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Kiteboarding Gear What gear do I need?
How can I travel with my gear?The best (and cheapest) way to travel is with a kiteboard bag that resembles a golf bag. Basically, the airlines' policy states that golfers get to carry their golf gear for free (as long as it is under 50 lbs). However, kiteboard equipment will be charged $95 each way (according to Continental Airlines). Luckily, kiteboard companies have found a way to solve this problem. By getting the right travel bag, you'll be able to bypass these fees. Bags such as the Naish Golf Roller Bag and the NSI Deceiver Pro Golf Bag appear to be a golf bag on the outside, but are designed especially for kiteboarding. I have used the NSI Deceiver on 3 occasions and never got questioned. The bag pays for itself after one round-trip flight. The Naish Golf Roller Bag 140cm will fit 2 boards (140cm and under) along with 4 kites. $199.99 NSI Deceiver Pro Golf will fit 2 boards (147cm and under) along with 2 kites $149.99 Kite Types:
Kite Sizes: Kite are sized by the overall surface area of the kite when it's laid flat on the ground. Typical kite sizes in West Michigan range from 12 to 20 square meters. That's not a typo; these kites are enormous. The bigger the kite, the more power at a given wind speed. The bigger (heavier) the rider, the larger the kite needed. The following tables are rough guides to kite size vs. wind speed for a 170lb person (larger people require more power = larger kite). As your skills increase, you will be able to control a larger kite in more winds. Remember to understand where you will be riding to figure out the right size kite for you. West Michigan winds blow 10-15mph in the summer whereas the Outer Banks average 15-20mph.
Advanced/Expert Rider 170lbs
Board Types:
Board Sizes: Board lengths are usually measured in centimeters (like a snowboard or skis). For example, a large beginning rider would typically learn on a 150 - 160cm board. You may see a second number also in centimeters; this is the board's width. I as a 165lb advanced kiteboarder ride a 126x40 (126cm long, 40cm wide) board. The larger the board, the less power needed to get onto a plane. The smaller the board, the more control you have at high speeds (opposite from skis and snowboards). Can I use my wakeboard? It is not an easy way to learn because of the fin placement, board shape, and bindings. The shape of most wakeboards requires more power to get onto a plane, and trying to get your feet into bindings is nearly impossible during your early sessions. Advanced riders do use wakeboard bindings from time to time, but they have the skills needed to fly the kite and get into the binding at the same time. Heel Straps? Heel straps are not usually necessary, but some riders prefer them. Return to the Kiteboarding Knowledge Center |
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