Guide to starting kitesurfing: Everything you need to know.
Thinking about taking up one of the world's coolest sports - kitesurfing? We've put together a guide below that covers everything you need to know to get started with this adrenaline-filled sport.
How do I get started with kitesurfing?
If you're new to kitesurfing, we always recommend starting with a kitesurfing course. On a course, you'll get thorough theoretical instruction on wind, safety and equipment, as well as practical training to give you the necessary skills to start on your own. It's also a good idea to kitesurf with others and luckily there is a strong community of kitesurfers where you can find forums and groups online to organize kitesurfing sessions with others.
Where should I take my kitesurfing course?
Choosing a kitesurfing school is crucial to your learning and safety. We work with one of the country's leading kite schools; Kitesurfkursus.dk, which offers high-quality courses and professional instruction in Jutland.
Kitesurfing equipment: What do I need?
When it comes to kitesurfing equipment, we recommend starting with equipment that is less than three years old for optimal performance and safety. At One Open Sky, we have more than 20 years of experience in kitesurfing, so you can get advice on which kite is right for your level and the conditions you plan to kitesurf in.
We offer a bulk discount on complete kitesurf packages with premium equipment at great prices. Our packages are carefully put together to ensure you have everything you need to get started and enjoy the sport for years to come.
Example of a kitesurf package:
Do I need anything else?
Yes, you do. In addition to the kite, bar, leash, pump and board, you'll need to have the 'personal equipment' in place - trapeze, wetsuit, neoprene boots, vest and home.
The trapeze
The trapeze is an essential piece of kitesurfing equipment and not something you can do without. In short, it's a harness with back support that you wear around your waist. Here, the kite is attached via the two front lines that come together in a loop or carabiner under the boom. It may seem a bit overwhelming that the kite has to be attached to your waist in this way, but it's one of the cornerstones of kitesurfing and all modern equipment has necessary and sufficient safety mechanisms so you can easily and quickly disconnect the lines from the trapeze.
Of course, this is something that is thoroughly reviewed and tested in practice on a kitesurfing course. As an inexperienced kitesurfer, it's an advantage to use the type of trapeze called a sitting trapeze. Here the trapeze is not only tightened around the waist, but also fastened in the crotch around both thighs. This prevents the trapeze from sliding up and putting pressure on your ribs, which can often be a challenge when learning to kitesurf.
Wetsuit
When kitesurfing in Denmark, a wetsuit is a must. We recommend that you buy a proper wetsuit that suits the season and conditions you want to kitesurf in. As a rule of thumb, a good all-round wetsuit has a thickness of 5/3 mm. This means that the suit is 5 mm thick on the body and 3 mm in the legs and arms. But it's important to know that there is also a big difference between wetsuits. A good 4/3 mm suit can be warmer and better than a poorer 5/3 mm.
In addition to warmth and thickness, it's important to consider fit and quality. A good wetsuit is made of flexible neoprene so that you are not restricted in movement. As in so many other cases, quality and price go hand in hand, but remember that if you buy a suit that is inflexible or too cold, your experience on the water will deteriorate and you won't be able to surf as long as you'd like.
Finally, it's important to say that there is also a lot of safety associated with a wetsuit. You may be able to handle the cold water and not think you need a warm suit - but the suit must keep you warm in case of an accident, a lost board or anything else that could result in you lying still in the water for an extended period of time, causing hypothermia. There is also buoyancy in a neoprene suit, which can be a great help along with a vest if you have to swim ashore due to faulty equipment.
Read more: The complete wetsuit guide
Neoprene boots
Neoprene boots not only keep your feet warm - they also protect against rocks and mussels, which are found at almost every spot in Denmark. Even if it's hot when you're surfing, it can be nice to have the protection your boots provide. In this case, you can choose a shoe instead of a boot, but if you surf when the water is colder, you also need a pair of warm boots.
Vest
At One Open Sky we ALWAYS recommend that you wear a vest when kitesurfing. It's not a legal requirement, but if you need rescue on the water, your insurance won't cover you if you don't wear a vest. Of course, this shouldn't be the argument for wearing a vest - it's there to help if you're too exhausted, injured or too far from shore to swim ashore. In addition, the vest can be really nice and protect against "blows" from the water when you fall. For kitesurfing, special life jackets are made that can be worn while wearing a harness without the two colliding with each other. SEE THEM HERE
Helmet
Helmets are also not a legal requirement when kitesurfing, but something we always recommend. Even if you're on the water, there's a risk of hitting your head on the board, big rocks hiding in shallow water or colliding with other surfers on the water. A good tip is to buy a helmet dedicated to water sports so the inside of the helmet doesn't absorb water or sit uncomfortably.
So is that it?
With the above in place, you have everything you need to get started with perhaps the greatest sport in the world. Of course, as with anything else, you can keep falling in love with great gear. If you surf when it's cold, a pair of neoprene gloves is a must, and you can enhance your changing experience by getting your hands on a poncho.
One Open Sky - Your Partner in Kitesurfing
If you have questions about choosing equipment or need advice, our team at One Open Sky is ready to help you. Visit our store in Copenhagen or Herning, or contact us at info@oneopensky.dk for personal guidance and assistance. We are dedicated to making sure you have everything you need to enjoy kitesurfing at your level.
