<\/span><\/h2>\nPeople often freak out about kitesurfing being a very dangerous, “extreme” sport.\u00a0 It can be at times, but my scariest experiences so far have been related to surfing more than kitesurfing.<\/p>\n
If you get into kitesurfing the right way, you’ll start with an instructor who will teach you most of the stuff you need to know to stay safe.\u00a0 In doing so you’ll avoid some of the biggest hazards, including those related to incorrect gear setup and handling<\/strong>.<\/p>\nAnother type of hazard you’ll learn to avoid is hazardous weather conditions<\/strong>.\u00a0 Things such as offshore wind, rough seas, rip tides, high winds and stormy weather.<\/p>\nSurfers are generally much less safety-conscious<\/strong> than kitesurfers.\u00a0 Many will go out in bigger waves, sometimes without even checking out the currents, tide, and weather forecast.\u00a0 Being relatively athletic people, they often count on their paddling capabilities to get them out of trouble.<\/p>\nIf they’re not careful, surfers might get stuck in the inside of a big wave, dragged by a rip current, thrown onto the rocks, hit in the head by their – or someone else’s – board etc.<\/p>\n
Kitesurfers are less vulnerable to currents and big waves since they can typically ride away from them with their kite.\u00a0 However, they may have their kite drop<\/strong> in the water because of a wind lull, or get out of control due to wind getting stronger.<\/p>\nEquipment failure<\/strong> is another significant risk factor for kitesurfers – which is why checking your equipment regularly, namely your lines<\/a>, is crucial.<\/p>\nFor me, however, kitesurfers who usually ride waves on a directional surfboard, even though they’re exposed to some of the same risks as surfers, are able to avoid one of the sport’s biggest risks and source of injuries which is freestyle tricks such as big airs, rotations, and megaloops.<\/p>\n
<\/span>Surfing vs kitesurfing experience<\/span><\/h2>\nHere are some the main pros and cons of each sport in terms of feeling and riding experience:<\/p>\n
Surfing pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Feeling of complete freedom<\/strong> – just you, the wave, and the board under your feet<\/li>\n
- Relaxing time<\/strong> for enjoying the ocean and sunset while waiting for a wave<\/li>\n
- Great workout<\/strong> paddling and duck diving constantly<\/li>\n
- Ultimate stoke\u00a0<\/b>when riding long hollow waves or deep barrels<\/li>\n
- Fast and easy setup<\/strong> on the beach before getting out<\/li>\n
- Not hindered by lines and harness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Surfing cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Few really good days (swell + low wind) in most surfing places<\/li>\n
- You often have to sit on a board for a long time waiting<\/strong> for a wave<\/li>\n
- More and more crowds<\/strong> everywhere fighting for the same waves<\/li>\n
- Surfing is for people who don’t work!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Kitesurfing pros:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Lots of wind days<\/strong> during\u00a0warm season (thermal winds)<\/li>\n
- You’re not dependent on waves<\/strong> to get moving<\/li>\n
- No waiting<\/strong> for waves, you ride continuously<\/li>\n
- You can take many more waves<\/strong> with a kite<\/li>\n
- No need to paddle<\/strong> for long periods of time<\/li>\n
- Easy to ride out<\/strong> through waves (with good technique) and currents<\/li>\n
- You can do things on a wave you wouldn’t dream of doing surfing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Kitesurfing cons:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n- Takes a long time to set up and get out in the water<\/li>\n
- Takes a while to fold up and pack<\/li>\n
- Wind decides riding direction on a wave<\/li>\n
- Rarely get perfect wind + wave conditions<\/li>\n
- You ride with a lot of gear on (harness, bar and lines)<\/li>\n
- Can’t stop to socialize unless you go in<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n