Kite sports are any kind of kite flying activity, involving flying a kite on a line(s) using the winds’ energy as its’ power source. These kites can be homemade or professionally cut and sown to the highest standards. Kite flying is nothing new though. It dates back over three thousand years in Asian history, Modern times, however, have taken us to a new level and on to traction ram air kites and even further, into high aspect ratio leading edge inflatable kites for kite surfing. It may sound very technical and you are right, much of it is. There is a more simple side to it, however, starting with two line stunt kites and soft foil power kites. These are easy to learn to fly and are great fun for all ages. From here you can go onto learning how to fly ram air power kites with four lines on two handles or a control bar. Don’t be put off by the technical jargon, as is not that difficult to learn with an instructor by your side. Power kites are like their name, very powerful, and in untrained hands, dangerous. You can have many years of fun with kites and do incredible things with them. More importantly you can do it safely once you have been shown how.

Kite buggying uses a traction kite to pull you along in a three-wheeled buggy. There are a three different kite buggying fields.

Leisure - where you would simply ride up and down your local beach, common or maybe a grass meadow, etc. You can use a standard buggy and a good small/medium size kite that will cover a wide range of wind conditions. This is a good starting point and affordable to set up.

Race – these are organised meetings on long or wide stretches of beach. These races involve riding around a course using very large kites, wide axle race buggys and reaching breakneck speeds. For this you will need plenty of equipment to suit various ground and wind conditions, e.g. a range of wheel and kite sizes, etc.

Free style - you can start free style buggying with fairly minimal equipment and build up as you progress. A free style buggy, a 2m to 3m power kite, a helmet, and a set of elbow- and kneepads will get you going. You will never get bored! The list of tricks you can do with this set-up alone is endless.

Kite land boarding uses a board similar to a skateboard with oversize wheels and foot straps and with the use of a power kite or a small leading edge inflatable kite to pull you along. It is quite hard to learn but great fun. You don’t need too much equipment to get started but make sure you wear good safety padding and full-face helmet

Kite surfing requires the use of much larger kites than in traction. It takes a lot of power to lift you out of the water then pull you along. The kites have an inflatable leading edge so they can be re-launched off the water. You will need far more equipment for kite surfing than traction kite sports, with the need for many different kite and board sizes for different wind and water conditions. The kites are more costly as larger amounts of material are used to make them. If your dream is to kite surf, go for it. It is great fun but try the traction sports first and build up your skills and kite flying abilities. You will progress far more quickly and easily. What ever kite sport you go into learn the right way by having professional lessons. Stay safe, have fun and enjoy life.