Calling all Kiters: Panama’s Kiteboarding Season is Open!
Kiteboarding, also called Kitesurfing, is an extreme board sport that uses a large kite to harness the power of the wind. The terms kiteboarding and kitesurfing are interchangeable, however some use kitesurfing when the sport is done in waves, and kiteboarding for the sport done on flat water. Kiteboarding has become a popular sport in Panama, especially in the Punta Chame area. Last year Playacommunity met with Youri Zoon, world champion kiteboarder, to talk a bit about what the area had to offer the sport of kiteboarding.
Punta Chame offers flat water, small crowds, and consistent winds. The season for kiting in Panama opens Dec 15th and goes till May 15th calming down in April. Throughout the month of January, you can expect winds blowing most days from between 15 and 30 knots.
Kiteboarding is unlike other extreme sports. It’s important to understand how the kite works before you get out on the water. So to get started the first thing you will need is a lesson. The equipment is expensive, so it’s best to rent in the beginning.
Finding equipment in Panama can be difficult. Josh Clark, an American expat who has been living and kiting in Panama for several years, is an authorized Cabrinha Kites dealer. He is also an instructor, teaching primarily out of Punta Chame. Josh breaks lessons down into four categories: Trainer Lessons ($65/h), Beginner Lessons ($60/h), Booster Lessons ($125/h) and Intermediate or Advanced Lessons ($100/h). Josh is available by appointment.
There are a couple other places in Punta Chame offering lessons. Nitro City, the extreme sport’s resort offers lessons starting at $70.00. Package deals for $199.00 are also available and include a room, food, gear and instruction. Down the beach from Nitro is Machete kite, they offer lessons starting at $80.00 an hour.
So here are the basics:
Boards
There are several different types of boards, twin-tips boards are the most common. The Wake-style board is similar, but with bindings (boots where your feet hook into the board). On the twin- tip board your feet slip into foot pads where your feet are secured. When starting out most people use a slip-in, this makes it easier to get free of your board if you drop your kite and need to swim.
Other boards used in the sport include wake-skates and wave boards. A wake-skate is like to a skateboard, without wheels. Your feet are not strapped in, but the surface is covered by a griptape that helps keep you on the board. When in big waves, kiters often prefer a wave board which is a surf board optimized for kiting. The board is equipped with foot pads and mounts for straps. Racers use a directional board, made for speed, with fins on the bottom.
Kites
Like boards, there are many different types of kites. With kites you will have to look for characteristics that suit your style of riding and skill level. It’s best to have someone who knows a lot about the sport help you pick your kite. The larger the kite the faster and more powerful it will be, sizing will also depend on your weight.
Leading edge inflatable kites (LEIs) are the kites most commonly used for kiteboarding, these kites have an inflatable edge so they float. LEI’s also keep their shape because of their inflatable edge. There are four categories of LEIs: C-kites, Bow kites, Delta kites and Hybrid kites. There is also a kite called a Foil kite. The foil kite uses to wind to form the shape and does not float. This kites is not commonly used for kiteboarding anymore.
More gear you’ll need
You will also need a bar and lines which are the control system for your kite, a harness will provide you with support and some protection, a safety leash that keeps you connected to the kite, and finally a helmet and buoyancy/ protection vest are a good idea.
Aside from gear, you will also need…
To be a strong swimmer
Kiteboarding requires that you are not only strong swimmer, but comfortable in the water. If you drop your kite and cannot get back up you have to be prepared to swim back to shores. Generally it’s a good idea not to kite out further then you are able to swim back.
A lot of time
Like most extreme sports, it takes time to learn. Kiteboarding is not something most people pick up right away. If you are good at board sports it might be easier for you to get on your feet and going.
To take precautions
If you are out with no idea what you doing, you’re a danger to yourself, other kiters, and people out enjoying a day at the beach. Get a lesson; while it might be expensive, it’s worth it.
What to expect as a beginner
Know going in that you’re not going to look like the pros right off the bat. Your definitely not going to be getting 30ft of air, you might not even get up on a board. The first lesson can be discouraging, but like any sport you’ll only get better if you keep at it. Your lesson will start on land. After your instructor relays some important basics and safety precautions you’ll learn to rig, launch and fly a kite. Many schools use trainer kites (smaller kites to teach control). When you get in the water you will most likely begin with just the kite, no board. You’ll work on re-launching (launching the kite from in the water), flying skills and control.
Common Misconceptions
You have to be a body builder or a pro-athlete to be successful. You are harnessed to the kite so you can get by with normal upper body strength. Your arms are used mostly for steering the kite.
The kite will pull you and you won’t be able to stop. If you let go of the bar the kite loose power and falls to the water.
If the kite falls into the water you won’t be able to get back up. Re-launching your kite is something you will learn in a lesson. Once you learn the areo-dynamics of the kite it becomes easier to control the kite.
It’s dangerous. Like any extreme sport kiteboarding can be dangerous but with proper instruction most accidents can be avoided.
It’s very expensive. Well that depends. You will need more equipment than surfing yes, and the lessons are more expensive. However, it will probably cost less than wakeboarding since you don’t need the power of a boat. While there is a start up cost, once you’ve taken lessons and bought the gear, you’re good to go!
