Those who are into skateboarding tend to be thrill seekers. They are fun, adrenaline-loving, and ahead of the curve. They are always open to something new and exciting to try out. If this sounds like you or someone you know, then you’ll definitely want to learn more about kite- landboarding! Kite landboarding is a sport, originally designed by skaters, that takes the skateboarding to an entirely new level.
The Board
The board used in kite landboarding looks a lot like a regular skateboard deck, but with fat all-terrain wheels that can handle fast speeds on different types of surfaces. In kite landboarding, the kite actually picks the rider up off of the ground using the power of the wind. These wheels and the special bearings of the kite landboard are designed to absorb the impact when the board touches down on the surface again. The board also has bindings similar to snowboard bindings that keep the rider’s feet on the board while in the air.
The Kite
The special type of kite used in kite landboarding is long and rectangular and designed to catch the wind and give the rider maximum control over speed and direction. Kites with pre-stretched bridle lines provide optimal performance in higher winds. These kite landboarding kites also come with handles, a kite killer safety device, and a metal ground stake that keeps the kite from flying away when not in use.
How Kite Landboarding Works
The sport of kite landboarding is a lot like kite surfing – only you don’t need an ocean or a lake to have fun! All you need is some wind and an open terrain to be off and flying. Unlike skateboarding where the rider is powering the board, the wind and the kite do all of the work. As the wind catches the kite, which is held by the rider using specially designed handles, the board literally takes off. Jumps and hills that give regular skateboard riders the ability to catch only a little bit of air send the kite-powered landboarding rider flying and soaring above the ground for an exhilarating ride.
Boards: Speed Seekers, and Freestyle Boards
As with skateboarding and surfing, the length of the kite landboard you choose will make a difference on the type of actions you can do. Longer boards are great for those who are new to kite landboarding because they offer more control and balance. If you’re into fast speeds and long rides, a longer board is best because it offers more stability. Longer boards also tend to be a better fit for taller or heavier riders.
Shorter kite landboards are more agile and allow riders to do lots of tricks and catch serious air. The smaller board provides optimal maneuverability and is extremely responsive to the rider’s movements. These smaller boards are usually better for those who have some experience with kite landboarding.
Whether you’re a skater looking for a new challenge, or you have a skater or ex-skater in your life that you want to surprise with something cool and unusual, a kite-powered landboard is sure to be an ideal fit. No matter where you are in the world, if you’ve got open terrain, some wind, and a sense of adventure, you can have a blast with kite landboarding!
Christine OKelly is an author for KiteStore.net, an online kite store offering stunt kites, single line kites and kite landboarding packages.