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One of the newest extreme water-sports to surface on the globe is becoming very popular and rather quickly. Why? Because almost anyone can do it. Kitesurfing and or kiteboarding is one of the most technical sports out there but, because of the short learning curve a rider could be up and moving after only a few professional lessons. Instruction is truly the fastest and safest way to go. Beware; this sport can be very overwhelming and very dangerous to the novice kiteboarder.

To get started you will first need to learn how to fly the kite on land. Many people start with a trainer kite; a small kite controlled with two lines on a single bar. You can purchase one for a couple of hundred dollars or better yet, borrow one from a friend. Once comfortable with working the kite into figure eight loops and being able to maintain some form of balance on foot while keeping it in the sky, one will often graduate to a slightly larger kite to experience body dragging.

Before going to this next step, which usually involves your beginner lesson, plan to take additional lessons within the next two to three weeks if possible. You do not want to waste too much money or time spent on learning skills by waiting too long in between. There is a great deal of deep technical knowledge that needs to be retained as well as a bucket full of confidence needed to participate in this sport safely.

Once you have been instructed on safety and rescue procedures you will be moving into the water. Make sure that you rehearse your safety release options over and over in your head before moving on.

Next, your instructor will have you rig and launch the larger kite and proceed into the water without a board. Don't rush this body dragging segment it is time well spent. This is where you will work on re-launching the kite from the water, learn water starting maneuvers and body dragging upwind. After becoming comfortable with having the kite lift your body nearly out of the water and are able to maintain control you will be getting the board soon. The board should come to you only after you feel comfortable flying the kite and re-launching it.

Depending on your set-up, the most important thing to learn is to let go of the bar when you are in trouble.

Once you get to the point where you are getting up on the board this is when you will start to think about purchasing equipment as most schools do not rent gear.

I strongly recommend at least taking the four hour beginner lesson and one to two additional three hour lessons to get off on the right foot.

Kitesurfing and kiteboarding are very fun and exciting water sports and once comfortable learning to ride can take you from big carving turns to aerial exploration.

Learn more about this author, Brian Chandler.
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