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Kiteboarding,
also known as kitesurfing, is a cross between surfing, windsurfing,
wakeboarding and kiting. The rider controls a kite to get the rider
and board out into the water. The rider can do simple navigation
or extreme jump tricks using only the kite as the power source.
The
beauty of kiteboarding is that there is no need for an engine, gasoline
or another person to kiteboard Just you, your kite, your board and
proper training.
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When
did kiteboarding begin?
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Kiteboarding began in the mid 80's. Cory Roeseler
from Oregon began to develop his kiteski system using water skis. At the same time in France, the Legaignoux brothers were working on their early prototypes for their fly surf system that was later developed into the WIPIKA system.
The modern era of kiteboarding began in the mid to late 90's when Laird Hamilton and Manu gained recognition for the sport on Maui's North Shore and captured the imagination of the watersport community. Kiteboarding is now the fastest growing watersport in the world. |
Is
kiteboarding expensive?
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Intially,
you take lessons and buy your own gear, approximately $1000 to $2500
depending on whether the gear is new or used, also, the type of
gear you decide to buy.
After
this initial expense, the beach is free, and there are no fuel expenses
so the sport becomes affordable. See our Ultimate Kite Package
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Are
there lessons here in Chicago?
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Yes.
Please see the lessons section
of this site for more information.
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What
do i need to get started?
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Kite,
lines, bar, harness, board, wet or dry suit ( Chicago waters are cold),
pump, helmet and Impact vest.
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Do
I have to take lessons?
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Yes!
Though learning from books, videos etc. is possible, Kiteboarding
is a dangerous sport if not instructed properly. Remember it's all
about having fun and when something becomes dangerous due to insufficient
instruction it's just not as much fun anymore.
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Do
I need any previous experience to learn kiteboarding?
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No,
though it helps if you have a background in wakeboarding, windsurfing,
surfing, kiteing, snowboarding or skateboarding, you may get into
kiteboarding without previous sports experience. Knowing how to
swim, though, is necessary and very important.
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Is
kiteboarding easy to learn?
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Just
like any other activity, whether it is sports, dance, the arts etc.
all you need is patience, time and proper instruction. Kiteboarding
has a fairly steep learning curve, but once you get the hang of it
your skills improve quickly.
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Yes,
it is moderately cold but with proper attire (dry or wet suit and
boots) you can still ride very comfortably in Chicago up until December.
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When
is the kiting season in Chicago?
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Anytime
there is wind you will find kiteboarders in Chicago's
Montrose beach. though generally the Fall months (September, October,
November, and December) are the good wind months in Chicago.
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Can
you Kitesurf when there is no wind?
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Generally
you need at least an 8 to 10 MPH wind to start kiteboarding. If the
wind conditions are lower than this, it would probably be a good day
for gear maintenance and safety checks or maybe staying home and doing
your laundry.
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Do
you need to be strong or fit?
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Kiteboarding
can be a physically demanding sport when you are pushing the boundaries
of technical tricks, on the other hand simple kiteboarding navigation
can be equal to a simple low/mid-level exercise. Many women and kids
enjoy kiteboarding without having to be physically muscular. In kiteboarding,
you may adjust the size of the kite and board to the size of the rider
and strength of the wind.
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