When the wind is up you will always find enthusiasts windsurfing & kiteboarding off the beach at Cold Knap, Barry. Its can be exhilarating to sit and watch. Just imagine how exciting it is to actually be out there doing it!
Check out our pics taken in June 2022
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Read some questions and answers about the two sports taken from a variety of sources.
Do you agree with the answers?
Why not add your own comments
What’s the difference between windsurfing and kiteboarding?
Windsurfing, also called Sailboarding, has a sail attached to a surfboard. Nothing needs to be attached to you, if you fall you fall off.
In windsurfing you glide across the water like a sailboat.
With “kitesurfing” you are riding an actual surfboard and your body is attached to the kite.
How long does it take to learn windsurfing?
A beginners lesson is 2 to 3 hours. That will get you windsurfing in 5 to 10 mph winds. With more practice and lessons you can advanced rapidly to using a harness, sailing in higher winds (15 to 20 mph) and getting in the footstraps.
Source: Windsurf Frequently Asked Questions | Wind Power Windsurfing …
Is kiteboarding windsurfing easier than windsurfing?
Kiteboarding is harder to learn because it is more technical. Remember that Kiteboarding is like learning two sports, board riding, and kite flying.
What about comparing them to traditional surfing?
My personal experience is that surfing is significantly tougher to learn than windsurfing and kiteboarding. That’s because one needs to develop the strength and stamina required to paddle out through the waves and to ultimately catch them. 22 Jun 2015
Even though surfing seems simpler and less intimidating at first (including gear), it’s actually a very demanding sport with a higher learning curve and requires very strong dedication
Is windsurfing dangerous?
Windsurfing is a potentially dangerous sport. In fact it is considered an extreme sport for a reason. That reason is mainly the fact that it is carried out in an environment we cannot control, namely the sea, lake, wind speeds, etc. Other sports offer security in terms of reduced risk of injury or equipment failure. 21 Aug 2013
Source: Safety in Windsurfing – How To Windsurf 101
How dangerous is kiteboarding?
With seven injuries per 1,000 hours of physical activity, kiteboarding appears listed as a relatively safe sport, especially when compared to mainstream sports. American football has an average of 36 injuries per 1,000 hours; even soccer seems to be more dangerous with 19 injuries per 1,000 hours or sporting activity.
Source: Is kiteboarding a dangerous water sport? – Surfer Today
How many calories does windsurfing burn?
The average recreational windsurfer burns around 500 calories an hour, with an average a heart rate range of 110-175 bpm.
Source: Windsurfing for weight loss | Inbrief | e-newsletters | News & Events …
Is kiteboarding a good workout?
Kitesurfing is not only an extreme sport but also a phenomenal exercise for your body and your mind. … This combination is perfect for keeping a balance weight, toning your figure and gaining physical strength, all of which are important to keeping the heart healthy. 13 Mar 2014
Source: Top 10 Benefits of Kitesurfing • Health Fitness Revolution
How fast can you go kitesurfing?
Most kiteboarders commonly ride at speeds between 15 and 25 mph. A normal kiteboarder can sometimes double the wind speed and get up to around 40mph given the right wind and water conditions and using the right kite size and board type. Professional racers commonly attain speeds of 50mph and up to almost 60mph.
Source: Kitesurfist www.kitesurfist.com
What is faster kiteboarding or windsurfing?
Windsurfing is faster . 90% of people I know that do both sports windsurf when it’s 25+ knots and kitesurf when below 25 knots so you’ll be going a bit faster with higher windspeeds. 6 Jul 2019
Source: Speed of kitesurfing vs. windsurfing – Kiteforum.com
What are the risks when I am kiteboarding?
Getting overpowered – losing kite control
- Hazard description: your kite is too large for the current wind and drags you out of control
- Probability: medium for newer kiters
- Worst case: getting dragged out to sea or into an obstacle without being able to release
- How to avoid: observe and talk to other kiters to check what size kite they’re using
Being underpowered
- Hazard description: your kite is too small for the current wind so you’re unable to ride upwind. You drift toward an unsafe zone, or your kite ends up dropping into the water.
- Probability: medium for newer kiters
- Worst case: ending up in an area downwind with big rocks or strong current
- How to avoid: same as previous, ask other kitesurfers for optimal size.
Failed launch or landing
- Hazard description: your kite goes right into the power zone when launching in strong wind (>30kn). You’re unable to lower your kite at the edge of the window for landing.
- Probability: low with modern kites – enough depower to handle strong wind.
- Worst case: getting dragged or lofted out of control inland over a road or into a building.
- How to avoid: use a recent kite and bar with good depower, avoid launching in bad weather
Getting caught in running kite lines
- Hazard description: someone upwind from you loses their kite in strong wind with the lines connected. Or, your kite gets blown away while setting up.
- Probability: low to medium on school beaches
- Worst case: having a limb, your face, or your neck badly cut by the loose lines.
- How to avoid: don’t stand downwind from learners on strong wind days. if you can. Always keep an eye on what’s going on upwind.
Losing control while practicing on land
- Hazard description: while practicing jumping on the sand with your kite, you get lofted by an upward air stream or dragged downwind by a gust.
- Probability: high for a learner spending much time flying the kite on land.
- Worst case: being pulled off the ground high and towards the road/buildings/power lines, then dropping like a stone from a high point.
- How to avoid: avoid flying your kite on the beach in strong winds, get in the water asap.
Source : ttps://www.kitesurfist.com/the-dangers-of-kitesurfin
What is the highest kiteboard jump?
28.6 meters Nick Jacobsen achieved the world record for the highest kite jump measured by WOO Sports on February 19, 2017 in Cape Town, South Africa, during a session with 40-knot winds. Jacobsen’s jump reached 28.6 meters high, with an airtime of 8.5 seconds.
Source: Kiteboarding – Wikipedia
How do you make a start with windsurfing if you are a beginner?
Equipment & Conditions
- Start with a large board. …
- As beginners use a small wave sail. …
- Start with light winds. …
- Keep your knees bent: when you turn your hips in the direction you are going and at the same time bend your knees, you consume no energy and your muscles do not get unnecessarily fatigued.
Source: Tips for Windsurfing Beginners | Nemely Windsurf & SUP Center ..
Please remember, however, for any water-sport activity it is fundamental that you are confident in the water and that you are knowledgeable about local current and tidal conditions. The Barry coastline has the highest rise and fall in the world, second only to the Bay of Fundy in Canada.
It can be a treacherous coast for those who ignore the recommendations for water safety. Entering the water without taking into account local conditions not only puts your life at risk, but those who would be called upon in emergencies.
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