Kite Surfing is an individual sport where participants use a large kite to propel a small surfboard over the surface of water.

Kite surfing is the sport of using a kite to surf across the surface of water. The maneuverability of the kite allows for riders to perform a wide variety of jumps and tricks while on the board. Understanding wind direction and current allows for riders to better negotiate constantly changing conditions. Though a dangerous sport, level of safety greatly increases with proper instruction and training.

Use a lightweight kite to harness wind in order to pull one's self across the surface of a body of water.

Kiteboarding is primarily a recreational sport, with no standardized rules or governing body. An upwind rider must keep their kite high to avoid crossing lines with downwind kiters. A downwind rider must, in return, keep their lines low. Kiters must also have a clearance of at least 50-meters downwind and 30-meters upwind to avoid the same problem. Riders must also observe local rules which regulate distance from shore and from swimmers.

The use of kites for propulsion purposes dates back to 13th century China. In 1903, aviation pioneer Samuel Cody made headlines by crossing the English Channel in a small boat powered by a kite. Kite surfing as it's known today began in the 1970's and 1980's, with the development of controllable kites and flying lines. In 1984 an inflatable kite design was patented in France, which led directly to the creation of lighter and more maneuverable kites. In 1994 the KiteSki, the first commercial kite surfing system, was introduced. In 1997 the first specialized kiteboard was introduced. In 1998 the first kiteboarding competition was held, in Maui. Today, kiteboarding is a global sport with participation in several different countries.

Board Leash
Control Bar
Flying Lines
GPS
Helmet
Impact Vest
Kite Harness
Kiteboard
Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Power Kite
Safety Hook Knife
Signaling Device
Wetsuit

Kite surfing can be extremely dangerous to the unpredictable nature of both wind and water. Common injuries include bruises, sprains and breaks, which range from mild to severe. One should never attempt without first undergoing several hours of instruction with an experienced teacher.

Kite surfing requires participants to have strong arms and shoulders, as well as great sense of balance. Strong swimming skills and basic knowledge of sailing can also be useful.

Apparent Wind - the kite's speed relative to the surrounding air

Downwind - in the direction in which the wind is blowing

Edge - tilting the board with its edge into the water; used to control the direction of travel

Luff - when the air flow stalls around the kite; could result in the kite falling out of the sky

Offshore - wind blowing at the water from the shore; create dangerous kiteboarding conditions in large bodies of water

Overhead Waves - waves two or more meters from trough to crest

Power Kite - large kite made from nylon with an inflatable plastic bladder that spans across the front edge; separate small bladders run perpendicular to the main bladder to form the cord

Tack - the direction which is being sailed

Upwind - against the direction of the wind

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kite_surfing