Kitesurfing is basically a surface water sports that make use of wind to pull the rider through the water on a small kiteboard. It is all about using a kite and its force to direct them over the surface of water using the sailing principle. The rider is attached to the kite through harness that provides control and balance over the kite speed and direction. You can kitesurf on deep or shallow water, and also calm or rough waves.
Skills
In order to kitesurf Madagascar you need certain skills. The first and foremost is the ability to fly and control the kite, which is your main equipment of propulsion. Once you learn flying the kite, you should ride the board and use the kite to propel them across the water surface by flying the kite consistently in order to produce sufficient force to propel both kiteboard and the rider.
Once the rider has learnt the basics they can attempt more complex rides. Due to the nature of this water activity, there is simply no limit to the scope of manoeuvres and tricks you can try in various Madagascar kitesurfing spots.
Equipment
Kites
First you need to learn about the main equipment i.e. kite itself. In kitesurfing the kite is the means of propulsion, it’s the engine of this adventure activity. The kite is made up of solid battens or a thick cloth and inflatable tubes. This gives the kite a cell arrangement which contributes in maintaining a fixed shape.
Control bar
Most kites are controlled by bars which include a “depower” system and this reduces the kite’s angle, thus catching less wind and reducing power. Bars are also more suitable to one handed riding which enable kitesurfer try various tricks and jumps.
Harness
Kitesurfing harnesses come in various forms, seats with vest or waist and leg loops. The harness attaches to the control bar and takes most of the strain applied through the kites pull off the rider arms.
The board
There is a vast variety of kitesurfing boards available in the market but the most popular one is the multi directional twin tip symmetrical boards. They come with sandal type foot straps that keep the rider attached to the board. They are more like snowboards with harder trails and high compression cores.
Lastly, you should never go for Kitesurfing Madagascar all alone, take a friend and keep an eye over each other.