Working at one of the biggest Inland windsurfing venues in the country, I’ve seen a decline in windsurfing over the last 10 years. A lot of it is due to the fact people have more choice of action sports, indoor snow slopes, cable tows etc. The problem I see with windsurfing is, the better you get the more wind you want or need to have fun. People were fed up standing on the beach for that forecast that never happened. Some choose to not buy any kit and travel to a Neilson center or the like, where they’re pretty much guaranteed some sailing in warmer windy weather on new kit. With a kite you should be riding on a board that fits under you arm in 11-12 knts.
On a mild day in the Winter 10 years ago you would of seen 15-20 windurfers out at Draycote and the same at Fairbourne on a good forecast. How many do you see now? I’m sure, if you were allowed to kite inland it would be packed with people wanting to learn. Shem tells me he’s stacked out with people wanting to learn to kitesurf. I don’t see the queues lining up to learn to windsurf, Inland or at the coast. On the beach, I see a lot of kites, but not so many windsurfers out enjoying the conditions.
Adrenaline rush
I’m sure you could get the same rush from both sports, depending how you sail. You can’t really say a level 1 windsurfer would have the same rush as a level 1 kitesurfer. He may fall off the simulator, but would hardly get dragged up the beach if it goes wrong. I think, windsurfing in waves, in strong wind with a 4 m sail is fun and exciting, then again, so is kitesurfing in the same conditions. As for speed, I don’t think there’s much between the two at the top level now. Maybe it’s down to bottle if the kites are lagging, as its not so easy to just let go with a kite.
Body strength
I agree, windsurfing does use up more upper body strength, but then again, so does kitesurfing if you ride “unhooked”
Risk of injury
Windsurfers . Cuts and bruises off the non -slip, a knock on the head with the mast, and uphauling’s not ideal for your back. You can also fall off under your sail, but its not far to swim out.
Kitesurfers, Lofting to a great height on the beach, or blown into hard objects. Wipeing out and getting wrapped up in your lines. Broken ankles as you only have you feet as points of contact to the board, if one foot comes out. (With a windsurfer, if one foot comes out the strap, you still have another point of contact through the mastfoot) I’m not saying you can’t get a servere ankle/ knee injury windsurfing though.
Fitness
I think you need to be reasonably fit for both sports. I do think it’s a real ball ache when you fall in windsurfing, waterstarting , rig recovery etc. Then again, dropping your kite can be a real arse! I think it comes down to how you’re sailing on a given day, just cruising or ripping it up.
Good for beginners
I do agree the learning curve to planing is a lot easier with kites. For tricks, it depends what you’re trying to learn how technical it is and the risks involved.
At the end of the day, each to there own, as long as you having fun, who cares?
See you one the beach tomorrow for the gales!
Dunks
