Select to expand quoteJOYRIDER said..cammd said..
One of the differences I see is kiter's rarely go out further than a few hundred metres from shore, sailing around so close to shore and needing people to launch and land seems to be real restrictions. Windsurfing seems to offer more freedom and independence ,
Kiters point higher upwind so they don't need to go out as far to make up ground.
Kiters stay close to shore so they have to swim less when the wind dies.
Select to expand quotecammd said..
One of the differences I see is kiter's rarely go out further than a few hundred metres from shore, sailing around so close to shore and needing people to launch and land seems to be real restrictions. Windsurfing seems to offer more freedom and independence ,
Kite launching needs more room as you need a safety buffer downwind in case something goes wrong with the launch. So high tide can mean there is no safety buffer. A few kiters have died (even experienced ones) due to something going wrong with the launch and having no safety buffer. So high tides and launches with hazards make it easier to find somewhere safe to launch for windsurfers.
With a windsurfer, you are less likely to get separated from your board and you can paddle the board in. With kitesurfing usually you wouldn't have a board you could paddle in on.
Select to expand quoteHTW101 said..
Hi everyone,
I am hoping to get some feedback on a post I wrote last week about the differences of windsurfing and kitesurfing.
I've been kiting side-by-side with poleys in the waves now for ...
well, it seems like years and years.
It feels very normal.
During most sessions, there seems to be very little difference between the two sports.
But of course there are many things that are unlike,
I just don't notice it anymore.
I like it when a poley lands my kite for me.
Often they will assist me with a launch if I ask nicely.
Years ago that would never have occurred.
Times have changed a lot.
Select to expand quoteJohn340 said..JOYRIDER said..cammd said..
One of the differences I see is kiter's rarely go out further than a few hundred metres from shore, sailing around so close to shore and needing people to launch and land seems to be real restrictions. Windsurfing seems to offer more freedom and independence ,
Kiters point higher upwind so they don't need to go out as far to make up ground.
Kiters stay close to shore so they have to swim less when the wind dies.
that too.
Kitesurfing is easier to learn than windsurfing, the gear is easier to set up and transport, get on planes, have holidays with etc.
Self landing and launching are a breeze now with practice and doing it amongst poleys with some respect is fine.
However it does not beat that feeling of 'oneness' you get with a sailboard
