Kitesurfing isn’t a sport that would immediately spring to mind when thinking about forms of exercise that can help maintain good health. But kitesurfing is one of the world’s fastest growing sports. It’s also considered an ‘extreme sport’, but that doesn’t stop people of all ages and abilities taking it up. It’s not uncommon to see people in their 50’s and 60’s taking up the sport for example.
A common misconception is that you need to have good upper body strength to kitesurf. Whilst it’s true of some of the world’s top kitesurfers, it’s not at all necessary. Amateurs spend most of their time ‘hooked in’ to the kite using a harness meaning the power of the kite is transferred directly to the waist and the arms are used only to steer the kite. You don’t need to be strong.
What you do need however are wind and water. Your best bet is to find a kitesurfing school that will provide you with an instructor and all the gear you need to start learning. It usually takes a few lessons to learn the basics before you can be left to practice without an instructor.
There are a number of health benefits to kitesurfing both physical and psychological. Increasing numbers of enthusiasts cite the feeling of independence and serenity as they glide across the water using only the power of the wind. It can be a great opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of day to day life as you detach from your electronic devices and focus on the position of the kite and your board and enjoy being in the elements.
Indeed you will likely need a rest after 45 minutes or an hour. Using your lower back muscles and hip flexors to maintain a straight posture as the kite pulls you forward will lead to strengthening core muscles. Similarly the abs get a good workout again in order to help you maintain posture and transfer the energy of the wind through your kite, your body and into the board. You can control the power by selecting a smaller kite size and going easy on the control bar which acts as your accelerator.
Once you get the basics in place, you need to make sure you look the part on and off the water. You’ll probably want to rent equipment whilst you learn but may decide to invest in your own wetsuit. You can also treat yourself to a kitesurfing t-shirt so you can show off your new found passion as you go about your daily terrestrial life.
But be warned, kitesurfing is addictive. It’s difficult to put into words the feeling of exhilaration and adventure you experience when you harness the power of the wind and use it to skim across the water!
