DAN'S PAPERS, July 4, 2008 Page 175 www.danshamptons.com
Sports/Outdoors (continued from previous page)
Photos by Victoria Cooper
Kite
kitesurfing classes tend to focus on teaching the important skills of kite launching, flying, landing, using the bar and lines, as well as teaching beginners about the safety devices. One of the first lessons taught to most students is body dragging. Body dragging is exactly as it sounds, in that the student’s body is dragged through the water as the kite flies in the sky. This technique can come in handy later on if a kite surfer loses his or her board mid-kitesurfing and needs to get to shore. Usually, the next step after body dragging is getting your feet hooked up to the board. After that, it’s hopefully smooth surfing.
However, getting started may not only be a physical obstacle for some, but a monetary one too. Basic kitesurfing equipment can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, depending on the gear you buy. The essentials are a kite, board, harness, bar, and lines. However, some people may want to have a life jacket, wetsuit and gloves among other items. After researching these kitesurfing basics and seeing what’s involved, I think I may go back to just flying my kite and realizing that there are just some things I’ll never be good at. Admitting that to my friend, on the other hand, is something I don’t plan on doing anytime soon.
The Beach Lifestyle Store Water Sports Sporting GoodsSnorkel Equipment Raisins Billabong Hurley • Oneill Costa del Mar Channel Island • Roxy Lost • Split • Crocs Uggs • Sunglasses Lifevests Quicksilver Inflatables Wakeboards Surfing DVDs Wetsuits Oneil & Xcel Surfboards • Skateboards All types of Beach Accesories
1142135
36 Hill Street • Southampton 631-283-2929 www.sunrisetosunset.com
1145773
weather forecast before heading out and to continue checking the weather and wind conditions while you’re out in the water. Kitesurfers should also ride with side-shore winds and avoid kitesurfing in crowded areas, near rocks, trees or power lines. And when it comes to launching or landing the kite, kitesurfers need to be extremely careful, as that’s when most accidents occur. It may be a good idea to have a safety knife attached to the harness for cutting tangled lines. In order to minimize possible dangers, it’s highly recommend that beginner kitesurfers take lessons. The equipment can be misunderstood and the