Kiteboarding (sometimes spelled Kite Boarding) is a sport where a large kite pulls a board across the surface of water. Competitors can perform tricks and stunts similar to those in wakeboarding.

Kiteboarding is the sport of riding a kite-powered board, across the surface of water. Many different tricks and stunts can be performed due to the high speeds made possible by the kite. The sport requires much training and equipment prior to participation, and is practiced both recreationally and competitively.

Ride, control and perform tricks on a board while being pulled by a large kite.

There are no written or standardized rules for kiteboarding. There are certain restrictions on where kiteboarders can venture on beaches and lakes, due to safety concerns of boaters and swimmers.

The use of kites for propulsion was first practiced by the Chinese in the late 13th century. Westerners first adopted the practice in the 19th century, in order to offset the expense of owning horses. By the late 20th century, kites were being introduced into canoeing, ice skating, snow skiing and roller skating. Kiteboarding itself was developed in the 1990's, with the patenting of the KiteSki system in 1994. This system consisted of a kite and two water skis. As the sport grew in popularity, kite technology improved and skis were replaced by boards similar to wakeboards. Today the sport is immensely popular, with competitions held across the globe.

Board Leash
Control Bar
Flying Lines
Impact Vest
Kiteboard
Kite Harness
Personal Flotation Device
Power Kite (leading edge inflatable or foil)
Safety Hook Knife
Signaling Device
Wetsuit

Kiteboarding can be extremely dangerous due to the unpredictability of wind and waves. Despite this, moderate precautions such as wearing a helmet and avoiding unnecessary risks can drastically improve one's safety. Instruction prior to participating is strongly encouraged.

Mild weight training can produce the strong arms and shoulders, necessary for maintaining control of the kite, while basic swimming exercises can provide enough experience for activity in water. Time spent on any sort of board is also useful in regards to balance and control.

Apparent Wind - the speed of the kite, relative to the surrounding air; a higher apparent wind increases the power of the kite

Body Dragging - early step in the process of learning how to kiteboard, which involves being pulled through the water without standing on a board

Boost - to suddenly become airborne

Downwind - the direction the wind is blowing towards

Edge - titling to board with its edge in the water, to control the direction of travel

Overhead Waves - waves cresting at a height of over six feet

Tack - the direction currently being sailed

Zenith - the location in the wind, directly overhead

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