When one speaks of kitesurfing, we imagine someone effortlessly riding the waves with a kite pulling him. While it may seem fun and simple, there’s more to the sport than meets the eye. Kitesurfing can be a dangerous sport, if safety measures are not observed.
But kitesurfing is not as difficult or dangerous as it already is if you choose your location well. For those who are new to the sport, kitesurfing in South Florida is the way to go.
The concept of a kite pulling something like a boat has long been created in the 13th century. Back then it was called kitesailing. This was used as a means to transport goods and things by tying the kite to a canoe. The idea was to use the kite to make sailing faster. Centuries after, this has become a major sport and is now what we call as kitesurfing.
Kitesurfing as a sport is slowly gaining recognition in most states. Before choosing a kitesurfing school, check if it has passed certification from the appropriate agency. See also if it is a member or affiliate of kitesurfing associations. This will ensure you that the people in this school know what they’re doing.
While you may learn on your own, others suggest that you take kitesurfing courses to learn. There are many schools in Miami, Fort Myers and Sarasota. Other cities have those as well. If you feel shy in taking group lessons, there are some establishments which offer private lessons.
Although you need to pay a higher fee for that, the good thing about it is you are able to learn at your own pace without feeling self-conscious. And you have the trainer all for yourself, so he can answer whatever training questions that you may have.
Like any extreme sport, there is the risk of harm if safety rules are not followed. For one, you must learn to launch and land well. For launching, experts say that it is safer to launch on the water. This makes the inflatable kite a better choice, although there are some who prefer foil kites. In landing, avoid crowded areas. Considering that you have no control over the wind, you must be able to anticipate the spot where it is safest to land.
Very strong winds are not recommended for the new rider. If your kite flies too fast, you will have difficulty in controlling it. This makes kitesurfing in South Florida ideal for both beginners and old riders, as the winds in that area are not too strong, although steady.
Another cause of accidents is equipment failure. Although this does not happen always, it is important to check your equipment before using them. After using them, it is also wise to check if there was no damage to it so you can replace whatever parts or items that need replacement. For those who buy used equipment, make sure to inspect the items well to make sure that there are no defects.
Kitesurfing in South Florida is a memorable, even life-changing, experience for some people. But before putting on your wet suits, make sure that you know what safety measures to take, what code of conduct to follow. Make the experience as enjoyable to others as it is to you. Ride safely!