The Right Gear for Fun and Security

By Chris Robinson

One of the most exciting activities that is becoming very popular these days is the sport called Kite surfing. One of the major things about kite surfing is the kite surfing gear. The main gears that are necessary are the kite, the kite board, the kite control bar and the safety release system.

The first thing that you require is the right kind of kite. In days gone by the equipment that was used was kept to the minimum, but as the sport became more and more recognized even the equipment has become more sophisticated. There are a variety of kites that you can take your pick from. Kites range between 1.5 square meters to 21 square meters in size. Ascertain that the size of the kite is in accordance to the type of weather in the area.

The kite board which is akin to a surf board is the next item to purchase. You balance on them when you are surfing over the water towed by your kite. The surfing board like the kite should comply with the water conditions, meaning that if you are a novice it would be best to buy a board about 14 to 18 meters square, where the winds are low. These help the kite surfer to skim over the waters with ease and balance. Boards of average size suit all people, while the smaller boards are utilized by experts who are used to the high winds. Moreover, the smaller boards are lighter and more amenable for aerial stunts.

Kite surfing is a dangerous sport and one must have the right control equipment to maneuver the kite. The control devices are varied; you will find two-lined and four-lined control bars that can be used with the inflatable kites. All you need to do is pull the lines on the control bar to manipulate the kite.

Normally all control systems are provided with a safety release system that is a vital factor of the kite surfing gear. The deadman safety release system is mandatory in all any control bar and it is capable of de-linking the kite from the surfer in the case of a crisis. The inflatable and the foil safety mechanisms will not operate if the rider becomes unconscious.

You have to get trained to manage the control bar in channeling your kite. The kite will react to any thrust or pull action of the control bar. Majority of these possess a rapid release safety system also.

The kite lines that you purchase will have to be pre-stretched and self lubricating lines having a spherical cross section that aids to bring down the pulling force of the wind so that you will have a firmly balanced kite. Ensure that the lines are manufactured from sturdy stuff as you will by and large rely on it for support and manipulation of the kite.

You require owning pre-stretched surfing lines which are self oiled with a circular cross section to minimize the hauling of the wind to fly stably. Remember that this should be of a long lasting substance as it is on this that the rider depends for support.

Another important kitesurfing equipmentthat cannot be done without is a life jacket which requires certain specification in some areas. Remember to carry a board bag, Anemometer to determine the wind speed, a knife and an Emergency Position-indicating beacon. - 31901

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