Kitesport

Kitesport, or kite sports, is a group of action sports that use power kites to harness wind for propulsion. Athletes ride or glide on water, snow, or land, propelled by a traction kite controlled with a bar and lines. The category covers both recreational and competitive activities, typically performed with boards, skis, or small land vehicles.

Disciplines include water-based kiteboarding or kitesurfing on a board; windfoiling and foilboarding on water; landboarding on wheels or skates; kite buggying with a three-wheeled cart; and snowkiting on snow or ice with skis or a small board. Some athletes pursue hybrid forms that combine kites with sailing rigs or wake-style tricks.

Equipment commonly comprises a power kite, a control bar and lines, and a harness, plus the board, skis, or land vehicle used. Protective gear such as helmets and impact vests is common, and many riders use protective gear when starting. Kite designs range from bow and hybrid types to C-kites, each offering different stability, power, and drift.

History: Modern kitesport developed in the late 20th century with improvements in inflatable leading-edge kites and board technology. The sport expanded through the 1990s and 2000s, with the growth of dedicated gear, training programs, and competitive formats.

Safety and governance: The sport requires instruction, knowledge of wind conditions, and respect for local rules and areas. Common safety practices include professional training, proper gear checks, and awareness of obstacles. National and regional associations, along with global bodies such as the Global Kitesports Association (GKA), promote safety standards, competitions, and guidance for practitioners.