{"id":396,"date":"2022-08-10T04:26:43","date_gmt":"2022-08-10T04:26:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/?p=396"},"modified":"2023-07-27T03:57:16","modified_gmt":"2023-07-27T03:57:16","slug":"windsurfing-vs-kitesurfing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/windsurfing-vs-kitesurfing\/","title":{"rendered":"Windsurfing vs. Kitesurfing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are many water sports that employ a board. The shape, size and other attributes of these boards differ by some degree. Among the most popular ones are windsurfing and kiteboarding\/kitesurfing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Windsurfing (also called sailboarding) refers to surfing with surfboards with sails. The wind provides the needed propulsion while the surfer adjusts to attain speed and perform stunts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, kitesurfing entails using a surfboard while holding unto a large kite that provides the propulsion. Both are considered extreme water sports and as such require proper training to perform properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Differences and Similarities Between Windsurfing and Kitesurfing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In assessing the differences and similarities between the two\nsports, the following aspects shall be analyzed:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n  \n <\/td>\n Windsurfing<\/strong>\n <\/td>\n Kiteboarding\/Kitesurfing<\/strong>\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Age\n <\/td>\n Old (invented in 1950s)\n <\/td>\n Young (1984)\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Cost of Equipment\n <\/td>\n About $1,000\n <\/td>\n About $1,000\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Transport\n <\/td>\n Difficult\n <\/td>\n Moderate to Easy\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Learning Curve\n <\/td>\n Moderate \n <\/td>\n Steep \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Independence \n <\/td>\n High\n <\/td>\n Low \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Physical Attributes (Fitness)\n <\/td>\n High \n <\/td>\n Medium \n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Locations \n <\/td>\n Not suitable in shallow waters\n <\/td>\n Best for places without obstacles\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Wind\n <\/td>\n Small window to acquire(15ft) less\n power for waves\n <\/td>\n Large wind to acquire(100ft) more power\n for waves\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Stoppage\/slowing down\n <\/td>\n Subtly lower the sail \n <\/td>\n Raise the kite above you\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Fragility \n <\/td>\n Sails are strong\n <\/td>\n Kites are fragile\n <\/td><\/tr>
\n Balance\n <\/td>\n Center of balance not stationary\n thus unstable \n <\/td>\n Center balance stationary and stable\n <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"windsurfing\"
Windsurfing<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Kitesurfing\"
Kitesurfing in action<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Age\/Maturity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In terms of age and maturity, windsurfing has been around and it\nis more developed and mature. Kitesurfing is a much younger water sport that is\nstill developing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost of Equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Generally, the equipment for the sports cost just about the same.\nOn average, you\u2019ll spend anything from $1,000 upwards for a set of kitesurfing\nor windsurfing gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, then it comes to the longevity of the equipment, your\nwindsurfing gear will likely outlast the kitesurfing one. The fact that the\nkitesurfing gear needs to be light to provide the needed speed and all for the\nextreme tricks the sport offers means that the material will not last that\nlong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When compared, you\u2019ll need to replace some of your kitesurfing gear about every 3 years. However, most windsurfing gear will serve you well beyond 5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lifetime of each set of equipment will depend majorly on the storage techniques employed. When not using it, keep it away from the water and the sun. Before hitting the water, check the integrity of each part of the equipment for safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transport and Logistics <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unless you have a house just by the beach, you\u2019ll need to\ntransport your gear from home to the water and back. In this category,\ntransporting kitesurfing gear is far less stressful compared to moving\nwindsurfing gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A typical kitesurfing setup is a single surfboard with a folded\nkite both of which can be easily tucked under your arms as you head out to the\nbeach. They take up very little space in the car and will not cost you any\nextra cash moving them around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Windsurfing gear, on the other hand, requires a special carry\ncase to move around a surfboard and its large sail. While the surfboard will be\nsimilar to what you\u2019ll use in kitesurfing, the sail is by far larger and\nheavier than the kite for a kitesurfer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Learning Curve-Which is easier?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The answer may vary when it comes down to which is easier than\nthe other. Different people have different learning abilities. Hence some people\nwill say kiting is easier while others will say windsurfing is easier. It\ndepends on an individual\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll generally take longer to learn how to kite surf but from\nthere you\u2019ll be quite comfortable with the gear and the sport. On the other\nhand, you\u2019ll take only a few hours before you\u2019re great with a windsurf.\nHowever, you\u2019ll keep learning for a long while afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a kitesurfer, you\u2019ll need some activities on the land such as\nhow to handle the kite. After that, you\u2019ll learn how to handle the board on its\nown before you can combine the two. On average, you my take about 9 hours to be\nallowed to do a simple kitesurfing session. Windsurfing is quite\nstraightforward with new students able to surf comfortably after about 3 hours\nof learning. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other difference comes in after you have learned the basics\nof either sport. With kitesurfing, you\u2019ll be performing complex tricks in a\nshort while. However, with windsurfing, even after the short learning period,\nyou\u2019ll be on a constant learning curve for a long while afterwards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As such, if you\u2019re into a sport that you\u2019ll learn fast and get to\npeak performance fast as well, go for kitesurfing. If you\u2019re into a sport that\nwill always provide learning opportunities throughout your life, go for\nwindsurfing. At best, go for both if you can.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Level of Independence Attainable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Eventually, you\u2019ll be windsurfing or kitesurfing on your own.\nHowever, before you get there, you\u2019ll need a lot of help mainly to avoid\naccidents. For these sports, the level of independence differs by a significant\nextent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While both sports require someone to be watching from the sides\nfor safety, windsurfing affords you more independence since you can launch and\nland the gear on your own. With kitesurfing, however, it\u2019s tough launching and\nlanding the kite on your own. For this reason, you need to always have an extra\nperson to help with the kites each time you head out for kitesurfing.Level of\nSafety<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To put it plainly, kitesurfing is by far one of the most\ndangerous water sports around. With the kite depending more on the wind than\nthe control of the surfer, it\u2019s always a tough sport to perform especially when\nyou\u2019re relatively new to it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The kitesurfer needs a certain level of skill and physical\nability to stay in control of the gear. Even when disaster strikes, it requires\na high level of alertness to avert or minimize harm on the surfer and others\naround them. With kites soaring several feet off the surface of the water, a\nsmall mistake will almost always lead to serious harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For a windsurfer, the risk is quite low with speeds being minimal\nand very few chances of the gear and the rider going above the water. As such,\nwhen disaster strikes when windsurfing, taking control of things is quite easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Physical Attributes <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

While more dangerous, kitesurfing requires much less physically\ncompared to windsurfing. As long as you can hold unto the kite properly and\nkeep the board on your feet, you\u2019re good to go. With windsurfing, however,\nyou\u2019re needed to balance heavier and more complex gear at a speed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both sports require the rider to be fit enough to make quick\nmovements to enjoy the ride while averting injuries to themselves and other\nriders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surfing Locations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The suitability of any given area depends on the type of gear\nyou\u2019re using. For example, a kitesurfer has a floating board that\u2019s light and\ndoesn\u2019t go much into the water. On the other hand, their kite flies high and\ncan be affected by structures above them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As such, a kitesurfer should stay away from shorelines with trees\nand other structures that can affect their kites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the windsurfer worries little about trees on the shoreline,\nthey\u2019re in trouble if they get near a shallow region. The windsurfing board and\nthe rest of the gear go significantly deep into the water making it hard\nsurfing in shallow areas. The board can easily hit the bottom of the shore\nleading to damage and even injuries on the rider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Fragility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sails are more durable compared to kites. Once kites\ncrash, recovery is almost impossible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wind Acquiring Window<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Generally kiteboarding has a larger window to acquire\nwind, about 100 ft while windsurfing has about 15 ft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Balance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For windsurfers, the center of\nbalance and strength is not stationary. The windsurfer moves around much more because\nthey\u2019re close to the sail. Kite surfers are usually far from the kite thus moving\nis minimized thus more balance<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is better?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

None is better, it will depend on what you want as an individual.\nOverall, windsurfing is can slightly be a better option because it is more\nmature meaning that getting the equipment and learning resources is easy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kitesurfing may also be a better option if you\u2019ve been windsurfing for a while and in need of something new and challenging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it is very important to understand that each of the sport will require time and effort to learn and master.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Choosing either sport will depend on several factors as stated above. Both kitesurfing and windsurfing are not only extreme but also exciting water sports are exciting. \u00a0All in all, it all depends on a combination of these factors and your personal choice for either sport.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

There are many water sports that employ a board. The shape, size and other attributes…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":399,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_blocks_custom_css":"","_kad_blocks_head_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_body_custom_js":"","_kad_blocks_footer_custom_js":"","_kadence_starter_templates_imported_post":false,"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,10],"tags":[],"taxonomy_info":{"category":[{"value":2,"label":"Windsurfing"},{"value":10,"label":"Kiteboarding"}]},"featured_image_src_large":["https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/windsurfing-vs-kitesurfing-boarding.jpg",700,399,false],"author_info":{"display_name":"Kib Amos","author_link":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/author\/kib-a\/"},"comment_info":0,"category_info":[{"term_id":2,"name":"Windsurfing","slug":"windsurfing","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":2,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":5,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":2,"category_count":5,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Windsurfing","category_nicename":"windsurfing","category_parent":0},{"term_id":10,"name":"Kiteboarding","slug":"kiteboarding","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":10,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":2,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":10,"category_count":2,"category_description":"","cat_name":"Kiteboarding","category_nicename":"kiteboarding","category_parent":0}],"tag_info":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/396"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=396"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/396\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/399"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=396"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=396"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquaticglee.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=396"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}