Common Myth: “I am too old or too young to kiteboard.”
A common myth we hear is that a person is too old or too young.. What is too young? And is it safe to send a child out kiteboarding? There is 100% a safe way to get children out kiteboarding so they can get exposure to the sport. The truth is there is no age restriction to prevent someone from learning and enjoying the sport of kiteboarding.
What matters most when learning how to kiteboard are the following three critical factors: being on the right gear, receiving qualified instruction, and the optimal environment and conditions. Children need to be on the right equipment and we recommend taking lessons with an instructor that’s IKO certified to teach.
How Young Is Too Young?
IKO sets a minimum age restriction of 12 years old. Though the minimum standard is 12 years old, there are younger children learning how to kiteboard!
Is It Safe For Children To Learn How To Kiteboard?
Kiteboarding is safe for people of all ages! Age or weight does not matter as long as you’re on the proper gear for the conditions. An IKO Certified School will set you on the right track to quickly and safely learn how to kiteboard through a proven process. Being with an experienced and skilled instructor will guarantee you and/or your child will be on the proper gear for the conditions.
The Right Gear
Children weigh a lot less than adults and that will affect what equipment they use. The smaller the child, the smaller the kite and less power is required. Besides kite size, you can control the power with line length. Standard line lengths on a control bar are 22m long and for an average person, this is manageable. Shorter lines provide less power and makes controlling the kite more manageable for kids.
Kids need different gear than adults do. The positive side is that modern technology in kiteboarding equipment has improved to make kiteboarding much safer than it was in the early days. You want to make sure your kids are set up with the right gear that ensures their safety and success in the sport.
The Right Conditions
When working with a child, situational awareness is huge. You want to minimize any potential risks involved. Since children are light, there are specific wind ranges to take them out in. A steady 14/15 kt breeze is ideal. Children are shorter, so three feet of water is like five feet of water for us. For example, we wanted enough water for our student that if she were to crash, she wouldn’t hurt herself. But also not so deep that she wouldn’t be able stand.
Overall Experience
There is a safe way to get kids into kiteboarding. Choosing the right gear, the right conditions and the right instructor will ensure their safety and success in the sport.
Age is just a number! Do not let age limit you to what you can or cannot do. Learning how to kiteboard requires finesse and not strength!
Want to get your child into kiteboarding?
Give us a call at 774 249-8062 or send us a message
