Kiteboarding Jun-Jul 11

Do you ever stop to think about just how much kiting has impacted your life? This issue marks my fifth year as editor of this magazine, and it's been quite a wild ride. I've learned so much over these past five years, whether it was through meeting the sport's most influential people, traveling the world, testing new gear or gathering editorial content. On the anniversary of my fifth year as editor, I'd like to share a few interesting things I've learned along the way: editor@kiteboardingmag.com…

Owner of Litewave Designs and distributor for GlobeKites, Dave Turner — better known as Litewave Dave — spends his days, weeks and months showing big-name companies what true hard work and a whole lot of personality look like. “I do the work of 25 employees,” he says, “but I do it all on my own.” Turner spends September through November manufacturing boards and gear and then hits the road for a nine-month demo tour in January with the new products. “I'm out kissing babies, you know; I'm like Roosevelt,” says Turner. Being the owner and only employee of Litewave Designs, he travels around the country as the face of the company, making sure to hit each of the nation's kiting hot spots, sharing his immense passion for the sport. He…

Whether you're a newbie or an ultra-advanced kiter, the exhilaration of learning never ceases. While people learn to kite at dramatically different rates, most learn all the basics and then some in less than a year. Having a background in board sports and kite flying, sailing or windsurfing helps, but it's not required — without it you can still be boosting big jumps and zipping upwind within a year. For those who progress much faster, monstrous airs, mega loops and pro-level tricks may be within reach. Other factors will influence your learning, such as quality of conditions and the caliber and duration of lessons. Regardless of how quickly you progress, you'll be all smiles. Lesson Days 1 Trainer Kite (days 1 to 3): Buy a trainer kite. The more you…

Influenced and shaped by a myriad of board sports, kiteboarding has a wide range of modalities. Chances are you're a surfer, snowboarder or wakeboarder, which is great because many of your skills will cross over into kiteboarding. Previous board-sport experience is not required, but it will only help. The following are today's most common kiteboarding styles. Have you ever wondered what the difference is between kiteboarding and kitesurfing? Kitesurfing is essentially surfing with a kite, while kiteboarding is a more generic term used to describe the sport as a whole, plus free-riding and wake-style kiting. With the advent of high-depowering kites, you can ride waves with little to no pull from the kite. Simply kite into a wave then depower or unhook as you ride the wave top to bottom…

To get the most bang for your buck when shelling out for kiteboarding lessons, buy a trainer kite and fly it for a good five to 10 hours before your first class. Small and safe, trainer kites are incredibly easy to learn on — and teach you core kite skills. Just like on a large, powerful kite, pull in with your left hand and the kite moves left; pull in with your right and the kite goes right. (See “The Wind Window” for tips.) Look for free trainer kite clinics offered by your local kiteboarding association. Cost: $100 to $250 When it comes to kiteboarding, there is no substitute for taking lessons from a professional, certified instructor. You'll learn so much, so fast; you'll have a blast; and it will…

By Dena Ventura Kiteboarding is best done with solid, dependable kiter friends — experienced riders who can share knowledge and advice and come to your rescue in the event of a kitemare. You'd be surprised by how welcoming and friendly kiters are, so don't be afraid to ask questions or for help — it's a great way to meet fellow kiters and have more fun. One day you'll be good enough to save their butts if you have to, but in the meantime, buy them a post-session beer. To start, here are some common questions to ask: Is there anything about this location I should know before going out? What size kites are people flying right now? Is the wind changing? Can you give me a launch? When landing your…