Jimmy HubbsThe age old debate of which water sport is better: windsurfing or kitesurfing has no clear answer. While both windsurfing and kitesurfing offer different benefits, there are many factors to consider before deciding which one is the best for you.
Some say that windsurfing feels more natural and you can get a better workout, while others argue that kitesurfing is more fun and better for tricks. The answer may lie in the ultimate question: what do you want out of your water sport?
Difference Between Windsurfing vs Kitesurfing
Windsurfing is a sport that involves sailing on water. Windsurfers are able to use wind power to make their boards go upwind, downwind, or sideways. The board is attached to the sail by a harness, which can be wire or webbing. Windsurfing has been around for about 50 years and is an exciting sport that anyone can join in on.
On the other hand, kitesurfing is an extreme sport where the participants use small, wetsuit-clad boards to ride on water. Riders are propelled by a kite attached to the nose of the board with a long line called a “leash”. The rider is in control of speed, direction and height of their board by using both the leash and their own body weight.
Windsurfing vs Kitesurfing: Which Is Easier to Learn?
Windsurfing and kitesurfing are both fun water sports that can be used to enjoy the water. There are many different reasons why someone would choose one over the other, but which is easier to learn?
Fun Outdoor Quiz
Windsurfing is easier to learn because it requires less physical strength than kitesurfing. A person who has never ridden either of these boards before, will have more success on a windsurfer than a kiteboard.
Windsurfing is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and only requires an understanding of basic physics principles to get started. For example, there are four main things you need to know about windsurfing before you start. These are: how winds work, how sails work, where the wind is coming from and what side of the boat the wind is on.
Pros and Cons of Windsurfing
Pros
- No Damage to The Environment
- You Can Do It Alone or With Friends
- Never Gets Boring
- Not Expensive
- Very Social Sport
- Safe
- Windsurfing Is Fun and Easy
- Great Exercise
Cons
- Can Injure if Not Perform Correctly
- Require Water and Wind
- Gears Are Heavy
- Replace Broken Gears Can Be Expensive
Pros and Cons of Kitesurfing
Pros
- Full Body Workout
- Stress Relief
- Increases Coordination and Concentration
- Improve Balance
- Better Reflexes and Adaptability
- Tones the Muscles
- No Damage to The Environment
Cons
- Require Right Kind of Weather Conditions
- Need to Find Suitable Locations
- Expensive Equipment
- Requires Patience
- Considered an Extreme Sport
Best Locations For Windsurfing
Bonaire, Caribbean
Bonaire, Caribbean is home to some of the country’s best spots for this type of sport. With flat water and miles of coastline, there are many excellent places for beginner windsurfers to practice their skills. When you’re ready for a challenge, head to one of the islands out east!
Jericoacoara, Brazil
If you’re looking for the best windsurfing location in Brazil, Jericoacoara is a gem. You’ll be hard-pressed to find better wind speeds, more consistent waves, and diverse conditions than here. The nearly 10-mile long beach winds its way through the town and up the coastline, which creates ideal conditions for surfing. The water itself is also warm and mostly calm, with some waves too small for surfing but perfect for bodysurfing.
Maui, Hawaii
Maui, Hawaii is the best windsurfing location for several reasons. The winds are steady and predictable, but not too strong; it’s far enough from other land masses to avoid wind shear; there are plenty of good beaches for beginners; and less competition because not everyone knows about it.
Lake Garda, Italy
Lake Garda, Italy is one of the world’s best windsurfing locations because it has clean water and provides calm winds. Lake Garda is considered to be one of the most desirable places in the world to wind surf by many experts because it has so many different spots for anyone to go depending on what they are looking for. For example, if someone wants a short ride with light winds then they can head over to Porto San Giorgio or Torbole.
Dakhla, Morocco
Windsurfing in Dakhla, Morocco is an incredible experience. The beaches are lined with palm trees and the water is always warm. There are perfect waves for beginners and advanced surfers alike. Nearby, there are many small villages where inhabitants still maintain traditional Berber customs.
Best Locations For Kitesurfing
Cabarete, Dominican Republic
Cabarete is one of the best locations in the world for kitesurfing. It has beautiful, long sandy beaches that are perfect for this activity. Cabarete also has great weather that is ideal for kiter’s year round. The waves are perfect for practicing tricks and it is an easy place to learn because there are no strong tides or currents to worry about.
Le Morne, Mauritius
As the only large island in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius has a stable climate and excellent kitesurfing conditions. The consistency of this location means that it is best for beginners who want to hone their skills and for advanced riders who want to push themselves to the next level. The native wildlife has largely been preserved and there is no shortage of natural beauty.
La Ventana, Mexico
Located on the Baja Peninsula, it has miles of flat land along with windy conditions that make traveling to this location worthwhile. The coastline is also long and provides plenty of space for beginners to practice their skills. For more advanced riders, La Ventana offers waves up to 30 feet tall that are perfect for jumping off the board.
Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town’s location on the southern tip of Africa has made it a premier kitesurfing destination. With its winds coming in from the Indian Ocean, residents and tourists alike enjoy year-round kitesurfing. The area also has some of the best beaches in the world, which are perfect for beginner to advanced levels of kitesurfing. This multi-purpose beach is what makes Cape Town one of the best places for kitesurfing in the world.
Isla Verde, Puerto Rico
Many people are unfamiliar with what Isla Verde is. It is a small island off the coast of Puerto Rico with beautiful beaches, perfect weather for kitesurfing, and lots of sea life. The area has become a mecca for those who love to kitesurf or simply sunbathe on the beach.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the windsurfing and kitesurfing are both great ways to experience the outdoors while getting a great workout. Kitesurfing is more challenging and exciting, while windsurfing is relaxing and more suitable for beginners.
