Kiting

Kiting is a sport and recreational activity in which a person uses a tethered kite to capture wind energy for propulsion or lift. It encompasses several disciplines, including kitesurfing or kiteboarding on water with a board, snowkiting on snow or ice, landboarding or kite buggy on land, and stunt or competition kite flying. The common thread is controlling a kite via lines and a bar or handles to maneuver and gain speed or lift.

Equipment and technique are central to the activity. Most modern sport kites are larger, single or multi-line designs that generate power without continuous wind pressure. Leading-edge inflatable (LEI) kites, bow kites, and parafoil kites are common. Lines are attached to a control bar; riders wear a harness to absorb pull. A board (for kitesurfing) or skis (for snowkiting) or a land vehicle is used for propulsion. Training typically covers launching and landing, relaunching from water or ground, steering, and managing power in gusts. Protective gear such as a helmet and impact vest is commonly recommended, and practitioners are advised to choose venues with sufficient space and free of obstacles.

History and development have shaped modern kiting. The concept of using kites for sport and recreation has older roots, but the modern sport of kiteboarding emerged in the 1990s with depowered LEI kites and standardized bars and lines, enabling greater control and safety for riders.

Safety and regulation are important considerations. The sport carries risks from strong winds, gusts, entanglement, or sudden depower loss. Participants should seek instruction, monitor weather conditions, use appropriate safety equipment, and adhere to local rules and designated areas.