How to Read Windguru?
3 March 2022
How to interpret and read forecasts on Windguru? How weather models work. Essential questions for all kitesurfers.
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It is likely that during a walk on the beach, you noticed what you at first ironically described as a guy surfing with a big kite.
After your initial reaction of interest and astonishment, you learned his name: Kitesurfing, a nautical and sporting discipline that is practiced in harmony with two elements: wind and water.
And then, the first symptoms of the virus appear: you start to see kites everywhere: on the internet, on the TV, on Instagram,… in all kinds of conditions, sometimes in magnificent or terrifying waves; others in softer conditions of dreamy beaches with crystal clear water, flying and spinning, casually defying the laws of physics and gravity.
The desire then goes through your head: Why not me?
On this slippery slope that is the passion of kitesurfing, you still have some apprehensions or preconceived ideas that prevent you from totally capsizing.
Let’s sweep them away together for good!
Avant de vous lancer et si ce n’est pas déjà fait, vous allez nécessairement peser le pour et le contre, suivant le temps disponible pour apprenBefore taking the step, and if you have not already done so, you will need to consider the pros and cons, including the time available to learn this new sport, the costs of learning and practicing it, and its danger.
Yes and no, learning to kitesurf and practicing kitesurfing has a cost, it’s clear, much higher than running for example. The cost of buying the first kite and other equipment can represent a big investment that is not necessarily within the reach of everyone.
However, put into perspective over the time of use and with other sports of sliding, sailing, or diving,… not so much. Kite lessons and the purchase of the first equipment is clearly an investment.
However, once these steps have been taken, kitesurfing does not require expensive membership fees or other forms of annual subscription.
The dilemma of new versus second hand.
Kitesurfing requires a minimum of equipment, between wetsuit, harness, bar, board, and kite(s) of various sizes. The whole package can quickly add up.
The first advice we give you is to test different brands and models before buying your first quiver, it is strongly recommended to avoid mixing between different brands of bars and kites.
If now almost all brands offer different kite programs, the important thing is to know what you are looking for in terms of feeling and style (freeride, freestyle, waves,…). If this is your first kite set-up, we advise you to go for a polyvalent kite that will allow you to try different styles of riding.
So don’t rush into your first purchase, if you have the opportunity to try out or borrow equipment or even rent some, it’s a useful first step that will allow you to save money and refine your choice for your future purchases.
Buying a second hand kite can be tempting as prices are very low, however if this is your first purchase and you are not accompanied to check both the condition of the kite and the bar and to be sure that the program is adapted to your level, we recommend that you buy your first kite (major size) new. This will allow you to get to know it, and to know how it should behave before you buy, for example, the other sizes second hand.
Buying a second hand board is much less of a problem, it is often a question of comfort and performance as your level progresses.
In any case, remember that good quality equipment bought wisely can last you for many years if it is respected and well maintained.
The extreme aspect of kitesurfing has evolved with time, it has become mature, more accessible to all mainly thanks to the professionalization of teaching and the development of equipment.
Some conditions may perhaps intimidate you, such as getting into the water with other people around you, not being able to control your kite on the beach or in the water, or getting injured… These fears can be totally swept away when you have followed a complete training course at a certified school and have perfectly mastered all the fundamentals to be autonomous.
This article is finally an invitation to kitesurf in a (slightly) hidden way, because this sport, you will see it will make you addicted quickly.
From your first lesson where you learn to control this big kite in the air, your first navigations, the feeling of traction in your harness will make you come out of the water with a huge smile on your face, your first jumps at first awkward, but gradually will give you the desire to go higher and higher.
A feeling of freedom on the water and in the air with the traction of the kite, of speed on the water with your board, no engine, just the sound of the wind and the glide is what you find in kitesurfing!
Another point that will speak to travel fans is that you can enjoy these incredible sensations in different spots around the world and in different seasons, such as South America with its clear and warm waters, the West European coasts to enjoy the waves and not forgetting a multi-condition spot in an Eden-like landscape, I named: Tarifa (ES).
And even without going to other latitudes France, Holland, Spain and Europe in general offers you a multitude of dream spots depending on your level and the type of conditions you prefer, sometimes true happiness is just a stone’s throw from home!
These spots, spread all over the world, can be specific to certain conditions (waves, lagoon…) as well as to different disciplines and types of boards!
Yes, kitesurfing is not a sport but a set of varied practices in the same way as in the practice of cycling, we dissociate BMX or mountain bike from the city bike or track, we dissociate the different disciplines.
In kiteboarding, it is possible to vary the spots by passing from the marine environment for kitesurfing to the mountains for the aerotracted glide on snow that we call snowkite but also the supports and the style of navigation.
Rather Twin-tip with the feet attached in freeride or freestyle, in strapless surfboard to go chase the waves, in hydrofoil or tiki to challenge the limits of light wind.
Each of these supports requires skills that can be learned and brings with it different techniques and feelings of riding.
Like most sports activities, kitesurfing brings you a multitude of physical and mental benefits.
Although you don’t have to be super strong or athletic to start kitesurfing, regular practice will allow you to develop and maintain a certain physical condition, yes, you can build muscle while kitesurfing!
Kitesurfing is a complete sport that requires a large number of muscles, particularly in the legs, back, buttocks and abdominal area. It also allows you to maintain and develop an excellent general tone.
Kitesurfing develops your reflexes, coordination, balance and proprioception, nothing less!
In addition to the obvious benefits of kitesurfing on the body and the practice of an outdoor sport in contact with water.
During a kitesurfing session, the stress of everyday life fades away! It’s impossible to think about anything other than the action you are immediately involved in. Your brain is saturated with the flood of information and sensations of being on the water and controlling the kite.
You are cut off from the trivial worries of everyday life, so it is a reconnection to the present moment.
Between the release of adrenaline and endorphin in the brain, you will feel all the effects when you get out of the water like a fullness and lightness, that’s what will make you completely addicted to kitesurfing!
As you can see, kitesurfing can be practiced at different levels, conditions, disciplines, places, but always in the conviviality and the spirit of mutual help dear to this sport, with the possibility of making friends with those who will share your sessions!
Don’t wait any longer and go wild!
How to interpret and read forecasts on Windguru? How weather models work. Essential questions for all kitesurfers.
Kitesurfing school presentation – Matos Tarifa, based on one of the best kitesurfing spots in the world, Tarifa offers fantastic wind conditions all year round.<br
A week with daddy Tiki.
Many exchanges and smiles on the water, the opportunity to enjoy this incredible board as a group…
MATOS TARIFA
Learn to kitesurf with MATOS TARIFA
Kitesurfing school in Tarifa, IKO & FAV certified centre.
Kitesurfing courses and camps from beginners to advanced levels Strapless / freestyle / Wave Riding & Tiki
Welcome to the Matos Family!
