How to Become A Kiteboarder

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OliverG
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How to Become A Kiteboarder

Post by OliverG » Sat Oct 24, 2009 6:28 pm

How to Become A Kiteboarder
Author: Nicole Corbett of Real Kiteboarding

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photo: Jody MacDonald

Do you want to become a kiteboarder but aren't sure how to get there? Be warned — kiteboarding can be very addictive and is sure to change your life! From kids to grandparents, everyone can learn how to kiteboard. These steps will take you from beginner to ripper in no time!

1. INSTRUCTIONAL DVD AND TRAINER KITE
Do your homework and watch an instructional DVD to familiarize yourself with the sport. You'll learn lots of new words, like "wind window" and "chicken loop," and you will begin to understand what kiteboarding is all about. Use the DVD to learn how to fly a small 2- or 3-meter trainer kite on the beach.

2. BEGINNER LESSONS
The easiest way to get into the sport is to find a professional school that utilizes shallow water, consistent wind and personal watercraft support. Learning from a friend or teaching yourself can be very frustrating and dangerous, and it is not recommended. Through lessons, you will safely become a kiteboarder and have a lot of fun!

3. GEAR
So now that you've taken lessons, you are stoked. In order to continue your kiteboarding career, you will need some full-sized gear. Your instructor can recommend gear for you based on your ability level, weight and local conditions.

4. PRACTICE
Don't let that new gear sit in your trunk. Get out and practice! Get in the water at every opportunity you have to hone in the skills you learned in your lessons. If you don't practice, your skills will fade.

5. INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED LESSONS
Just as you experienced a faster learning curve through beginner lessons, intermediate and advanced instruction keeps your learning curve vertical, compared to learning on your own. Whether it's learning how to transition, boost, stay upwind or do unhooked tricks, taking a lesson will get you there faster.

6. ADVANCED GEAR
Now that you are a certifiable kite addict, you'll want more toys to play with. You'll need at least three kites to cover all the wind ranges, and having more than one board can also help you ride in a wider variety of conditions.

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