Kite FAQs

Is there a difference between kiteboarding, kitesurfing, fly-surfing and kite-skiing ?
English-speaking countries tend to use the term “kitesurfing”or “kiteboarding”and French-speaking nations use “flysurfing”to describe the same sport. The rider uses a kite to propel him self (on top of some type of board) over the water, snow, land and etc. Kite skiing is somehow different because it has to be done with the use of water skis (single or combos) and is a term created by the Roeselers.
Do I need professional instruction to learn kiteboarding?
Yes, most definitely. Kiteboarding can be very dangerous if not done properly. Please seek professional assistance to learn this sport.
Where can I find a Kiteboard school?

Get a lesson with Paul Franco: Book here right now.

Or contact (808)357-4976, paulflymaui@yahoo.com

You can also call Karen (808) 242-8015 Aqua Sports Maui provides kiteboarding lesson  year around.http://www.mauikiteboardinglessons.com

Is Kiteboarding easy to learn?

Yes, it is quite an easy sport to learn and practice. It is much simpler than windsurfing or surfing because your balance is partly assisted by the kite,which keeps you standing upright. Some knowledge of power-kites, windsurfing, wakeboarding, snowboarding or skating may help you to learn quicker. But anybody who is in a good shape can make it with proper instruction.

Is it possible to travel up-wind?
Yes, in the same fashion as sail boats and wind surfers.
What about light wind?

It is possible to Kitesurf with only 7 to 9 knots of wind with larger kites and  bigger boards,  a 75kg rider could kite using a 6.6ft board  and 15 m kite.  For small boards like wake-board,you need more wind. Let’s say 10 to 15 knots.

Can you Kitesurf in strong wind?

It is possible to kitesurf in wind over 30 knots, but it is important to first get used to light wind and medium wind conditions. Ideal wind is 14 to 20 knots. I recommend Naish SLE Sigma kites, smaller board and shorter lines for strong winds.

Can many kite surfers sail together?

Yes, if the riders involved respect some common sense rules and sailing/kiting right of way rules.  A beginner has always priority over an expert.

Can you use a wake-board to kite ?

Yes, even though they tend to be heavier boards. They work fine, but I prefer a twin tip board design for kiteboarding.

Who invented this sport?

We can’t say that somebody has really invented the sport. Cory Roeseler (USA) has developed his kiteski equipment during the late 80 ‘s. His technique is based on a rigid banana shape kite with water-skis. He is using a control bar with a disc brake. This allows him to restart the kite over his head once it fell in the water. The Legaignoux brothers patented their marine self-relauching wing called “Wipikat”in the 80′s . It was originally marketed with a 2.50 m inflated catamaran and then became a few years later the Wipika. In1993,Laurent Ness associated his huge home built delta kites with a windsurf boards to sail on water. On his side, Manu Bertin began in 1994 in Hawaii with soft kites (paragliding type). He discovered and then used the Wipika marine wing in 1995. First kitesurf pictures were published in the magazines in 1996 with Manu Bertin in Hawaii. Then Naish emerged into the scene shortly there after developed the 4 line kite, that allows the rider to depower his kite while sailing. Revolutionizing  the sport.

What is a wind window?

The wind window is the area where the kite flies.

What kite should I get ?
In my opinion the best kite you can buy are the Bolt or Park 2012 Naish for all levels.
Is there an effect of the length of lines on the power, which length of lines should I choose?
The normal length lines are 20m and for lighter winds you can use longer lines (25m).