How many knots to kiteboard

The best kitesurfing spots in Tarifa. Kitesurfer Carlos Aldaravi flies over Tarifa for over a minute. The physics of kiteboarding.

Francisco Lufinha will cross the Atlantic solo on a kiteboat. How much wind does a kiteboarder need to fly a kite? Is the wind already waving flags? Are you feeling a breeze on your face? How do you know there's enough wind to launch a kite?

The wisest answer depends upon a mix of meteorological, technical, and personal factors. Then, there are also a couple of secondary variables that we should consider before unpacking. The Magic Number: 12 Knots As a general rule of thumb, it's fair to say that you can launch a kite with between 5-to-7 knots 5.

Lighter and heavier kiteboarders will probably need a bit less or more wind, respectively. This is particularly valid for beginner riders. Wind Speed and Kite Sizes Another thing that you must take into consideration is that different kite sizes will need different minimum wind speeds to get airborne. Kitesurfing manufacturers usually include a wind range table in each kite they sell. But 20 knots and higher definitely increases the fun of it all.

If unsure, always consult with a qualified Kiteboarding Instructor before attempting to push your limits! When the speed of wind doubles from 10 knots to 20 knots, something increases by 4 the strength, the force, the energy, the power, etc.

Double the wind speed results in twice the mass of air molecules per second and the energy actually increases by a factor of 8 times! Bottom line is the wind is very powerful and you should be aware of what the knots are when you are kiting.

Minimum Wind Speeds Required Depending on your choice of gear, water surface conditions, skills and your weight will make your chances of kiting in light wind easier or perhaps harder. Desired Wind Speeds The answer to this question is subjective and is dependent on each Kiters preference. The Power of Winds When the speed of wind doubles from 10 knots to 20 knots, something increases by 4 the strength, the force, the energy, the power, etc.

There are formulas and charts available online, though these are intended as guidance only. So those are the two main considerations when choosing your kite size. What are the more subtle, though by no means subtle, variables? As already mentioned, kite type does make a noticeable difference. I tend to ride on C kites, for no particular reason, and these generate power in a different way to bow or hybrid kites.

C kites generate pull more from forward movement rather then catching the wind — again with the car analogy, more like an Italian sports car rather than a chugging American V8. The majority of riders fly hybrid kites, which is halfway house between a bow and C kite.

The more efficient a board is, the less power required from the kite, and therefore the smaller a kite can be used. For example, often to assist students with getting up on the board, larger twin tips tend to be the choice, as these have a lower planing speed. As such, a smaller kite, can be used, which is the safer choice for those with little experience on a kite. Conversely, smaller twin tips displace more water — more power, bigger kite.

Another example is with wave riding. This works well as smaller kites are more dynamic in flight and faster on the turn, which is ideal when ripping up and down waves. As riders progress down the line, they tend to fit into a style of riding that they most enjoy.