Kitesurfing?

What if you could combine windsurfing, surfing, wakeboarding, and paragliding into one activity? Oh yeah, you can, it's called kite surfing, and it's a great way to spend time on the water this summer. Learning to kite surf can indeed be challenging, but with proper instruction and patience, most people can pick up the basics within a few days to a week of lessons. The difficulty of kite surfing often comes down to several factors:

1. Kite Control: Before getting in the water, you'll need to learn how to control the kite on the beach. This involves understanding how to launch and land the kite, steer it, and know how it reacts to different wind conditions. This aspect of kite surfing can be complex but is critical to mastering the sport.
2. Board Skills: If you have experience with other board sports like skateboarding, snowboarding, or wakeboarding, you might find it easier to pick up kite surfing. Even with experience, though, riding a board while simultaneously controlling a kite can be challenging.
3. Wind and Weather Knowledge: Understanding and interpreting wind conditions and weather patterns is crucial to kite surfing. You'll need to learn about wind direction, speed and how these factors affect your ability to control the kite and board.
4. Physical Fitness: Kite surfing is a physically demanding sport that requires strength, endurance, and good overall fitness. The better shape you're in, the easier you'll find it to learn and enjoy kite surfing. So don't skip gym days! 
5. Safety: Learning about and implementing safety measures is integral to the learning process. This can include understanding right-of-way rules, knowing how to use your safety release systems, and learning self-rescue techniques.

OK, so why go kite surfing? Well, there are several reasons why you might want to try kite surfing:

1. Thrill and Excitement: Kite surfing offers an adrenaline rush as you surf across the water's surface, jump into the air, and perform tricks. The speed and ability to catch air make it one of the more exhilarating water sports.
2. Full-Body Workout: It provides a great full-body workout. It engages your core, arms, and legs and improves balance and coordination, promoting overall fitness.
3. Connection with Nature: Kite surfing allows you to connect with the elements - water, wind, and sun. This connection with nature can be very calming and refreshing.
4. Community: Kite surfing often comes with a friendly and supportive community of fellow kite surfers. You'll meet new people, and social events are usually organized around the sport.
5. Travel Opportunities: Kite surfing can be done in many beautiful locations around the world. It allows you to explore new places, from tropical beaches to vast lakes.
6. Versatility: With kite surfing, you're not limited to just one style or technique. You can ride on flat water, in waves, perform freestyle tricks, or go for long-distance cruising. The sport offers a range of disciplines to suit various interests and skill levels.
7. Mindful Challenge: The focus required in kite surfing can make it a mindful activity, helping you to clear your mind and be present. It's a sport that requires patience, concentration, and determination, offering a unique mental challenge.

It's worth noting that while kite surfing can be challenging to learn, it's also a rewarding sport that offers a great mix of physical exercise and outdoor enjoyment. The key to learning to kite surf is to take lessons from a certified instructor, be patient with your progress, and practice regularly. Don't be discouraged if you struggle at first; even experienced surfers and windsurfers face a learning curve when adding a kite into the mix. Also, always use appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, impact vest, and harness.

When you're done shredding on your kiteboard grab a bar of our all-natural, cold-processed, American-made bar soap and get clean, refreshed, and smell great!