Kite landboarding facts for kids
Kite landboarding is an exciting sport that combines elements of kitesurfing and mountain boarding. Imagine riding a giant skateboard with big wheels across land, pulled by a powerful kite! It's also known as land kiteboarding or flyboarding. This sport is becoming more popular, and you can even find competitions for it.
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How to Ride a Kite Landboard
Kite landboarding usually happens in big, open spaces. These areas need steady wind and no obstacles like trees or people. Large, firm sandy beaches are perfect spots. They offer lots of room and good wind conditions.
To start, the rider first gets the kite into a neutral position high above their head. Once their feet are strapped onto the board, they can move the kite. This makes the kite pull them across the ground. By steering the kite left or right, it creates the pull needed to move.
Just like in kitesurfing, skilled riders can "get some air." This means they move the kite to lift themselves into the air, sometimes several feet high! More advanced riders can do cool moves while airborne, like grabs, spins, and flips.
Awesome Tricks to Try
Advanced riders can perform many tricks. Most of these tricks come from kitesurfing and wakeboarding. Some tricks are done in the air and include spins, flips, grabs, or a mix of these. "Board-off" moves are when the rider takes the board off their feet while in the air. They can spin or flip the board before putting it back on and landing.
On the ground, tricks include sliding the board, doing wheelies, and riding "toeside." Riding toeside means you ride with your back facing the kite. Some kitesurfing tricks are harder to do on land because the ground is much harder than water.
Besides kitesurfing tricks, riders also use skateboarding-style obstacles. Ramps and grinders are popular additions. In recent years, special kite landboarding parks have opened. These parks have large areas with ramps and other obstacles for riders to enjoy.
Equipment You Need
To go kite landboarding, you need special gear.
The Kite
The kite is a big sail, usually made from strong ripstop nylon. It flies on 2, 3, 4, or 5 lines. Kites come in different sizes. You use a smaller kite when the wind is strong and a bigger one when the wind is light. You control the kite with a control bar or handles.
There are different types of kites. Foil kites are common. Some kites have "de-power" systems. These let the rider change the kite's power by moving the control bar closer or further away. Most riders like de-powerable kites. They make it easy to adjust the power if the wind suddenly gets stronger. Another type, called "arcs," are also becoming popular.
The Board
Landboards come in many styles. They are often made of wood, but some riders prefer lighter boards made from other materials. Boards vary in size and width. Longer and wider boards are more stable. They are good for bigger riders or beginners. Smaller, narrower boards are for smaller people or for doing more tricks.
Many boards also have suspensions. These can be adjusted to make the ride smoother or stiffer. Boards have bindings similar to kitesurfing boards. These keep your feet locked in place. This helps the board stay with you when you jump. But they also let you easily remove the board for "board-off" tricks. Many boards also have a handle in the middle. This helps you grab the board during tricks.
The Harness and Other Gear
Some riders attach the kite's control bar to a harness they wear. This lets them take their hands off the bar to do tricks. Using a harness also helps you ride longer. It takes the pulling force off your arms. For de-powerable kites, the harness is used to control the kite's power. There are different types of harnesses, like waist or seat harnesses. You choose what feels best.
Because a harness keeps you connected to the kite, safety is very important. Special safety systems have been created. These systems have pins that let you quickly release yourself from the kite if you need to. Some harnesses also have a small knife. This can be used to cut the lines in an emergency.
Other useful items include a groundstake to hold the kite when it's landed. A wind meter helps you know the exact wind speed. It's also smart to carry spare parts, tools, and repair tape. And, of course, safety gear is a must!
Staying Safe While Landboarding
Kites can be very powerful. Riders can go very fast and jump many feet into the air. Since this sport is on land, there are some safety concerns. It's important to protect yourself and others.
Helmets are super important, especially when trying advanced moves. You might be spinning or flipping, so a helmet protects your head. Padding, like shoulder and knee pads, can protect you from hard falls. Many places where people kite landboard now require helmets and insurance.
Kite makers have also added safety features to their kites. These designs help to "depower" the kite. This stops it from dragging the rider after a fall and keeps others nearby safe. These features often include safety leashes. If you let go of the control bar, the leash will completely depower the kite. This brings it gently back to the ground.
Before you go kite landboarding, always check your chosen spot for any risks. Make sure you keep yourself and everyone around you safe. You can remember this with the word SHOE:
- Surface – Is the ground good for landboarding? Firm sand is a great surface.
- Hazards – Are you in a big open space away from things you could crash into?
- Other People – Is the area quiet? Give other people plenty of space to keep them safe.
- Environment – How windy is it? How does the tide affect the beach? Are you using the right equipment for the conditions?
Images for kids
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A young boy's 1916 "windmobile." (Popular Science Monthly, Feb 1916, p170)
