Wingsurfing – What is it?

What is Wingsurfing?

Wingsurfing is a new “extreme” sport that uses the power of the wind in a handheld wing to propel the rider from a Dirtsurfer or mountainboard. Cyclists can reach speeds of over 40 mph and yet are able to turn into the wind or away from it in the same way a windsurfer does. Add to this, freestyle tricks and jumps, and you will soon realize that wingsurfing is not only a lot of fun, but being a new sport, we are only scratching the surface of the moves and tricks.

What is kitesurfing?

The Kitewing looks like a cross between a windsurfing sail and a hang glider. Designed in Finland, the Hand Kitewing is available in 3 sizes from 3.5 to 5.5 square meters and was originally designed for ice skaters. Apparently wind powered ice skating has been an activity in Finland for many years, however the Kitewing is a modern design using modern technology. Its beauty is in its power. Like a wing, and with more than 8 or 9 mph of wind, it literally flies. In your hands it may feel weightless, but the idea is to generate energy. This power is achieved simply by adjusting the angle of the wing against the wind. If you are a windsurfer, you will notice this almost immediately and soon you will realize that the power can be forward (pull power) or up (climb).

The next is…

What do you do with all this power?

Although the Kitewing was originally designed to power ice skaters, in recent years its use has expanded to include Snowboards, Skis, Inline Skates, Roller Blades, Mountain Boards and Dirtsurfers. What you use will depend on your environment and conditions.

Wingsurfing in the UK generally uses a Dirtsurfer (a single 2-wheel inline board) or a mountain board, such as is often used by power kiters or All-Terrain-Boarders (downhill)

What is a Dirtsurfer?

The Dirtsurfer is another stunner, designed in Australia as a summer alternative to snowboarding; It’s a 2 wheel (inline) board that looks like nothing else. It has two 16- or 20-inch wheels and a platform on which the rider stands (with or without footstraps). Stearing is achieved by simply leaning the board in the same way a skateboarder or snowboarder does, allowing for the flowing curves that are typical of a snowboarder or surfer to be mimicked. Some riders use them solely for descents (on or off road) with recorded speeds of 74 mph (120 km/h), others combine them with the power of a Kitewing or PowerKite.

Where I can go?

In the UK we are lucky enough to have some great beaches, but on many, especially in the busy summer months, wind sports may not be allowed. So it is best to check first. (check the Wingsurfer.co.uk forum). If you are a speed freak and have a decent off shore wind, a large empty beach (compact), a Kitewing and a Dirtsurfer you can easily find yourself going 30mph or more. Popular beaches in Wales are Llangennith on the Gower (north of the creek), Abberavon (Port Talbot) or many of the great west coast beaches. In fact any beach where power kiters fly. Like power kiters, you will need to ride/fly considerately with other riders in mind. There are also cyclists who meet at Camber Sands on the south coast.

How fast can you go?

Using a Kitewing as a power source, the fastest speed currently recorded is 48.7 MPH on a beach in South Wales. The current goal is to exceed 50 mph.

The fastest speed recorded downhill with a Dirtsurfer is 120KPH

I can jump?

Kitewing gives you considerable lift, so it’s not uncommon to catch some air. The height and distance you go depends on the wind and your weight, some riders can jump several feet without the help of a kicker; using a kicker this can be boosted considerably.

How do I stop?

Almost all (except very old) Dirtsurfers have calf-actuated brakes that the rider leans into. This activates a disc or caliper brake on the rear wheel.

Where can I see one or try it?

It is best to visit the forum at http://www.wingsurfer.co.uk and join one of the regular meetings. Most riders are more than happy to let you go fast with some basic instructions. If you’ve done any wind sports before, you probably have an advantage, if you’ve done some surfing or snowboarding, you’ll probably find it easier than you’d expect.

Where can I find more?

The best place to start is http://www.wingsurfer.co.uk, a website run by cyclists. There are tons of videos, hints and tips and a great friendly forum.

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