Kitesurfing is one extreme sport that’s enjoyed by people all over the world. Its popularity has reached many parts of the world that it is now among the most popular water sports in the US, UK, South Africa and even as far as Asia. For kitesurfing enthusiasts, finding the right equipment is not a problem, with the many sources available. Here are some ways to find kitesurfing equipment in the UK.
If you are serious about kitesurfing, you must make sure that you have the best equipment that you can have. “Best” does not mean the most expensive but the one that you are most accustomed with. There are basically two kinds of equipment that you can buy: new and used equipment.
New equipment can be bought in sports shops and through the internet. Every kitesurfing school and kitesurfing location is sure to have a sports store which sells equipment near it. Before you buy any equipment, ask tips from your trainer or any kitesurfer you know on where and what items to buy. If there is no sports shop, then try visiting a local department store or warehouse.
The internet is also another venue to buy equipment. Browse through the many websites dedicated to kitesurfing. Most of them feature equipment for sale. Some sites even compare the different brands according to some criteria like price and features. Aside from this information, you may also learn tips on kitesurfing and other useful information related to the sport.
Those who have mastered this sport would advice starters to buy used equipment. Aside from the cheaper cost, there are many sources available. If you are enrolled in a kitesurfing school, you can ask your trainer or other older kitesurfers if they knew of any used equipment for sale. Some schools actually sell used equipment. Be sure to check the item for any defects.
You can also search for used equipment in the internet. There are many websites which feature used equipment for sale. The downside, though, is that you are unable to see the item personally before buying it. Also, there is added cost for shipment, so it may cost a bit more than when it is bought in a store.
What equipment do you need to buy? First, you need a kite. There are different kites available, such as inflatable kites and foil kites. There are pros and cons to each type of kite. It is best that you buy the kind which you have tried kitesurfing with.
Next is the board. Again, there are many different boards available and each type performs differently, so choose well. The board has footstraps which make it easier for you to attach and detach from it.
Other equipment includes helmets, life vest, harness, flying lines and control bar, among others. A wetsuit and some boots complete the get-up.
If you live in UK, there are many sources of kitesurfing equipment. But one word of advice though. Before purchasing any equipment, make sure that you really like the sport. Equipment can be quite expensive, so it is wise not to spend money on it if you have no intentions of pursuing the sport.
Perhaps you can test the waters first by enrolling in a kitesurfing school. If after a few lessons you still feel the same way, then that’s when you buy the equipment.