Kiteboarding Sunglasses & Kitesurfing Equipment

Sunglasses containing UVA & UVB provide extra protection because they help block out blinding rays produced by the sun. The last thing a kitesurfer wants is to be blinded while enjoying the outdoors and wearing the proper kitesurfing sunglasses enhances vision while steering clear of dangerous ultraviolet rays. Kitesurfers should aim to avoid all potential damages endured from overexposure to the sun.

Too much exposure to the sun can lead a kitesurfer to experience sunburn, a burn to living tissue caused by UV rays. Kitesurfers can also encounter temporary blindness and blurred vision in the beginning, but too much exposure to UV rays in the end can lead to aging of the skin, patches of skin become thin and less elastic, and develop blemishes, sun freckles, and wrinkles. kitesurfers unaware of potential hazards also face corneal sunburn and growths on the surface of the eye which are thought to be related to overexposure.

Polarized sunglasses reduce reflected glare from the surrounding water. Light reflected from the water is generally horizontally polarized. This horizontally polarized light is blocked by the vertically oriented polarizers in the lenses. Color or darkness of lenses does not indicate UV protection, which is an invisible chemical applied to lenses. Note that polarized lenses and mirror-coated lenses don't necessarily reduce UV absorption unless specifically labeled.

In addition to protecting kitesurfer's eyes from UV rays, wraparound sunglasses also provide further protection by keeping water spray out of kitesurfer's eyes.

Therefore, always wear protective eyewear and clothing while kitesurfing to protect yourself as much as possible.

kite - Includes kites bridle

There are 2 types of kites: Inflatable and Foil Kites.

We can further break inflatable kites into 3 types:

C Kite - The kite is called the "C" kite because the kite has a C Shape. These are the oldest type of inflatable kites. They are fast turning, but have very little depower. Being lofted with these kites is common, and can be fatal if lofted.

Bow Kite - These kites where developed in late 2005 and are great in terms of Depower ability. The problem with these kites is that they can easily invert and are very slow at turning compared to the original C kites.

Hybird kite - As the name suggests this is a mix of a C and Bow kite. The photos on this lens are of Hybird kites. Hybird kites today are the most popular and the safest! It makes learning to kitesurf so much easier.

Foil Kites:

The other type of kiteboarding kite is the foil kite. This is a kite that doesnt require any inflation and can be setup alot quicker. Usually 5 minutes, where as a inflatable would be 10 minutes ( due to the pumping of the leading edge and sturts). Generally a foil kite will have less power than a inflatable. A foil kite is generally used for land or snow kiting.

Today most kitesurfers choice to ride the Hybird kite, this kite offers massive amounts of depower, fast turning speeds and BIG hang time.

The lines, Control Bar and safety leash

Kite lines are usually rated at a breaking strength of 600-850lbs. Each kite will have 4 - 5 lines depending on the make. All kites need 4 lines, Two for steering and 2 for sheeting ( trimming the kites power). The 5th line is used as a safety line if fitted, I believe this is not needed as by releasing the kite on 2 lines will give full depower to the kite, allowing it to no longer generate any lift. A 5th line can get tangled and cause problems, each kitesurfer has their preference to which they prefer,

The control bar is the means of steering the kite, you simply pull left or right on the bar which will turn the kite. The harder you pull on the bar, the faster the kite will turn.

The board -includes fins, foot straps,bindings

and NO board leash!!

Most kiterboarders use a Bi-Directional board, which has identical sides. There is no front and back like a conventional surfboard. If riding in the surf or in light wind a surfboard can be used with or without straps. For ease of jumping, doing tricks and general use the bi directional board is the winner here.

Harness & life jacket

There are two types of harness, a waist harness and a seat harness. A waist harness is the most popular as it allows for great movement and free when performing tricks. A seat harness is usually used for those who have back problems, are not interested in performing tricks as much. It is rare to see people these days using a seat harness.

A life jacket is a must for this sport. If there is a problem with the kite and the kitesurfer has to swim to sure, a life jacket will come in handy. A PFD type 3 is recommended as you get maximum freedom from it. A PFD type 3, will not ensure 100% that if knocked out you will have your head above water, a PFD type 1 however will keep your head above the water.

A life jacket also helps with high impact stacks, it can help protect your organs and rip cage.

And of course, a item which must not be understated is Sunglasses.Without sunnies you are damaging your eyes and with a quality pair of polarized sunglasses, you wont have to worry about salt water spraying in your face! Check out Kitejunkiee.com for a great pair of sunglasses for around $30.