For hundreds of years people have been fascinated by flying kites. In China the tradition of kite flying goes back thousands of years and their craftsmanship and elaborate designs are world renown. Flying kites, like badminton is for other asians, has been used for more than just recreational purposes; they have been used extensively in battles as signals and as weapons. The ability of lifting weight through the use of material flying on the wind is in essence the route that allowed humans to take flight in aeroplanes.

A simple triangular kite is utilizing many of the same physical properties that a sail on a boat does, which are similar principles to those of a wing on a plane. All sails use a wing concept which is to have the wind passing more quickly over one edge to create lift through a vacuum. A kite uses this principle in addition to catching the wind full on and stabilising itself with its tail. A kite without a tail, such as the triangular shaped stunt kites, are in effect just a wing which allows for the control and dynamic aerobatics that can be formed.

In addition to the principle of the wing that creates lift, the parachute effect of allowing for a controlled soft (or should we say softer) landing is combined within kite boarding or kite surfing. Very much like a paraglider wing the kite for boarding is an envelope that is filled with the air. This allows it to be shaped into a wing – the principle of which creates lift – and controlled by the guidelines that can shape the wing for turns and collapse the envelope to create descent. The difference between the kites for boarding and surfing is in the material and the construction. For surfing as the kite needs to be able to get wet the material is water resistant, but more importantly the envelope shape is kept through fixed structures within the two pieces and pre-pumped air. Unlike the boarding kite which requires it to be naturally filled with air through manipulation on the ground of the kite.

If you have never felt the true power of the wind, then hold onto a boarding kite – without being on the board – and try to fly one with your feet on the ground. Even with a relatively soft wind, not much more than a breeze, one will soon find that once the kite is up they are holding on at an acute angle and will possibly be able to do small lifts. Avoid large winds when a novice. Once you have mastered the control of the kite, can walk it down a field turn and walk it back again you are ready to get onto the board.

Boarding – remember the brake is in the air! The kite is your engine and braking system, it requires great control to turn without falling off the board and more importantly knowing how to stall the kite to stop the board’s forwards momentum. A nice wide open space is highly recommended. Once you have the basics of control jump on board and feel the exhilaration of hacking along a wide open space on a slighter bigger than average skate board controlling it all with a rather large pillow case that is flying about 30 feet above you!…

Match your strengths to sports you are interested in. For example endurance sports such as long distance running and football may suit those who can complete long physical tasks. Whilst sports such as diving and gymnastics would suit those with good balance and a head for heights.

Avoid sports you have tried and rejected in the past, but don`t turn your back on new new ideas if they appeal. Consider carefully if competitive environments are your kind of thing or whether they leave you feeling stressed.

If you prefer not to compete then there are still many sporting options open to you. Dancing, swimming and skiing are all great fun and can be enjoyed as solitary sports too. Some of these sports may require a lot of kit, but often equipment and clothing can be hired to begin with.

You also need to consider if you will need to practice and train away from your main chosen activity. This may well require an investment in some equipment, but having tried the sport out first you will know whether it is time to commit a little bit more.

With all things considered buy yourself the basic accessories and you can start to really relax and enjoy your chosen sport. This may mean buying a swim kit, some basic weights or a couple of rugby balls for a late afternoon practice. However, whatever you choose as the sport for you, do not forget that the more energy and effort you put in, the more you will get out of it at the end.…

Slingshot Gorge Girls Kite Clinic went off as a huge success. The four day women’s clinic was organized by Slingshot national team riders, Stacy Boggs and Laura Maher to get more women into the sport of kiteboarding. The clinic was sponsored by Slingshot and DaKine.

The clinic was held in Hood River , Oregon , and the turnout of women was absolutely overwhelming. The clinic reached maximum capacity immediately which was 35 women for 4 days. The demand was so high another 30 women were turned away. Yes, they are anxiously awaiting the next women’s clinic.

Stacy Boggs and Laura Maher organized the clinic with Slingshot as they saw the need for a women’s clinic taught by women. The focus was to create an environment that promoted safety, camaraderie, and stoke on the sport in order to create new women kiteboarders. The women were all absolutely amazing, and everyone left wanting more and ready to embrace the sport.

The first day was all trainer kites, the second day all safety, and then two days of tandem body dragging. The clinic was taught by all women who graciously volunteered their time, and the male assistants and support staff were absolutely invaluable. In an environment taught by women, every woman excelled very, very quickly easily mastering kite control, safety knowledge, and skills on the water. The group was so supportive, and the crowd was overflowing with smiles and excitement. I must say it was great to see a group of 45 women all in one spot kiting. The men gathered just to watch.

The demand and turn out for this clinic made it very clear that the sport of kiteboarding is very exciting and accessible to women. Stacy Boggs and Laura Maher are dedicated to making sure that our beaches are full of women kiteboarders. Clinics are coming again soon, and we thank Slingshot for their support and contributions that they make to women in the sport.…

If there’s not enough power to pull you up, move the kite slightly back before diving it forward. When you get the kite going and you are moving forward do not bring the kite back to neutral, this will kill your power. Instead keep the kite lower and more forward. If you continually getting yanked back, check that you are not heading the kite in the reverse direction, and try to edge the board and kite to cut more across the wind.

Stopping

Practice the following different ways of stopping/slowing down on open water so when a situation arises where you need to stop in a hurry it is an instinctive reaction. This is accomplished by bringing the kite up into neutral. Anticipate possible future problems that may arise. Also know the standard “who has the right of way” rules:

1.) Starboard or right hand forward has right of way.

Example: A guy is coming toward you and you are on port tack or left hand forward. Pick a line away from him. You may even need to go well down wind of him.

But if you pick your line, you can usually steer clear of everyone.

Tail stall – weight the tail and point hard upwind until the kite reaches the edge of the window. (This is difficult when overpowered but is essential).

Gently steer the kite to neutral. Put your butt and side on the water, slide the board to a halt in a plume of spray. Only drop the bar to activate the safety release if absolutely necessary. And only use the emergency safety release in the event of real emergencies, i.e. the bar could hit someone.

Always give yourself plenty of room to maneuver and slow down before you get close to anything, the shore and other people included. Awareness to your surroundings is vital for safe riding.…

The air pressure inside the inner struts must be enough for the kite to keep its shape. Inflate the struts until they are firm and not easily bent. The leading edge bladder should be firmer than the struts. Pump until it becomes hard to use the pump but be careful not to over inflate the bladder since this could cause a blow out. Also, leaving the kite in direct hot sun will cause the bladders to increase in size. This can pop the bladder inside. For extended periods of non-use while being left in the sun decrees air pressure. Never sink or recess the valve into the struts and bladder. Hold the valve erect as you pump to prevent the valve from shifting and changing position while pumping air into the kite.

Bladders

Do not allow water or sand inside of the bladder, it is very difficult to get out. If you do get water or sand inside, place the kite upside down while it is inflated, so all foreign matter is resting near valve. Then release valve and allow the sand or water to blow out. Continue as needed.

Avoid exposing the pump, open valves or inner tubes to sand and salt water. Watch out for sharp objects or thorns when laying out the kite for inflation. Avoid leaving the kite flapping in the wind for extended periods.

Securing Kite

When not in use the kite must be placed upside down with the leading edge towards the wind with a board or sand on top to keep the kite from blowing away. Please review the photos to the right for the sail flip and securing procedure. Use plenty of weight to lock your kite down and to keep it from blowing away. See securing kite photos to the right and below.…