Xtreme Fun 4 Everyone
EVERYONE
CAN HAVE AN ATTITUDE...
BUT CAN ANYONE LEARN TO HAVE
THE EXTREME KITEBOARD ATTITUDE?
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour... Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. Mark Twain
The
Plan
Our adventure begins with a straightforward purpose to 'bring kiteboarding
to a larger audience'. The sport is technically simple, so let's encourage
everyone to 'shake his or her booty' and get up and have a go! Just because
your partner is not a super fit 70kg adrenaline junkie does not mean that
they should be excluded from the thrill of learning how to kiteboard.
Working with Extreme Holidays, who provide specialist kiteboard/surf/windsurf
Safari holidays on the island of Fuerteventura, we sent our specialist
team to document learning how to kite board.
Over the next few issues we will be charting the progress of our chosen guinea pigs, together with tips and advice for newcomers who want to experience the thrill of skimming across the water whilst being pulled by a kite.
We travelled out of season to Fuerteventura, in the hope that we would find sufficient wind to get off to a flying start. Learning in the UK before spring is not highly recommended, as you spend a large amount of time in the water during the first few sessions. Extreme Holidays provided us with accommodation, a land cruiser and a team of knowledgeable instructors that knew when and where the wind would be working all around the island.
Our guinea pig for this starter issue is the larger than life Big Ron. A nineteen stone +, six foot two individual who enjoys the sports of windsurfing, wakeboarding and kite buggying. He openly admits that his general sporting competence is of a very average level, but what is crucial to him is that when he takes part he enjoys every minute and knows that he is capable of dealing with any situation safely, calmly and effectively. Some of you may know Ron Smith as the driving force behind 'Windfest Extreme Festivals' which take place at Hunstanton in June and Paignton in Sept/Oct. Although Ron is a qualified Buggy Instructor, prior to our trip he had never flown or used a Leading Edge Inflateable (LEI) kite with any confidence. His background sports stood him in good shape for learning quickly, but like all newcomers you have to start with the basics to guarantee that bad habits are avoided in the early stages.
Tam, the resident Extreme IKO instructor set to with our team of budding kiteboarders, explaining the rudiments of where and when to begin.
Left:
Big Ron eager to learn.
Middle: Understanding potential hazards on the water is essential.
Right: Clear and concise instruction re the wind window with students.
The
Wind Window
In simple terms, this is the area within which you fly your kite. Imagine
a semi-circle with you at the centre of the baseline - the pivot point
from which the kite is controlled. If we stand with our back facing the
wind, directly in front of us is downwind and 90º to the left and
right are the edges of the wind window. Directly above our head is the
zenith. Many teaching schools use a clock notation when explaining the
zenith. The analogy being 9 O'clock to the left, 12 O'clock or zenith
overhead and 3 O'clock to the right. This way we can talk about flying
a kite at 10 O'clock , and understand where we should be positioning the
kite in relationship to the ground or water.
Understanding the wind and how the wind window works is critical in becoming a competent kiteboarder. Take the opportunity to fly soft foil based kites prior to starting your LEI training and your progress will accelerate rapidly. The model below illustrates the power zone within the quadrant of your flying area. Be sure to fully understand the principles of how to make your kite generate power because this is the key factor in using the wind to develop forward motion and upward lift.
Left:
Wind Window Simulator showing the wind direction & points of the Window.
Right: Fuertesol Bungalow Apartments.
SAFETY
FIRST
Prior to trying to teach yourself, or getting out there following a few
tips from a friend who reckons he knows a few things about the sport,
stop and take the following point on board.
Kiteboarding is potentially dangerous - indeed life threatening - if you
have the wrong kit and/or the wrong conditions and/or the wrong technique.
We
would strongly advise you seek out an approved IKO kiteboard centre that
can teach you the rudiments and start your learning curve off correctly.
It's the only sensible way to go, plus if you choose wisely they will
advise you on which equipment to purchase for quick and positive progression.
It's no longer about buying the highest aspect ratio kites you have seen
the pro's using in the videos and going out only to get dragged around
like an idiot. All manufacturers are now producing safe, easy to use starter
kitesurfing products that make the learning curve quick and simple.
Next up, join the BKSA to ensure that you are insured. £25 membership buys you 5 million pounds worth of 3rd party cover - this is of paramount importance.
Risk
Assessment
Most of us carry out some kind of risk analysis whenever we do things.
However, the importance of carrying out a proper assessment every time
you kiteboard is critical. You need to be aware of other beach users,
changing weather forecasts, tidal rips, sufficient space to land and launch
kites, submerged objects that appear as the tide changes - anything which
can have an effect on your learning progress. Things can get out of hand
very quickly.
Extreme
Accommodation
Our base for this teaching trip to Fuerteventura was Caleta de Fuste,
a purpose built holiday resort located on the eastern coastline fifteen
minutes south of the airport. It encompasses the original small harbour
and cleverly man-made sand beach located amongst the stirring volcanic
coastline.
The
architecture is of bright Spanish flavour, which caters predominantly
for British holiday makers in single or double storey apartment type terraces.
A pleasant growing town catering heavily for the tourist with endless
numbers of gift, clothing, electrical shops, restaurants and bars all
advertising their services first and foremost in English. You do not need
any prior knowledge of Spanish as everyone communicates in English, many
of the local drinking spots are owned and run by Brits. Most of the bars
serve cool local Spanish 'cerveza' beers by the pint but if you look hard
enough, you will find most things here you would get back in the UK.
It is mellow during the day and if you are in the
mood to party, you can make it rock until the early hours any night of
the week.
The attraction of Fuerteventura is recognised throughout the world for its rugged landscape, consistent winds (April thru Sept), incredible waves, beautiful beaches and year round sunny climate. Whilst the tourist industry has had a major influence on shaping the foundation and appearance of the Canaries in latter years, this 'strong wind' island (literal translation of Fuerteventura) has managed to retain its arid beauty whilst absorbing some of the impact of travel & tourist developments.
On-line
Advice...
The IKO at www.ikorg.com (International Kiteboarding Organisation) have
their own website which is very comprehensive. As safety updates are implemented
they are posted almost immediately.
The BKSA at www.kitesurfing.org is well worth a visit at as it details numerous interesting websites, lists IKO schools in the UK & overseas and provides a forum for all levels of kiteboarders. It also details how to become a member and get insurance.
Assembling
Your Kite.
The first rule of kite flying - you need a buddy! Getting it all sorted
out yourself is not good practise, as it's: a) much less safe and b) much
more difficult.
Whenever you are setting up your equipment ensure that you have at least 100 square metres of free beach space around you. Other beach users can be very inquisitive, but ask them to keep away. Onlookers are additional liabilities in the early stages, so ensure that your buddy keeps them well clear.
001
- Our resident Extreme IKO Kiteboarding instructor Tam.
002 - Tam explaining where the kite developes power.
Standing with your back to the wind, unroll the kite away form yourself with its back on the sand . Return the wing tip, closest to your feet, back on itself to the first inflatable strut and place sand or pebbles onto the kite to stop it from blowing away. Ensure that you have sufficient weight on the wing tip as this will keep your kite in position whilst you carry out the inflation. Begin by inflating the closest wing tip strut. Ensure that each strut is inflated firmly and sealed with the bung and velcro security tab. Working your way from the sanded end of the kite to the downwind wing tip, you will need to inflate between 3 and 7 struts depending on your kite size and type. Once they have all been inflated pivot the kite around its sanded wing tip to face into the wind. With the kite still on its back begin to inflate the leading edge bladder, remember it is essential to have your back and the kite facing the wind. As the bladder takes shape it will roll up and form a firm crescent shape. Use one hand to hold the leading edge at the centre strut / leading edge union and the other to complete the inflation. The leading edge provides the kite with its structure, so it's important that you inflate it fully to the correct pressure. Read the instructions that come with your kite! Flip the kite over and place it leading edge down on the sand. Your buddy can be a great assistant here the first few times you do this. The apex of the kite should be pointing directly into the wind. Put sand on the canopy between the centre and second struts to weigh it down securely.
003
- Inflating the kite - make sure to inflate each bladder correctly.
004 - Ensure lines are attached securely - red to red and green to green/blue.
Walking away from your kite and directly across the wind unroll the lines. Check that you're not laying the lines across any obstacles that could snag your lines. Once the lines are fully unrolled, position the bar with the green/blue side to the left and walk back towards the kite ensuring that the lines are untangled. Attach the red flying line to the red bridle line of the kite and the same for the opposite blue/green side.
005
- Pre flight checking is essential, no crossed lines or tangles.
006 - Assisted launch of the kite at the edge of the wind window
Controlling the kite is like steering a bike, you pull with the left hand and push with the right to make the kite go to the left, and pull with the right and push with the left to make it go to the right. When you first start be tentative with the control bar movements - as you become more confident you can try being more aggressive. Softly-softly is the best approach.
Hot
Kiteboarding Spots ON Fuerteventura
The trade winds are most reliable throughout the summer months of May
through to September. Although predominantly northerly, they can vary
anything from North East through to North West.
North
to North West
Flag Beach is the main launching spot, although you can sail from anywhere
along the sand dunes which run for about 5 miles south of Corralejo. Situated
at the very north of the island, this is one of the main Fuerteventuran
tourist resorts, with happening bars, restaurants and nightlife,
Sail at Flag Beach at high tide only if you can stay upwind with ease. Beware of volcanic rock outcrops lurking just below the surface at high tide revealing themselves quickly as the tide level drops. If you have any uncertainties, enquire at the kite school located on the beach and they will provide you with local information and payable rescue service if you require it.
One key factor to bear in mind is respect the locals. There are a lot of pro sailors living on the island and whilst there have been few problems to date you need to have respect for both the windsurfers and kiteboarders - always sail safe.
North
East
El Cotillo on the north west coast is more suitable in a north-easterly,
when the wind at Flag Beach becomes onshore and gusty. Cotillo is only
a short 15 minutes drive from Corralejo.
Playa Blanca situated midway down the east coast, between Puerto del Rosario, (the capital) and the airport is a great sandy beach overlooking the port.
At the south of the island is Jandia and the famous Sotovento, where the World Championships are held every August. The wind is predominantly cross-offshore here, gusty and very strong - technically demanding conditions that require a high level of competence from the kiter. There is a massive German kite/windsurf school located on the beach, adjacent to the hotel. The beach itself is absolutely massive, both in terms of length and breadth. At high spring tides a large lagoon forms, only waist deep yet spanning a large area. Great for skimming about in complete safety.
These are the main beaches suitable for launching. Along the north shore road between Corralejo and Cotillo there are many famous and mind-boggling surf breaks but unless you are very competent and get free replacement equipment, steer clear of these. The launching is all off razor sharp volcanic rock, the waves are fast and hollow, and there's little chance of any rescue should things go wrong.
Safety
Fuerteventura is a popular tourist island so you have to be extra careful
when launching and landing your kite on the beach - you will almost certainly
be sharing it with other holidaymakers, particularly in peak season. When
riding beware of the swimmers in the shore break!
Launching
the kite
Ensure that your safety leash is untangled and fix it to your wrist or
harness. With your buddy holding the kite at the left or right edge of
the wind window, make a final check that your flying lines are tangle
free. NEVER launch the kite from directly downwind, take the tension in
the lines and slowly move the kite up to the zenith by applying pressure
to one side of the control bar. Practice positioning the kite at all the
points of the clock and flying it in a figure of 8.
007
- Did someone say Bond? Controlling & bonding with the kite.
008 - Working with a buddy makes for easy safe learning.
Prior to going onto the water you will need to develop confidence in flying whilst walking around on the beach, use of the harness and one handed flying. It may sound complex but it's not that difficult. You need to develop an instinctive understanding of where the kite is in the sky and what it's doing, even if you're not looking at it.
In an overpowered or out of control situation, you do not know how to deal with - let go of the bar immediately. The kite will de-power and flutter to the beach.
Assisted landing - bring the kite down to 3 or 9 O' clock and get your buddy to catch the leading edge. Ensure that anyone catching the kite safely approaches it by coming from the upwind side toward the leading edge.
The
Deep Water Wrap
This has to be practised on the beach to ensure a comprehensive understanding.
Let go of the bar and allow the kite to settle on the beach. Work your
way via the safety leash to the end of the leader line. Once you arrive
at the knot in the leader line, start to wind this flying line on the
bar. It is essential that you only work with one flying line initially.
The principle here is to ensure that one of the flying lines always remains
shorter than the span of the kite, thus it is impossible for the kite
to fly on only one line. Ensure that you stay upwind of the excess floating
line. Once you arrive at the kite you can wind in the excess line.
009
- The deep water wrap, practice on the beach - Emergency self rescue.
010 - After winding in the lines, deflation of the LE and rolling to make
bundle.
Next you have two possible options. Firstly, you can deflate the leading edge and roll the kite into a neat package (ensure that you replace the valve after deflating to stop any water entering the bladder) and secure the pack with either the safety leash and/or your harness. Then use it as a flotation device. Secondly, on arriving at the kite, place the bar and lines on the inside of the kite and use the kite on its back as a flotation device.
In
the next edition we will be getting into the water and covering body dragging,
body dragging using the harness and getting up onto the board and riding.
Kiting
in fuerteventura:
In the summer months you should pack kites between 14m and 8m in Naish
sizing with a twin tip, as the trade winds usually blow in the 10-20kts
range. (Unless you're heading for Sotovento, where it could be more like
40kts!)
During the winter months the trades still blow from time to time, but the weather is more dependent upon weather fronts as per the UK. So bring along your biggest and smallest kites, as you never know quite what the wind is going to do. You can get good sailing all around the island but the regularity is less frequent.
Equipment Available From: Flag Beach Windsurf/Kitesurf School o Magma or North Shore - La Jares o Witchcraft - Corralejo o Rene Egli - Sotovento o Custom boards available from Magma, North Shore and Pirates
Nightlife
- The best bar in Corralejo to head for is CORKY'S Surf Bar which includes
local weather forecast every night and latest videos.
SPLASH would like to thank Extreme Holidays for providing us with the opportunity of experiencing the Canarian dream. Apparently the accommodation is relocating to Corralejo at the north of the island in the near future, which should improve things even further.
All of the participants on the one week course commented on how clear, concise and safety conscious the instruction was. Well done to Tam, Ben and Sam for giving us a chilled but very efficiently run week of training.
Big thanks to Richard Page of GingerPix for the sterling images - richard@gingerpix.com +44 7812 20 56 37. Sacred-Lines who cover marine & extreme sport press and PR - 07970 997097 / 07812 205637
Thanks to Danny Seales and Marcus Damsell for furnishing us with local information and access to some pretty excellent sailing spots.