When it comes to water sports, there can be quite a bit of ambiguity in terms of terminology. For example, it is generally thought that Kitesurfing and Kiteboarding are the same. While this can be true in terms of technique, the main difference will be the equipment itself. Not going too deep into details with regards to kiteboarding vs kitesurfing, the latter requires the usual of a twintip board, making it easier for newbies. We could go further into this, but perhaps we can leave it to another article.
As such, there is ambiguity, but that is where we thrive. Indeed, in our years of teaching kiteboarding techniques to newbies, maybe people inevitably look upon to us as gurus of the grade. While we dare not claim to be the guru, we are certainly well placed to answer a few questions. And the question that we will be answering today is the difference between windsurfing and kitesurfing.
What Is The Difference Between Windsurfing vs Kitesurfing
As mentioned earlier, the main difference between windsurfing and kitesurfing is actually the usage of equipment. While both of them uses boards, the method at which you are being pushed along with the wind is very different.
Windsurfing
For the case of windsurfing, there will be a sail that is attached to the surfboard. As the wind blows, you will be directed across the water, which is directed by the wind direction. You will require to direct the sail and move it around so that you will be gliding across the water in a direction desired by you. For windsurfing, the impact is very minimal as you will be very close to the surface of the water at all times. It is nearly impossible to do any tricks at all with the sail.
The degree of difficulty here, as compared to kiteboarding, is perhaps a little lower as you would require less skill to navigate this sport.
Pros
- Sails are usually very hardy and durable
- Stay in control even during strong windy conditions
- Does not require much strength or technique as compared to kiteboarding
Cons
- Gear can be heavy
- Difficult to maneuver
- Steep learning curve
Kiteboarding
For kiteboarding, it is a pretty new sport and it requires you to have much more arm power and skill in order to ride it well. Essentially, all you need is the board as well as a kite. The kite is attached to you via a harness and the board is tied to your feet. You will need to use your arm strength to pull the kite so that you can achieve your desired speed, perform your desired stunt or simply to create the momentum for a big leap off the water.
So if you can image, kiteboarding literally allows you to lift your board off the water just by using your hands to control the kite itself.
Pros
- Larger wind window
- Easy to start
- Gear is light
- Kiteboarder have more control
Cons
- Kite is more fragile
- Strong gusts of wind may involuntarily
- If crash into water, the impact can be great
- Can be more dangerous than windsurfing
Conclusion
So there you go! With the information above it is pretty clear that kiteboarding is a fresh new sport that most people should really try. It gives you the freedom to express yourself fully while in the air, and it also allows you to perform stunts and tricks that are unique to the sport itself!
In time to come, you will be able to do the tricks that the person in the video did!
