Kitesurfing questions and answers

Kitesurfing is an extreme water sport where a rider is pulled across the water by a large, controllable kite. The kite is connected to the rider’s waist with a harness and controlled by lines that are usually about 18–25 metres long. With a board on their feet, the rider glides over the water using the power of the wind.

Kite: the main equipment. It catches the wind and provides the power.

Bar: the control system, like a steering wheel. You steer the kite with it and control its power.

Board: the equipment under your feet that lets you slide over the water.

Spot: a beach or place suitable for kitesurfing, with the right wind, water and safety conditions.

Freestyle: acrobatic tricks and aerial manoeuvres using the lift of the kite.

Speed racing: riding to reach maximum speed.

Wave riding: kitesurfing on waves, combining surfing and kite control.

Jump: taking off from the water and flying through the air with the power of the kite.

Kite: provides the power by catching the wind.

Board: lets the rider glide and manoeuvre on the water.

Control bar: used to steer the kite and adjust its power.

Harness: worn around the waist (or as a seat harness); it connects the rider to the kite and carries most of the load.

The wind window is the area in the sky where the kite can fly.

Kite size depends on the rider’s weight (heavier riders need bigger kites) and on the wind strength (stronger wind means a smaller kite).

Kite sizes usually range from 4 to 17 square metres.

Kitesurfing is generally easier, because the power comes from a kite attached to the rider’s waist, not from a sail held with the arms.

The roots of kitesurfing go back to the 1800s, when George Pocock used large kites for transport. In 1903 Samuel Cody crossed the English Channel with a kite system.

In 1977 Gijsbertus Adrianus Panhuise received the first kitesurfing patent. In 1997 Raphaël Salles and Laurent Ness developed kiteboards close to modern designs. In 1998 kitesurfing was recognised as a water sport, and the first competition was held in Maui, won by Flash Austin.

Today kitesurfing includes freestyle, wave riding, wakestyle, jumping, cruising and racing.

With professional instruction kitesurfing is easy to learn. Technique is more important than strength.

You can learn the basic kitesurfing skills with at least 6 hours of professional training.

Through professional lessons in theory and practice, with a minimum of 6 hours.

Take your lessons on consecutive days and complete them in a short time. Training once a week slows your progress and reduces motivation.

They are different sports. Windsurfers may struggle at first, because they are used to controlling the power differently.

Yes, there are both private and group lessons. At Heaven the beginner group course is for max. 2 people.

A towel, sunglasses, sunscreen and — depending on the beach — sea shoes. At Heaven the wetsuit is included in the lessons.

When you can manage your equipment and your safety by yourself.

No, a licence is not required. To rent equipment from us, though, we need proof of your experience — for example videos of you kiting.

No. Beginners should always get assistance.

Kitesurfing is an extreme sport, so it carries risks. With professional training, proper equipment and by following the safety rules it becomes a very safe activity.

Yes. When the safety systems are used and the rules are followed, kitesurfing is a very safe sport.

Do not enter the areas where kites are launched and landed.

Do not swim in active kitesurfing zones.

Definitely. It is a full-body workout and improves balance, coordination and endurance.

It requires technique and skill rather than physical strength.

Social contact, love for nature, more environmental awareness, a positive effect on your mindset and lifestyle, more joy of living and motivation — and it encourages cooperation and teamwork.

There is no general minimum age, as long as the person is physically able and is trained properly. At our school, children can take lessons from the age of 12.

No, there is no age limit for kitesurfing.

Yes. The harness carries the kite; your arms are only for control.

No. The kite size is chosen according to your weight and the wind conditions.

Yes. Learning may be a bit harder, but it is possible — and kitesurfing also helps you lose weight.

No, basic swimming skills are enough.

Kitesurfing is possible all year round in Cyprus — 12 months a year.

The best period is from April to October.

Training usually costs between 350 and 600 euros.

On average, a full set of equipment costs around 3,000 euros.

Yes, there is a second-hand market for kitesurfing equipment.

It depends on how often you use it and on the climate. In Cyprus, used about two days a week, equipment lasts around 3–5 years.

Choose your equipment with the advice of your instructor.

The wind blows parallel to the beach — the best direction for kitesurfing. You can ride out easily, and if you are a beginner and can’t ride upwind yet, you can easily walk back upwind along the beach.

The wind blows at 45 degrees towards the beach. Cross-onshore sea breezes tend to be a smooth, consistent, laminar air flow with little turbulence — consistent wind that is great for kitesurfing.

The wind blows towards the shore at a 90-degree angle, from the water straight to the beach. If you drop your kite, you are blown onto the beach immediately, and it can be hard to get out through the shore break.

It is one of the dangerous winds, because it constantly pushes you onto the beach and the hazards on land. Skill level: intermediate and experienced kitesurfers — you must be able to stay upwind to keep away from the beach.

Cross-offshore and offshore winds are not good for kiteboarding. If your equipment fails or you lose control, they blow you away from the shore. Offshore winds can also be very gusty and turbulent, because the air comes off a land mass.

You can kitesurf in offshore winds on a lake or when a safety boat is available. Skill level: not recommended for kitesurfing — experienced kitesurfers only, with boat backup.