Kitesurf, Kiteboards, and Accessories

Welcome to Tampabaykitesurf.com. This website is designed to provide you with relevant, useful information on all things pertaining to kite surfing, windsurfing boards, and related equipment and accessories; including surf wear. Whether you are just developing an interest in kite surfing for the first time, or you are a seasoned expert, this website aims to provide you with useful, reliable information to help ensure the optimal kite surfing experience.

The idea to use kites for propulsion actually traces back to China during the 13th century, but it wasn’t until the 1800s that the notion started to evolve into kite surfing as we know it today. At that time, George Pocock began using larger kites to carry carts both on land and water. By 1903, Samuel Cody developed a kite that allowed him to cross the English Channel in a small canvas boat powered only by kite and wind.

Pocock’s four-line control system is remarkably similar to the system kite surfers use today, though developments have been made to increase control and improve safety conditions.

Despite the long roots of its technology, kite surfing as a sport is actually a fairly new phenomena. Though kite surfers existed in the 1970s and 80s, the sport wasn’t really mainstreamed until the late 1990s. The first official kite surfing competition was held in Maui as recently as 1998. 

Of course, versions of kite boarding existed long before that time. At times the premise of kite boarding has been successfully extended to propel canoes, water skis, and even ice skates, but most kite surfing is done on the water with a board. Kite surfing remains a sport that is most often practiced non-competitively. Anyone from surfers seeking a new challenge to someone who simply wants a new way to enjoy the beach can take up kite surfing, as long as they have the proper equipment.

Kite surfing is related to other surface water sports, including windsurfing most predominantly. Kite boarding has also evolved from the concept of kite surfing. This sport is essentially the same concept transported to land.

Today, the sport has evolved and splinter competitions have formed including wakestyle, wave riding, and freestyle sections. Of course, people still kite surf predominantly for the simple joy of being propelled over the water by wind.

As with any sport involving natural elements and high speeds, there is potential for injury, so it is worth practicing techniques and developing familiarity with your kite before you jump right in. The kite you purchase will come with directions for its specific type, so follow the launching and landing instructions carefully.

Kite surfing can be done most anywhere with consistent side-onshore winds. Large open bodies of water with good launch areas work better than rivers or lakes, though these can occasionally be used as well. For safety reasons, it is best to avoid direct onshore or offshore winds. Similarly, if you are just getting started with kite surfing, a non-crowded training place decreases the possibility of collision.

Whether you are browsing because you have a first-time interest in kite surfing, or you have been kite surfing for years and seek additional information about equipment, accessories or locations, Tampabaykitesurf.com should have something useful for you. Please feel free to browse around, and thanks for visiting.

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