Introducing the quick and dirty on an extremely kewl sport going off in the militant market: Let’s call this kite boarding 101:

Dating as far back as the 12^th century, the Chinese used a simple mode of transportation called “Kitesailing.” Using the wind as an aid, a harness was attached to a canoe, allowing for a faster and more convenient glide across the water.

Thousands of years later (roughly late 1990’s) off the Hawaiian cost of Maui; kitesailing was marketed to a crew of radical surfers and wake boarders. It was a rebirth with a fresh name, introduced as…kiteboarding.

Using the wind as a primary advantage, wake boarders are able to pull their most favorable moves, launching jumps as high as 30 feet in the air. Kiteboarding has taken off hard the last few years. It can be done virtually anywhere in the world!

To start light, all that is required is a board, a c-shaped kite and gear bars to hold as well attach to the kite. Now that we have finally gone green, the straightforwardness of this sport is not hazardous to Mrs. Mother Nature…unless you are hardcore and require the speed of a Mastercraft motor.

Keeping all this in mind, the sport has its potential of being dangerous to the human body. Lessons are widely available and should most definitely be considered.

The power of a “fully loaded” zephyr can potentially burst the aerodynamically inclined into trees, walls, sand dunes, people, houses…you get the drift.

Like any sport, practice makes perfect! In order to perfect the sport to a personal passion, here is a list of some key spots to fully consider. Destinations are based on trade winds, the pattern that blows a high pressure area toward a low pressure area, causing a mild yet steady air flow. Destinations are also based on venture winds, a forceful wind that actually generates power supplies in parts of the country such as Saskatchewan. Here is a low down:

The Squamish Spit, Squamish: The district is well known as one of the most interesting places to kite surf in North America. The water is cold so wetsuits are a must have!

Acadia Beach, Vancouver: Located north of Fraser River at the maw of English Bay. It is close enough to the heart with a Oceanside view.

Columbia Beach, Parksville, Vancouver Island: The quarter is known to boast one of the finest climates in Canada!

Nitinat Lake, Vancouver Island: During the summer, Nitinat Lake has some of the most steady wind flow in the world! The best time to check it is during The Nitinat Lake Windfest, August 10^th-12^th.
Dallas Road, Cook street, Victoria: This is a popular launching spot for wind surfers and para-sailers. You will find ample parking, a clear gravel beach, easy access, and strong on-shore winds.

Island View Beach: An extensive beach, along the eastern shore of the Saanich Peninsula, Narooma. This spot is known to Locals as “The Secluded Surfbeach.” Need I type more?

Willow’s Beach, Oak Bay: Considered a year round sailing location as well as one of the finest on Vancouver Island!
Kiteboarding, on a global level, has so many organizations, competitions, videos and magazines. For those of you thrill seekers and mega keeners, if you have not already tried it, let kiteboarding 101 be known as an inspiration.

- Dedicated to a kiteboarding enthusiast, Mr. Scotty Bain