2 posts
Hi I'm new here just gonna quickly intro myself my name is Tony, recently decided I want to take up kitesurfing. I just finished my exams and have the whole Summer ahead of me, I'm currently contiplating wether to attempt kitesurfing or regular surfing. I have no previous experience on boards except bodyboards, just need some opinions. Basically need to know is kitesurfing really that hard?! Would I be able to learn? Or should I stick to something practical like surfing?
WA
228 posts
To be honest. And this is my personal view. It`s not about if it is hard or not. When I first saw someone kiteboarding (2002) I thought "This looks like fun. And a challenge." And I knew I just had to give it a go.
Surfing would be alot easier in the sense that it`s alot cheaper to get started, and you can pretty much teach yourself the basics by just watching the guys on the beach and having a go. Kitesurfing on the other hand will cost alot more for your gear and you will have to go for lessons, wich will cost a bit.
NSW
692 posts
Tony, For my 2 cents worth, give them both a try. Obviuosly you know a little about waves, from riding a body board, but standing up surfing, is a whole different story when it comes to balance.
If you decide to take up kitesurfing, then make sure it is flat water and not waves, as the balance thing, will take some time to comprehend with both sports.
With the seabreezes kicking in, from about lunch time on most decent warm days, in summer you will blown out on a surfboard, as the waves wont break evenly.
Try surfing in the morning and kitesurfing in the arvo. (If you have the strength).
The best bet with kitesurfing, and you will get it here a thousand times is get a lesson, with an instructor. Kitesurfing can be a dangerous sport if you are unaware of the power of the kite. It is no probs getting a mate to teach you surfing, to see if you like it, but get some professional instruction with kitesurfing.
To understand the power of the kite, training kites are available to buy or hire. Give it a go if you want to see if kitesurfing is for you.
I started surfing about 28 years ago, I wouls struggle to go out now for more than a dozen surfs a year. Surf breaks are too crowded on a good day, and you end up fighting with goat boaters, mals, and now SUP's to get a wave.
Both will give you a great buzz.
Goodluck mate, which ever you choose, surely wont be a dissapointment.
QLD
263 posts
I have had a couple of mates recently move to the coast and have asked me the same thing. i told them both to take up kite surfing as it is much easier to get going (at a much greater cost though). surfing will take you years to perfect where kite surfing you could be up and riding by the end of the summer.
i get a far bigger buzz from surfing but as kyteryder said you are constantly (depending on where you live) competing with lots of other people for a good wave. nothing beats an early morning summer surf though.
if you've got the money grab a 7 foot mini mal, second hand kite and board and you'll have morning and afternoons covered for the rest of your life!
2 posts
Really good responses guys I guess I will have to take up my mates offer and go surfing with him down south as he'll b providing the boards and go hire a practise kite as soon as possible to get a feel for both then take it from there.
VIC
2777 posts
kiting - by the end of summer you will be up and charging...riding both ways, upwind and probably small jumps.
surfing - by the end of summer you will still be struggling, probably getting yelled at by other surfers, have swallowed a heap of water and still be years away from your first decent open faced wave let alone a tube. But you will be fitter than ever before.
A much bigger stoke in surfing but it takes years to learn to surf properly. and unless you are a kid the learing curve is a nightmare.
its a no brainer if you want to have fun this summer - KITE
if you want to get fit - SURF
41 posts
Nothing to do with the topic whatsoever but "Windmill" can you please remove your avatar?? That's the **** that makes me wanna cry! Aloha Haole
