Kitewing
Encyclopedia
A Kitewing is a wing-shaped sail
designed to use wind power to provide speed and lift to riders in outdoor environments.
It can be used on a number of different surfaces when paired with the appropriate vehicle:
The difference between a kitewing and a sports kite or traction kite is that a kitewing does not have a separate control system (see kite control systems
). Instead, a kitewing is held directly in the hands of the user, which provides greater control, stability and depower when compared to a traditional power kite. In addition a kitewing does not have lines to tangle, and can be manoeuvred easily to perform a wide variety of tricks, turns and fast speeds.
This additional control also makes a kitewing safer to use. The instant depower reduces the risk of riders being overrun in strong gusts, and the proximity of the kitewing to the rider makes it safer for other users of the space as there is no risk of injury from kite lines.
A Kitewing can be used in varied wind ranges. For initial learning only a small space and low wind speeds are required to allow riders to familiarise themselves with the Kitewing assembly and handling characteristics.
In the correct wind conditions an experienced rider can reach speeds up to 90 km/hour. Some very experienced riders can perform controlled jumps of up to 500 meters (on declining terrain) or perform jump turns and other advanced manoeuvres.
A small kitewing can provide improved manoeuvrability and increased speed in hard wind conditions. A larger version is better suited for use on sand or grass or other surfaces with more friction.
It is important to remember that a kitewing should always be used with caution, in clear safe areas, and with the proper safety equipment. Typical safety equipment are helmets and safety leash especially designed for kitewing riders. On land ice or snow, serious riders use a full set of knee and elbow pads, wrist guards and a back harness as well.
Sail
A sail is any type of surface intended to move a vessel, vehicle or rotor by being placed in a wind—in essence a propulsion wing. Sails are used in sailing.-History of sails:...
designed to use wind power to provide speed and lift to riders in outdoor environments.
It can be used on a number of different surfaces when paired with the appropriate vehicle:
- skis (on snow or ice),
- snowboardSnowboardSnowboards are boards, usually with a width the length of one's foot, with the ability to glide on snow. Snowboards are differentiated from monoskis by the stance of the user...
(on snow or ice) - ice skates (on ice)
- roller skatesRoller skatesRoller skates are devices worn on the feet to enable the wearer to roll along on wheels. A first basic type of roller skate consists of a boot with four wheels with ball bearings, arranged in the same configuration as the wheels of a typical car.-History:...
(on asphalt) - kiteblades (on asphalt, packed sand or grass)
- mountain board (on asphalt, packed sand or grass)
- dirtsurfer (on tightly packed sand, grass, asphalt and other terrain)
The difference between a kitewing and a sports kite or traction kite is that a kitewing does not have a separate control system (see kite control systems
Kite control systems
Kite types, kite mooring, and kite applications result in a wide variety of kite control systems. Contemporary manufacturers, kite athletes, kite pilots, scientists, and engineers are expanding the possibilities....
). Instead, a kitewing is held directly in the hands of the user, which provides greater control, stability and depower when compared to a traditional power kite. In addition a kitewing does not have lines to tangle, and can be manoeuvred easily to perform a wide variety of tricks, turns and fast speeds.
This additional control also makes a kitewing safer to use. The instant depower reduces the risk of riders being overrun in strong gusts, and the proximity of the kitewing to the rider makes it safer for other users of the space as there is no risk of injury from kite lines.
A Kitewing can be used in varied wind ranges. For initial learning only a small space and low wind speeds are required to allow riders to familiarise themselves with the Kitewing assembly and handling characteristics.
In the correct wind conditions an experienced rider can reach speeds up to 90 km/hour. Some very experienced riders can perform controlled jumps of up to 500 meters (on declining terrain) or perform jump turns and other advanced manoeuvres.
Types and sizes
The users should choose a kitewing depending on their body weight, the intended surface of use and the type of vehicle they intend to use. Any size can be used on any surface with any vehicle, however some sizes are suited better to some purposes. The smaller ones are better suited to learning.A small kitewing can provide improved manoeuvrability and increased speed in hard wind conditions. A larger version is better suited for use on sand or grass or other surfaces with more friction.
Safety
A Kitewing rider can sustain injuries from a fall so the appropriate safety gear should be worn depending on the terrain.It is important to remember that a kitewing should always be used with caution, in clear safe areas, and with the proper safety equipment. Typical safety equipment are helmets and safety leash especially designed for kitewing riders. On land ice or snow, serious riders use a full set of knee and elbow pads, wrist guards and a back harness as well.
External links
- Global Kitewing Forum
- Kitewing USA on line store
- Windsports Online community
- Kitewing anecdotes Airborne
- High-definition videos
- Kitewing.com Kitewing Sports Ltd. based in Finland
- Wingsurfer UK Information, videos, forum, and products.
- Wing Riders Information, videos, forum, and products
- http://www.kitewingnorthamerica.cominformation on North American Kitewing
- Kiteblading Ltd UK online shop for specialized equipment
- http://www.actionsportsenterprises.com Distributor to Canada and USA.
- Kitewing.eu Distributor in EU
- Kitewing.es Distributor in Spain
- Kitewing.cz Distributor in Czech republic
- Hau Pai - Wind Sports Distributor in Brazil
- EcoMeXtreme Distributor in Mexico
- The Kiwi Asylum Dirtsurfing with Kitewing, Windsurf, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand