Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is one of the fastest growing water sports in the UK and globally, it has its roots in France and Hawaii and it has expanded from these locations. The idea behind kitesurfing is quite simple. A kite surfer stands on a board with foot straps or bindings and using the power of a large controllable, water re-launchable kite to propel themselves across the water. As with all sail sports, the same wind principles for direction and travel apply. It can be a relaxing cruise along the coast or a gymnastic aerial display, it can be done on flat water or curling surf in winds from 8 – 45 knots. It’s a fusion of Kite flying, surfing and wakeboarding. The small and compact nature of the equipment makes it ideal for a travelling sport.

Who Participates?

Kitesurfing is an open and friendly sport, with all age groups participating both recreationally and competitively within the UK. Over the past 6 years the sport has grown rapidly. In early 1999, there were only a few hundreds kitesurfers in the world only 10 in the UK. This has grown rapidly to around 100,000 kitesurfers worldwide. In 2006 the UK had approx 6000 participants, 3000 of which are members of the BKSA.

Monetary Value

In the UK at present there are around 60 shops and schools specialising to some extent in kitesurfing sales and teaching. In terms of sale, the kitesurfing industry is worth £3 million pounds per annum, combined with £1 million pounds worth of instructional courses booked last year.