Kitesurfing represents one of the most recent water sports activities and is truly
a fascinating and challenging discipline! In spite of the fact that this sport is
still in its infancy, it is rapidly growing in popularity in the Red Sea Riviera.And
in fact, there are already numerous professional kitesurf centres along the coasts,
from the Sinai Peninsula to the northern coasts of El Gouna, and down to Marsa Alam
in the deep south.
Kitesurfing is so captivating because the sport uses wind power to pull a rider
through the water – and glide through the air - on a small kiteboard, similar to
a wakeboard. This board comes with or without foot-straps or bindings, combined
with the power of a large controllable kite to propel the ‘kiter’ and the board
across the water. Advanced kitesurfers may enjoy the freedom of venturing further
offshore where they find waves to ‘jump’ into the air and to perform their favourite
manoeuvres and riding styles, such as wakestyle, waveriding, freestyle, jumping,
or just cruising. Never venture out too far if the area and your centre does not
provide safety boats!
If you are a beginner or you just would like to try out this fascinating sport,
it is highly recommended to take a lesson or a complete course with a well prepared
kitesurfing school with certified kitesurfing instructors, because performing this
sport may pose hazardous to the athletes themselves and other people in and around
the water.
However, the sport is becoming increasingly safe due to innovative kite designs,
safety release systems, and better instruction, including headset training aids,
helmet and full security jacket and equipment.