Get wet this Summer....

Getting Ready to hit the Surf - Tableview...

In recent times the notion of strapping yourself to a small parachute with a snowboard booted onto your feet has been catching on. Okay perhaps I'm over simplifying somewhat.

Kite Surfing; Kiteboarding or Flysurfing as the sport is commonly known is a fairly young sport on the international scene that has been rapidly growing in popularity. Although both the surfboard and the kite have been around for a very long time (2.5 millenia for the kite), combining the two activities has been reliant on the development of the relevant technologies that would allow a kite to be launched from the water. Livestrong.Com shares more info on the history and developement of this extreme(ly cool) sport!

For our purposes however we gonna take a closer look at the impact it could have on your development and rewriting your future history. 

"The concept of kite surfing is relatively simple: kite surfers use a small surfboard with straps and are powered along the water by a large power kite. The kite is attached via 30m (98.5ft) long lines to a horizontal bar, which the rider uses to steer the kite. This type of wind-powered surfing allows you to cruise at vast speed, jump as high as a house in slow motion, as well as perform triple loops and spins — that is, once you’ve got to grips with the equipment, speed and power. Kite surfing is a sport for extreme thrill seekers who love water, waves, speed and a whole lot of power in their hands." (http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/how-to-get-fit-through-kite-surfing/)

Learning to fly...

Its safe to assume that controlling ones body while cruising along and flipping as high as houses, in slow motion no less, requires a Herculean effort on the part of the surfer. 

The use of the core to control the movement and direction of both the Kite and the board are an excellent way to strengthen the transverse abdominus (TVA's) & lumbar pelvic hip complex (LPHC) muscles. Often times neglected during the average training session in the gym as being to hard or too painful to complete. Abdominal exercise often gets the short end of the stick. 'Cos its a schlep.

Here it becomes the 'core' of every other movement that you do. A strong core facilitates the body tension mentioned earlier - I.e. your ability to keep key areas of your body tightened during a flip for example, to help you through the rotation and to adequately absorb impact upon landing, shifting the impact through the board, your knees, hips, core and shoulders. 

So Kite Surfing becomes a cool way to work your abs out on a regular basis. What else?

Off the bat the abs are getting a killer work out but so are your arms and legs through varying degrees of endurance and strength. This is an absolutely epic way to tone up those areas.

Feeling the 'Burn' is guaranteed. Overall stamina is enhanced and the cardiovascular aspect of kite surfing cannot be overlooked or understated. 

Not unusually, most participants especially enjoy the sport for the psychological benefits of being able to 'zone out' and just enjoy the sun, the wind and the waves. With the added benefit of a 'stress purge' through the release of adrenaline. So the Adrenaline junkies have something to look forward too... :)

Kite Surfing is a sporting all rounder. The benefits of getting out of the house and off the couch are not to be underestimated. There is a social aspect to Kite Surfing that makes it extremely attractive to many hundreds of people. Its a great way for families to spend some quality active time together.

So no I know what's in it for me - how, when, where, how much...blah blah blah...?

Speaking from my own limited experience with the sport - its not very hard to find instructors and equipment to start participating. Initial start up can be quite pricey, however if you are prepared to look for a bargain you should be able to find equipment in good condition that fits your budget. An extremely popular brand locally is Cabrinha, with a store located at the Eden on the Bay shopping centre in Big Bay - Tableview new and second hand equipment is available for purchase over the counter. Lessons are also available with numerous other shops also offering these services in and around the Tableview area.

A prominent European brand - Flysurfer  has demonstrated how their kites are the most technologically advanced at the moment. Recording amazing speeds and hang time for their kites. Below is a video of a Flysurfer Kite maximising the available wind through the addition of 'jet flaps' to its design. A feature clearly visible exactly 12 secs into the video.

Flysurfer kites can be sourced locally - William@Adrenalineair.net can be contacted with any inquiries for this brand. 

Now is the perfect time to lean - The summer wind is Up. The sun is Out and you are Alive.

Any excuse to hit the dunes this year should be grabbed with both hands. Live out there. 

Take your friends with you. Take your family. Take yourself and do something for the first time. 

Looking forward to meeting you guys out in the waves!!! 

Organised. Committed. Determined.