Kite Sports
Kite Sports
Kite Sports
Kite sports are sports involving power or traction kites. It is possible to use a kite to power yourself along on a huge variety of things, but the most widely practised kite sports are power kiting, kite buggying, kite landboarding, kite surfing and snow kiting.
For all kite sports having some knowledge about suitable conditions to practise in and suitable equipment to use can make the difference between having a great time and putting yourself and others in danger; tuition with qualified instructors is highly recommended.
All kite sports are huge fun, and you can make things as calm or as adrenaline-filled as you like. With experience it is possible to ride at anything from walking speed to 60 mph, you can stay firmly on the ground or jump and perform aerial tricks, compete in disciplines such as racing and freestyle, and use the kite to take you up the hills or to catch waves. You do not have to be fit or strong to start these sports, but as physical activities you will get fitter and stronger by doing them.
Types of Kite
- Powerkiting: Using just the kite. You can practice the kite skills necessary for all kitesports, and also use the kite to scud down the beach on your feet or for jumping. This is the starting point for all other kitesports.
- Kite buggying: Using the kite to power yourself in a three-wheeled buggy.
- Kite landboarding: Using the kite to power yourself on a landboard, like an off-road skateboard
- Kite surfing: Using the kite to power yourself riding a board on the sea.
- Snowkiting: Using the kite to power yourself riding on a snowboard or skis.
Kiting in Aberdeenshire
In the North East of Scotland we are fortunate enough to get great conditions for all these activities. Snowkiting obviously depends on having snow, but the other kite sports can be practised all year round. To kite surf a good winter wetsuit is essential all year round; some people choose to wear a drysuit in the winter. Power kiting, kite landboarding and kite buggying are all land based kite sports; as such these can be practised all year round.
The main thing you need for kite sports is wind, enough, but not too much. You also need space so that you and your kite won’t hit other people or get tangled up with anything. As a hobby, kite sports are perfect for the North East, especially the corner near Fraserburgh, they make the most of the wind, space and coastline that we have.
Wind-powered sports, such as kite sports are more environmentally friendly than many hobbies. For anyone living near the beach or fields (do make sure you have permission to use these first) kite sports can also be practised close to home, reducing financial and environmental travel costs. Kite sports are also a great way to get young people interested in physical activities and the natural environment through having fun at the beach and using the area’s natural resources.
Fraserburgh is home to Synergy Kitesports; Scotland’s first internationally recognised kite surf school and the world’s first internationally recognised power kite school. Visit Synergy Kitesports
to find out more.