Kitesports

Kitesports are a family of wind-powered activities in which a controllable kite provides propulsion, lift, or both. The best-known disciplines are kitesurfing, also called kiteboarding, performed on water with a board; snowkiting on snow or ice; and land-based forms such as kite buggying and landboarding, where the kite tows a wheeled or board-like vehicle or rider. Variants include stunt flying and precision kiting.

Equipment centers on a power kite, usually a leading-edge inflatable or bow design, controlled with a bar and lines. The rider attaches to the kite with a waist or harness belt and uses a board or wheeled vehicle for motion. Protective gear such as helmets and impact vests is commonly worn, and other gear may include a wetsuit, pump, and leash systems. The choice of equipment varies by discipline and conditions.

Modern kitesports emerged from late 20th-century kite design developments. The shift to safe, controllable power kites—especially leading-edge inflatable kites—enabled stable takeoffs and controlled landings for wind-powered board sports. Kitesurfing began in the 1990s in coastal hubs around Hawaii and Europe and quickly expanded to a global competitive scene and broad recreational use. Snowkiting and land-based variants followed as techniques and equipment evolved.

Safety and governance emphasize training, weather awareness, and site-specific rules. Local regulations on beaches or waterways may apply, and appropriate gear is recommended. International and national bodies oversee the sport; World Sailing recognizes kiteboarding as an official discipline, supported by national associations and event organizers that run championships, tours, and demonstrations.