Landing – Release the tension on the line of your kite and this will allow it to drift to the ground, quickly retreive or immobolise your kite as it can easily take off again in the right conditions. Choose a suitable place away from water and busy public places for this. You may also find that you can just wind your kite back onto the string and as your kite is approaching the ground it can be caught and held for you while you end winding it up.
Above everything else USE YOUR COMMON SENSE, and constantly be aware of your environment, the wind is always changing and can only be guessed at. Keep aware of other people coming close to you and always supervise young children when flying kites. When you follow the necessary safety steps kite flying can be one of the most enjoyable pastimes all year round. Thank you for reading – and glide safely.
South African born Keith has lived in the south of England for most of his life. After graduating from University with a degree in Business Information Systems Management he chose to start Strawberrysoup; a website design company based in West Sussex and Dorset.
Keith successfully gained entry into the Southampton University Air Squadron and spent over 12 months training to glide. Since then he has continued to follow his interest in flying and has now started his own training in the form of a Private Pilot’s Licence.
Keith also spent 13 months working within the Image and Printing Group at Hewlett Packard in Bracknell. Throughout his time there, he was responsible for many activities including events organisation and website design and maintenance.
Hritik Roshan Abusing His Dance Instructor While A Timeout Between His Dance Pratice For Me Movie ” Kite ”
<p>This section of the shop is here to provide you with the right information to choose the perfect <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.skyhighkites.co.uk” title=”SkyHighKites | Power Kites, Flexifoil, ATB Boards, Stunt Kites, Power Kites, Childrens Kites, Flexifoil, RC Flying Power Toys, Disney Kites | Sky High Kites”>kite</a> for the flyer, some of our kites are suitable for very small children, while others should be given the greatest respect by competent adult pilots.</p>
<p>First of all we’ll tell you a small about the different types of <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.skyhighkites.co.uk” title=”SkyHighKites | Power Kites, Flexifoil, ATB Boards, Stunt Kites, Power Kites, Childrens Kites, Flexifoil, RC Flying Power Toys, Disney Kites | Sky High Kites”>kites</a> we sell..</p>
<h2>Mini Kites</h2>
<p>Generally these kites are no larger than a foot across, ideally suited for the youngest flyers, they can glide in the slightest of winds and simple to glide, a single line attached to the kite means that they can be flown with ease. On the whole the Mini Kite range is the cheapest range of kites we stock, which also makes them fantastic birthday presents for young children. As these kites are made and sold with young children in mind, safety is of paramount importance, their small size means even in a worst case scenario of the kite being crashed into someone it is unlikely to cause any injury. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.</p>
<h2>Diamond Kites</h2>
<p>The classic kite shape, unchanged for centuries, but now available in a huge range of styles and sizes. The diamond is a suitable first kite for children and is a very simple to glide style of kite, although some consideration should be given to the size of the kite as we sell many different sizes of diamond kite and some of the larger kites may be unsuitable for smaller children. Diamond kites generally require only the slightest of breezes to glide and can reach a high altitude quite easily, most can also be easily adjusted for the angle of flying to ensure a stable flight in a wide range of wind conditions, although they are best flown in a moderate wind coming from a constant direction. Diamond kites can usually be disassembled easily by removing the horizontal strut, which makes them simple to store and transport. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.</p>
<h2>Creature Kites</h2>
<p>Creature kites are available in a wide range of shapes and sizes, and as the name suggests they represent a creature, which could be something you’d expect to see in the sky, like a bird or butterfly or something you may not expect to see soaring through the air like an octopus or frog. Some are diamond in form, some are delta, but some are purely custom shapes to represent the creature. They are 99% single lined, and therefore an simple kite to glide for the novice pilot and very appealing to the young pilot. Usually requiring a moderate wind to glide they are a low drag kite which means they’re not going to pull you about when you glide them but can easily reach a excellent height with small effort. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.</p>
<h2>Delta Kites (Not to be confused with delta stunt kites)</h2>
<p>Delta kites are named after their delta-wing shape, a slanted triangle design, very aerodynamic and able to glide in very gentle breezes. Alike to a birds wings or an aeroplanes body. They are a single line kite and simple to glide, suitable for young pilots they represent a change to the standard diamond shaped kite and are more suitable than the diamond to changable winds, although not suitable for strong winds as they tend to ‘corkscrew’ in the air. Available in a wide range of sizes, shapes and colours they are a very fun kite to glide and will be an enjoyable gift for any child, check the size of the kite though as some are larger than others and the larger ones may not be ideally suited for the youngest of pilots. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.</p>
<h2>Box Kites</h2>
<p>Another age-ancient design, the box kite, flies in a different fashion to other kites in that the air passes through the kite to make lift rather than push against a solid face. They usually look as though they shouldn’t glide, but in fact are one of the most graceful flying kites there are. Not available in as many forms as the diamond kite, but every one is gorgeous in it’s own way. They are suitable for children as they produce very small drag, but may also appeal to the adult flyers out there, in fact they are the ideal gift for active grandparents to accompany their grandchildren when they’re flying their kites. Single flying line guarantees an simple flying experience. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.</p>
<h2>Stunt Kites</h2>
<p>Getting a bit more complicated now than the previously mentioned kites, stunt kites get their name from their ability to perform tricks in the hands of the pilot, this is down to their 2 string control method, which by shortening or lengthening one of the strings by pulling or extending one of the control handles makes the kite take a different course through the air, practice will allow the pilot to perform incredible loops, dives and climbs with ease. Not the perfect choice for smaller children, but will be greatly received by older children, and also adults, for who we stock a wide range of high end stunt kites. When browsing our shop note that the stunt kites are divided into different sections; childrens, novice, advanced and expert, this is generally dictated by the size of the kite – the larger ones produce more pull and require more tug on the lines to perform their tricks. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying.</p>
<h2>Power Kites</h2>
<p>Finally we reach the cutting edge of 21st century kiting – The power kite, ever more well loved and our best selling kites. <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(‘/outgoing/article_exit_link’);” href=”http://www.skyhighkites.co.uk” title=”SkyHighKites | Power Kites, Flexifoil, ATB Boards, Stunt Kites, Power Kites, Childrens Kites, Flexifoil, RC Flying Power Toys, Disney Kites | Sky High Kites”>Powerkites</a> are named for just that reason – they take the maximum power from the wind, flying a power kite is not about watching it gracefully soar into the air, it’s all about the drag. Even the smallest power kite can produce an outstanding amount of pull, and the largest can even make you take off! Always take care when choosing a power kite that the person you’re buying it for will be able to cope with it. Safety is of maximum importance when flying a power kite and that’s why we stock a wide range of safety equipment to accompany the power kites, such as kite killers (specially designed wristbands which will allow the kite to drop out of the sky in an emergency), and a range of protective body wear; like gloves, pads and helmets. We recommend that you work your way up through the sizes of power kite and don’t just jump in at a huge 6 metre kite without prior experience. Safety aside, power kites are well loved for one reason, they’re so fun to use, whether you glide it on it’s own or combine it with an ATB (off-road kite powered skateboard) or a buggy, they produce a huge amount of power which is very exciting to be at the end of. Smaller power kites tend to be 2 lined, whilst larger ‘traction’ kites are generally 4 lined, which require some form of handles or harness to glide them, sometimes these are supplied with the kite or they are available seperately. Again we have to stress the safety point with power kites, glide safely, know your limits and most of all choose the time and place to glide your power kite with the greatest of care, for yourself and other people. Please also read the section below on safe kite flying. And see our special page on flying power kites safely. </p>
<h2>Safe Kite Flying</h2>
<p><strong>Location</strong> – Select a location that is free of obstruction such as houses and trees that can pose a danger to your kite and the public, and even more importantly do not glide your kite anywhere near power lines, substations or airports. Make sure wind conditions are right for your particular kite. Also make sure that as well as preventing hurt to yourself and your kite, that you are going to glide in an area where you are not going to cause harm to anyone else or any wildlife, a beach is a perfect place, but make sure that there are no people around you if you are using a large or powerful kite. Also be aware of changing weather conditions, if you reckon there may be a storm approaching, quickly and carefully stop your flying activities, a kite can act as a lightning conductor when it is damp, and even if there’s no lightning, excessive winds can hurt or ruin your kite, or just pull it from your hands, which in the case of children can be very upsetting.</p>
<p><strong>Launching</strong> – With the wind at your back, take the kite about 50 feet or more downwind and have a friend hold it up, pulling the line tight. As your kite catches the wind, pull on the line handle until the kite gains altitude. Smaller kites can be launched from a smaller distance than this. Ensure you quickly give the kite lines some length after launch as the wind tends to swirl close to the floor and can quickly bring your kite back down. Ensure that there is no chance of wrapping the lines around another person or yourself as this can be perilous in changable wind conditions.</p>
<p><strong>Landing</strong> – Release the tension on the line of your kite and this will allow it to drift to the ground, quickly retreive or immobolise your kite as it can easily take off again in the right conditions. Choose a suitable place away from water and busy public places for this. You may also find that you can just wind your kite back onto the string and as your kite is approaching the ground it can be caught and held for you while you end winding it up.</p>
<p>Above everything else USE YOUR COMMON SENSE, and constantly be aware of your environment, the wind is always changing and can only be guessed at. Keep aware of other people coming close to you and always supervise young children when flying kites. When you follow the necessary safety steps kite flying can be one of the most enjoyable pastimes all year round. Thank you for reading – and glide safely.</p>
South African born Keith has lived in the south of England for most of his life. After graduating from University with a degree in Business Information Systems Management he chose to start Strawberrysoup; a website design company based in West Sussex and Dorset.
Keith successfully gained entry into the Southampton University Air Squadron and spent over 12 months training to glide. Since then he has continued to follow his interest in flying and has now started his own training in the form of a Private Pilot’s Licence.
Keith also spent 13 months working within the Image and Printing Group at Hewlett Packard in Bracknell. Throughout his time there, he was responsible for many activities including events organisation and website design and maintenance.
Doing some body-drag and kite-control practice with my HQ Hydra 3.5m practice kite in Cyprus .This kite is a real pleasure to glide. The third line makes self-launch and self-land really simple. Thanks to Lili for camera work! (c) Simon Yeats 2009 Video Rating: 5 / 5
Kite Landboarding: The Latest Extreme Sport for Extreme Skateboarders
Those who are into skateboarding tend to be thrill seekers. They are fun, adrenaline-loving, and ahead of the curve. They are always open to something new and exciting to try out. If this sounds like you or someone you know, then you’ll certainly want to learn more about kite- landboarding! Kite landboarding is a sport, originally designed by skaters, that takes the skateboarding to an entirely new level.
The Board
The board used in kite landboarding looks a lot like a regular skateboard deck, but with stout all-terrain wheels that can handle quick speeds on different types of surfaces. In kite landboarding, the kite really picks the rider up off of the ground using the power of the wind. These wheels and the special bearings of the kite landboard are designed to absorb the impact when the board touches down on the surface again. The board also has bindings similar to snowboard bindings that keep the rider’s feet on the board while in the air.
The Kite
The special type of kite used in kite landboarding is long and rectangular and designed to catch the wind and give the rider maximum control over speed and direction. Kites with pre-stretched bridle lines provide optimal performance in higher winds. These kite landboarding kites also come with handles, a kite killer safety device, and a metal ground stake that keeps the kite from flying away when not in use.
How Kite Landboarding Works
The sport of kite landboarding is a lot like kite surfing – only you don’t need an ocean or a lake to have fun! All you need is some wind and an open terrain to be off and flying. Unlike skateboarding where the rider is powering the board, the wind and the kite do all of the work. As the wind catches the kite, which is held by the rider using specially designed handles, the board literally takes off. Jumps and hills that give regular skateboard riders the ability to catch only a small bit of air send the kite-powered landboarding rider flying and soaring above the ground for an exhilarating ride.
Boards: Speed Seekers, and Freestyle Boards
As with skateboarding and surfing, the length of the kite landboard you choose will make a difference on the type of actions you can do. Longer boards are fantastic for those who are new to kite landboarding because they offer more control and balance. If you’re into quick speeds and long rides, a longer board is best because it offers more stability. Longer boards also tend to be a better fit for taller or heavier riders.
Shorter kite landboards are more agile and allow riders to do lots of tricks and catch serious air. The smaller board provides optimal maneuverability and is extremely responsive to the rider’s movements. These smaller boards are usually better for those who have some experience with kite landboarding.
Whether you’re a skater looking for a new challenge, or you have a skater or ex-skater in your life that you want to surprise with something cool and unusual, a kite-powered landboard is sure to be an ideal fit. No matter where you are in the world, if you’ve got open terrain, some wind, and a sense of adventure, you can have a blast with kite landboarding!
Christine OKelly is an author for KiteStore.net, an online kite store offering stunt kites, single line kites and kite landboarding packages.
This is what happend when you learn snowkiting in gusty wind. And if any are wondering; yes, this is my first time.. We are in the mountain close to Oppdal in Norway.
Kitesurfing in the UK – The Top 10 Airtime Kite Boarding Spots
Poole Harbour, Dorset
Possibly the most well loved spot on the South Coast for beginners. Poole Harbour offers brilliant windsurfing and kitesurfing, with shallow water and cool seas. More advanced kitesurfers will delight in playing in the choppier waters of the outer harbour and sea. Unsurprisingly, Poole has many kiteboarding shops and stores, selling more kitesurfing equipment than you can possibly need, along with a friendly bunch of locals. All of whom will happily join you for an after session beer down the road in Bournemouth.
Weymouth Harbour, Dorset
Conditions in Weymouth are so excellent for kiting that the site has been named a Centre of Excellence for the 2012 Olympic Games. Flat, cool waters are ideal for beginners to mid level riders, while the experts will revel in achieving the highest possible speeds.. Get down here in October to find out just how quick is possible!
Shoreham, West Sussex
Very possibly the top spot for advanced kiteboarders in the South. Visit Shoreham to see pro riders honing their skills in the tough conditions. Not a fantastic place for beginners or intermediates, the locals here are very excellent and expect the same from other users of their spot!
Gwithian Beach, Cornwall
An epic spot, and easily the best in Cornwall. The NW facing beach catches the Atlantic swell nicely and makes a moving playground – Beginners are advised not to go out on really huge days! Usually uncrowded, Gwithian is a contender for the best spot in the country.
West Wittering, West Sussex
Kiting at West Wittering is limited to members only. (Guest fees can be paid.) Is it worth it? Well, low tide at West Wittering gives you a mirror like lagoon, perfect for learning or flat water tricks. Mid tide results in conditions completely dependent on the wind. Keep an eye on the forecast and you’ll know whether to expect waves, choppy, or flat water. And high tide is playtime for advance kiteboarders, watch and learn!
Hayling Island, Hampshire
Hayling Island is a fantastic spot for beginners, low tide results in really flat, waist deep, water for over one kilometer. This is due to the West Winner sand bar, which is usually visible from mid to low tide. High tide is for advanced kiters and riding the south-easterly swell. Don’t miss the Stout Face Night Surf competition held yearly in September.
Hill Head, Hampshire
Hill Head is an brilliant spot for first time kitesurfers during low tide. Kite surfing lessons are readily available, the instructor is one of the best in the South. The beach slopes very gently, allowing learners to stay well within their depth for a long way, just don’t forget to wear booties if you’re going to be standing a lot. The sea bed is comprised of very sharp pebbles/shells! High tide can be choppy, with small to no swell but waves and troughs can build up.
Island of Tiree, Hebrides
Home to the Tiree Wave Classic, held here in October, Tiree attracts professional windsurfers from around the globe. So it’s pretty excellent for kitesurfing too! With at least 9 epic spots, Tiree is somewhat of a mecca for kiteboarders and windsurfers around the world.
Brandon Bay, Co Kerry
Brandon Bay is one of the top kitesurfing spots on the planet, as proved by the choice to host three PWA professional wave sailing events in 2000, 2001 and 2002. You’ll find most of the action happening along The Maharees, a sandy peninsula between Brandon Bay and Tralee Bay. Stay aware of the surf conditions, waves here are among the largest you find in the UK!
Ainsdale Beach, Southport
Sandwiched between Liverpool and Blackpool in Merseyside, Ainsdale has been called the perfect place to learn and practice kite surfing. The beach is constantly named as one of the ten best in the UK, it is wide open and free from obstructions.
Airtime Sports is an authorised dealer for some of the largest names in the kitesurfing and streetboarding industries.
Not only can you buy some of the world’s top kitesurfing equipment and streetboarding brands at fantastic prices. Professional staff also run regular demo sessions from the beach just outside the shop and offer regular reviews of the latest kiting and boarding equipment.
Kite flying is no longer limited as child’s play but has evolved into a favorite activity for adults as well. It is thrilling to really see a kite soar high above, waving gently above the tree tops. Fascinatingly, this simple thought has been combined with another activity to produce a new extreme sport. Combining the propulsive power of the kite and a surfboard, you have kite surfing.
Kitesurfing is a new form of extreme sport which is becoming very well loved. This is an exciting why to escape the dull schedules of everyday living. The kite is used to pull the surfboard across the water.
Kite flying in itself is exciting enough, but when you combine it with another sport, the results can be really explosive. In fact, back in the 1800’s, the Chinese has been using kites to propel carts and ships across unknown territories of the wide open seas. Initially it started as an alternative to horse power due to the harsh horse tax.
The potential of the kite was expanded when the creation of Kevlar and Spectra kites in the 1970’s. The turn of the decade witness the new development in the way kite is used and now we see them propelling snow skis, roller skates, canoes ice skates and water skis. November of 1984 saw a new development in the kite surfing industry – inflatable kites. The ‘Wipika’ was made in 1997.
This creation has inflatable tubes and a convenient inflatable bridled system that help it to be re-launched. In 1997, kite-boards were developed and this activity became a mainstream sport. Now schools teaching kitesurfing have also emerged.
Get an instructor to guide if you are starting out, it makes learning so much simpler. One needs to know the right way to launch kites, to keep it flying and how to manage the lines. It is simple to misunderstand these complicated pieces of apparatus so a lesson from a certified instructor would be very wise indeed.
After the students have learned kitesurfing techniques they must learn body-dragging. Body drag pull the body upward as board surfing pulls the body forward. To embark in this sport, one needs to be prepared to invest more than 3000 just to buy the additional equipments such as gloves, wet suits and other peripherals.
Kitesurfing can be perilous so it is restricted to some locations for safety reasons. This is not a concern though as there are many places you can go to kitesurf. Lastly, check your equipment and apparatus is up to the job and obey all the safety advice given at each location if you want to avoid unnecessary accidents.
Article written by Suta at: http://activespots.blogspot.com/ Make your visit for related articles
