Kite Landboarding and Mountain Boards

What is Land Kite Boarding

What would happen if you could control the power of the wind and use it to travel over land? Kite ground boarding (KGB), also known as land kiting and kite land boarding, is a rapidly growing sport which allows us to do just that. While there are many names for this new sport, they are interchangeable and we will use them as such. This is an overview of the many aspects of KGB including what is needed, techniques for KGB, as well as safety tips will be presented here. This is not intended as a substitute for lessons. It is merely here for informational purposes. We highly encourage taking lessons from a professional instructor as this will help ensure your safety as well as allow you to decrease the learning curve.

What is equipment is required for kite landboarding?

The most important and most obvious element is wind. The great thing about wind is that it is everywhere. Every place on the planet has wind at some time or another and while some places are windier than others no place is left out. Second necessity to Kite Ground Boarding is a Kite. If you are missing this element you probably won’t be moving very fast. Kites come in all shapes and sizes but they all have one thing in common. Whether, it’s a simple one line kite that only keeps it self up or a Large traction kite that can pull a boat, they all capture the wind to create power. Next you will need a board. Many different types are available and in use. From simple skateboards to technologically advanced machines are used to carry you across the ground. Which type you choose is up to you and your desire for different riding styles. Remember, as with all action sports Land Kiting has its fair share of dangers and we always recommend wearing safety gear including helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist braces.

Kite

The kite is your engine. It pulls you along the ground. Picking the right kite is an important part of learning to Kite Ground board. While all different types of power kites can and are being used to KGB we recommend starting small with a 2 or 3 meter kite (even your trainer kite works). The small kites may not pull you across the ground at mach 3 but while you are learning it is difficult to control your speed and a small kite is much less likely to pull you into a tree or other obstacle. When you begin to advance you may want to increase the size of your kite and maybe even start getting some hang time.

The Board

When starting out you might consider using a board without foot straps as this will allow you to hop off the board, or fall, without it being stuck to your feet. As with the kites, as you advance, you can choose to change the board to suit your riding style.

Wind

For sure need some wind, not that much. Especially for the first couple tries. Better to have less wind than too much.

Location

For location the flater the better and the more wide open the better. Kites fly better when there is'nt tree and buillding blocking the wind. Plus, you don't want obstacles that you could run into. Flat ground makes for a more comfortable and safer ride.

Kite landboarding tips and techniques

The Beginning

After you have the gear you need I am sure that you are anxious to get out there and shred up the beaches and mountains but first you need to know how to fly the kite. This is accomplished with a training kite {link if possible} for more information on this click here.{link} After you have adequately learned how to fly the kite then comes the fun. It is recommended that you start in lighter winds as you are getting used to riding the board. Your instructor will have you start out standing on the board and begin to dive the kite into the wind window to provide the force to pull you along the ground. If you are using a kite with a harness and a depower ability as most modern kites possess you will want to be able to control that depower by being hooked into the harness. Until you get used to the power of the kite it is wise to dive the kite gently in order to get a feel for its pull. If there is wind it shouldn’t take much to begin to pull you along. Unlike Kiting in the water, the wheels on the land board don’t cause as much drag which allows you to move much easier. Once you feel confident with your starts in one direction try switching directions to get you used to going the other way (after all you do have to come back sometime). Once you can successfully go both directions try transitioning smoothly and consistenly. As you gain confidence riding this will become almost like second nature and you will be going both directions like you have been doing this all your life.

Upwind

Once you have the basic movement down you will want to start learning to go upwind. This is accomplished by moving the kite in the direction you wish to travel and leaning against the kite to edge the board in a slightly upwind position. This may take some practice to get used to but will one of the most valuable skills you learn as a KGB’er. After all who wants to walk back to their car when you can ride there ? Once you have the basic principles of this down go ahead and try cutting upwind a bit more till you feel confident.

Advanced

Almost assuredly you will at some point in your kiting career you will want to jump, do tricks or go as fast as possible. You can take ground kiting in many different directions where you go with it is up to you. After all aren’t action sports about doing what you want and expressing your self through it. Enjoy your journey into KGB as you continue to progress and you want to learn more about this amazing sport remember to come back here and read. A little research can go a long way for landing those Back loops and grabs. Now go and catch some wind.