It is essential while kitesurfing to be protected from low water/air temperatures, UV radiation, Cuts or Other Injuries.
Let see what is the technical wear required or reccomended for kitesurfing.
Wetsuit
Made of a special caoutchouc (chloroprene-caoutchouc) which protects mainly against cold temperatures, but also serves as a cushion.
Function: Water inside the wetsuit warms up and acts as a warming isolation layer. The right wetsuit and its proper fit will extend your time on the water greatly and can even be life-saving in critical situations.
Protection wear
Accessories that help to protect certain parts of your body:
- Helmet, hood, base cap, glasses, head band ,..
- Sun screen, lycra (long sleeve/short sleeve)
- Gloves
- Extra neoprene parts (Vest, pants, kidney protector ,… ), boarclshorts
- Neoprene boots or shoes
- Impact Vest: Provides extra protection for your upper body when crashing.
Those vests have very helpful buoyancy, however they are usually not rated as a full life jacket. Fitting:- Tight, so it does not slide up.
- It is important, that the function of harness hook and quick
release are not impaired.
Harness
Provide the connection with the kite and transmit the kite’s power into your body onto the board.
Kite harnesses have a handle at their back, a specially shaped harness hook and various attachment points for the kite leash.
There are 2 different types of harnesses:
- Seat harness: Similar like a harness used for climbing, tightened around the
waist and secured between the legs.- + Good for beginners (prevents the harness from sliding up, low
center of effort) - + Takes load off the back.
- + Good for beginners (prevents the harness from sliding up, low
- Waist harness: it is tightened around your waist.
- + Better angle of attack, more control over body’s center of
effort. - + Greater ability to move
- + individual positioning possible
- + Better angle of attack, more control over body’s center of
Equipment handling super tips
Kite gear should be exposed as little as possible to UV, should always be rinsed with fresh water and be packed stored in absolutely dry condition.
Kites
- Keep them sand-free (sandpaper effect!)
- Protect them from ants, mice and other animals!
- Rinse with fresh water when storing the kite, since salt crystals can cause damages!
- Store them dry, in a dry place, to avoid mould.
Bar
- Wrap up the bar right after finishing your session, get rid of dirt and store it out of the sun in a dry place.
- Check wearing out parts and safety systems regularly!
Boards
- Clean straps and pads after a session.
- Also clean under the pads.
- Tighten screws regularly.
Wetsuit
- Clean with fresh water after use. A detailed equipment repair guide is available
- Use special wetsuit cleaning liquid every now and then.