Luke Morris

Mastering SUP Surfing: Techniques

May 28, 2023by Luke Morris

In Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) surfing, water and gravity conspire to create the perfect playground between water, paddle, and board. Even though it’s much easier than typical prone surfing, there is still a booty of tips and tricks to keep you out of Davy Jones’ Locker and mastering some sick shredding. With that in mind, how do you master SUP surfing and take your skills to the next level? The key to mastering SUP surfing is to read the ever-changing conditions, conquer the whitewash, position yourself perfectly to catch waves and navigate the lineup appropriately. It includes knowing the proper paddling form, board positioning, and reading and navigating through the waves. SUP surfing is climbing the charts as a popular must-do sport combining exhilarating versatility and stability when riding waves. As soon as you have the nitty-gritty down to master the art, you’ll shred your masterpiece, using the ocean as your canvas. Read on as we help you get ready to level up your skills and climb into the thrilling world of SUP surfing. SUP Surfing Technique 1: Proper Paddling Form Paddling is the foundation of SUP surfing. It’s how you get from points A-B, catch waves, and maneuver on the board. Without proper paddling form, you’ll waste energy, lose speed, and miss out on the fun. Here are some tips to improve your paddling form and power: How To Hold The Paddle: Tips & Tricks The paddle is your trusty companion in the water, so make sure you hold it with finesse. Grip the handle with your top hand and place the other hand halfway down the shaft. Remember, the blade should face forward, not backward, like a rebellious rookie. This forward-facing position gives you stability and the power to slice through the water and embrace the wider-arm stance for extra control and leverage – it’s the secret sauce to keeping your SUP surfing journey steady. Paddling is it’s a full-body symphony and not just an arm workout. Engage your core muscles and let them serenade the water as you paddle. Keep those legs slightly bent and springy, ready to absorb any wild waves that come your way. To execute the perfect paddle stroke: Reach forward, extending your paddle without compromising your balance. Immerse the blade into the water, close to the board, and feel the connection with the current. Pull back with conviction, using your core and torso to rotate as if you’re harmonizing with the ocean’s rhythm. Lift the blade when it reaches your feet, ready to repeat the symphony on the other side. Using Your Legs To Generate Power Ah, the hidden treasure of SUP surfing – your legs, which are not just for standing; they hold the key to unlocking the wave’s potential. The more comfortable you become using your legs, the easier the process becomes. Here are some steps to follow when embracing your leg power: Hold the bend in your knees, the spring in your step, and let your legs become the driving force behind your paddling prowess. As you reach forward with your paddle, push down with your front leg like a surfer ready to launch into the unknown (try to stay on the board, of course). As you pull back, feel the power of your back leg pulling up, propelling you forward with a surge of energy. Switch legs, ensuring each stroke is a synchronized masterpiece. Proper paddling form is the gateway to SUP surfing greatness. It will elevate your speed, increase your wave-catching prowess, and unlock a world of endless fun. Remember these tips the next time you’re paddling it out, and you’ll begin to notice the effect. Practice with passion, and soon you’ll be gliding effortlessly on the water, leaving a vibrant trail in your wake! SUP Surfing Technique 2: Positioning On The Board Positioning on the board is like finding your groove, setting the stage for balance, speed, and maneuverability. To navigate the waves tactfully, you must master the art of finding the proper stance, adjusting your weight for balance, and positioning yourself on the wave. Here are some tips to enhance your positioning on the board: Finding The Right Stance Almost like a performance, your stance on the board is everything. Stand with feet fairly wider than shoulder-width apart, slightly putting one foot in front of the other. Point your toes outward, embracing the surfer’s swagger. Remember to keep your knees bent, back straight, head up, and eyes locked forward. And to help you find your sweet spot, place a foot in front of the carry handle (which is located dead-center of your board if it has one) and the other about two feet behind it, allowing your weight to flow almost effortlessly over the board’s center, providing control and stability. Adjusting Your Weight For Balance As the waves sway beneath you, your weight becomes your ally in maintaining balance. Let your feet, hips, and core muscles be your guides. A few steps to finesse your weight adjustments include: Shifting your weight to your toes or heels to move frontward or backward on the board will help you catch waves or stylishly dodge a nose-dive. To carve left or right, gently shift your weight to your left or right foot, allowing the wave to become the momentum to move forward. To maintain balance, expand your stance or lower your center of gravity by holding the bend in your knees. This move absorbs the water’s surprises and keeps you in control. Knowing Where To Position Yourself On The Wave The wave becomes your rhythm, and your positioning sets the pace. To flow with the waves, keep the following in mind. To catch a wave, paddle with gusto, matching its speed and direction. Position yourself at the wave’s peak, where it first breaks. This prime spot grants you enough time and space to ride the wave like a maestro. To ride the wave’s rhythm, angle your board slightly toward the desired direction. Position yourself on the face of the … Read more

How To Get Better At Paddling For Surfing

May 28, 2023by Luke Morris

When you start surfing, the first thing that hits you square between the eyes isn’t a spray of water but rather how difficult it is to paddle. After a first session, you might feel all your shoulder, back, arm, and even finger muscles torn to pieces, indicating that you must practice the skill of paddling continuously. To enhance your paddling skills when surfing, you must apply the correct body position and ensure that your paddling technique is on par when paddling your hands and arms through the water. Regular exercise helps strengthen the muscles used for paddling, instantly improving your paddling skills. One of the very first surfing skills that you must learn to master is paddling. Even before you dream of basic skills such as the pop-up, bottom turn, and cut back, paddling is the one you need to focus on with all your energy because it’s a skill that saps your energy in the beginning. This article will highlight ways to improve your paddling skills. The Importance Of Paddling In Surfing If you’re contemplating joining the surfing world, it’s essential to know the following from the get-go. Without a strong upper body, which includes arms, back, shoulders, and neck, you will struggle to enjoy surfing to the fullest. Paddling, of all the surfing components, may seem the least important skill to master, but in truth, it’s the skill that elevates the surfing experience to another level. Ask experienced surfers how much paddling they do in a single surf session and wait for the 90%-of-the-time answer. Most of the time you will ever spend on a surfboard will involve paddling. So, it’s in your best interest to become efficient in paddling as quickly as possible for your sake and the surfers around you. Every surfer needs a good paddling technique to help get to the best surfing positions, navigate past other surfers without causing a hindrance, and ultimately catch and surf the waves. Paddling is a skill set that needs to be developed and practiced, as without proper paddling technique and a strong body that ensures paddling endurance, you will struggle to do the following consistently: Catch a wave: You will only catch waves with a suitable paddle technique. Upskilling your paddle capabilities will allow you to position yourself favorably for an incoming wave. Paddling moves you around in the water as you search for the best spot to sync with the waves. The best surfers are the best paddlers; you only catch the best waves with an efficient paddling technique. Stay in the water longer: If you can’t paddle, you can’t surf. Floating around on a board at the mercy of the ocean because your arms are sore and you can’t paddle anymore isn’t surfing; it’s more a case of surviving. In the beginning, as you slowly but surely build up your strength and technique, expect shorter surf sessions. Once you have gained paddling endurance, you will find that you can maneuver much better while in the water, and you won’t get so tired so fast. Distance: Paddling gets you around when in the water. On days when you need to cover a fair distance to get to the gnarliest waves, you will miss out if you can’t paddle efficiently. If your paddling technique is lacking, you will struggle to move to alternative surf spots, as you will get fatigued reasonably quickly when employing the wrong method. How To Improve Your Paddling Technique When you look at any successful surfer or sportsman, all we see is greatness. The ease with how these famous sports stars perform in their designated fields is always astounding and impressive, especially when trying your hand at the respective sport is difficult. We don’t see the hundreds of hours these superstars put in behind the scenes. We don’t see the blood, tears, and sweat. It’s the same with paddling. If you practice and implement what works for the surfers before you, you will indeed become a surfer with a good paddling technique. If you’re serious about surfing and want to improve your paddling technique, then the following tips will help you become a more efficient paddling machine: Focus On Your Body Position When paddling in the water, it’s essential to maintain the correct body position on your surfboard. What’s the correct body position when paddling? The head must always be upright, with your chest pushing forward, creating an arched back with raised shoulders. Your hips should be low in the water, improving your speed by reducing drag. Keep your feet together and out of the water, as feet touching the water creates foot breaks! Your body weight should rest on your sternum. Focus On How You Position Your Body On The Surfboard Align your whole body on the stringer, ensuring no leaning or rolling to one side. When you’re paddling out, your weight can be farther forward compared to when you’re paddling to catch a wave. You’ll struggle to get the surfboard to the plane in the water when you’re too far back. You’ll notice drag in the nose area when you position yourself too far forward. You’ll see how smoothly you glide through the water when you balance your weight perfectly. Focus On The Position Of Your Fingers, Hands, And Arms Push your fingers tightly together as if you’re forming a blade with them or slightly apart. Keep them stiff as you scoop them through the water, fingers pointing forward and palms down. Keep your wrists firm. Keep your shoulders high as your hands enter the water, focusing on slightly bending your arm as you reach forward to stroke through the water. Ensure you stroke past your body; you want long deep strokes, not short, fast ones! Practice your strokes so no surface splashing occurs; dig deep and as far back as possible. The greater the surface area that your hand, forearm, and arm move through, the faster the speed of your board. Focus On Your Breathing Technique Taking … Read more

Kanoa Igarashi: The Rising Surfing Star

May 28, 2023by Luke Morris

Kanoa Igarashi: A familiar household name in Japan and a name undoubtedly worthy of its growing popularity in the world of surfing, particularly in the western surfing hot spots such as Brazil, Australia, and the USA. This rising surfing star from Japan is destined to reach the top and give it his all to bring home the gold. Kanoa Igarashi is an American surfer from Japanese descent who’s been on the world-surfing scene since 2012. In 2016, at age 18, he entered as the youngest beginner to the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour. He is a silver medalist from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and a 2024 Paris Olympic qualifier. Let’s dive into the life of this rising star. We will explore why Kanoa Igarashi chooses to surf for Japan. We will look at his early life, family, net worth, ranking, multilingual abilities, sponsors, participation in the Olympics and WSL competitions, world title aspirations, and his ever-growing inspirational Instagram account. Kanoa Igarashi: Birthplace And Early Years Kanoa Igarashi was born to parents Tsutomu and Misa on October 1st, 1997, in Huntington Beach, California- dubbed “Surf City.” Kanoa was always destined to surf as Tsutomu, his father, grew up in Japan and was an ardent surfer in the 1960s. Kanoa’s parents quit their jobs and moved from Tokyo to California just before his birth, hoping to raise him to be a competitive surfer. Kanoa was literally born riding a surfboard! At age 3, his father had him hitting the beach and riding the waves as early as 5:45 am each morning so he could still be on time for a day at school. By age 7, Kanoa had already signed his first endorsement deal with a local surf shop and won his first surfing trophy. The Igarashi parents were committed to grooming Kanoa into being one of the youngest and most promising surfers. The sacrifices made by his parents allowed Kanoa to live out his surfing dream and enabled him to qualify for the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour in 2015. Kanoa Igarashi made headlines in 2016 when he competed in the WSL for the first time and because he was the first representative surfer for Japan. He may have been the youngest surfer on tour, but he was by no means unskilled. He was about to prove his skills to be on point by surfing those waves with precision. Kanoa At The Olympics And WSL Competitions Kanoa represented Japan in Tokyo’s first-ever Summer Olympic Games in 2020. However, the games were postponed to July 2021 due to the 2019 coronavirus pandemic. Ironically, the chosen beach for the competition was the same beach that Keanu’s father surfed at back in his surfing days. Tsutomu Igarashi and his friends discovered this beach back in the ’60s. The boys climbed through fences and hiked through tall grass to find this wave. It became their little private “secret” beach, and they discovered the perfect wave they nicknamed the “Dojo.” Most of the Japanese competitors learned to surf at this beach. Little did Tsutomu know that his son would compete at this secret little beach spot at the Olympics one day. It must have been an incredibly proud and emotional moment for Kanoa’s father indeed, as the same wave his son was competing at the Olympics for the first time was the same wave that he had discovered. What a unique story, for sure! After being defeated by Brazil’s Italo Ferreira in the men’s final, Kanoa walked away with a silver medal. 2019 is marked as Kanoa’s best year yet, as he was ranked number 6 in the WSL CT World Tour and took the win. Some of Kanoa’s other significant WSL surfing achievements are: Tournament Name Year 2016 Year 2017 Year 2018 Year 2019 Hurley Pro at Trestles 13th 5th – – Fiji Pro 13th 25th – – Billabong Pipeline Masters 2nd 3rd 13th 17th MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal 13th 3rd 5th 3rd Quicksilver Pro France 13th 25th 25th 17th Freshwater Pro – – 3rd 9th Billabong Pro Tahiti Teahupoo 13th 13th 9th 17th Corona Open J-Bay 13th 25th 3rd 5th Oi Rio Pro 13th 9th 9th 5th Margaret River Pro 13th 13th 25th 9th Corona Bali Protected – – 25th 1st Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 13th 25th 25th 9th Quicksilver Pro Gold Coast 9th 25th 9th 9th FINAL RANKING 20th 17th 10th 6th Kanoa also boasts 2 US Open of Surfing champion wins in 2017 and 2018, and he is an inductee of the Surfers’ Hall of Fame, an imprint collection of legendary surfers in California Huntington Beach. Is Kanoa A World Title Holder? Even with a silver Olympic medal on the shelf and securing a quota spot to participate in the 2024 Olympic games to be held in Paris, Kanoa Igarashi has yet to become a world title holder. He secured his spot by participating in the 2022 ISA World Surfing Games and achieved one of his personal goals when he secured top 5 world status at this competition. He was grateful to have been afforded the opportunity of competing in his first world title event and to have been given a chance to fight for the world champion title holder. At the 2022 Rip Curl WSL Finals held at Lower Trestles, California, last September, Kanoa remained motivated and fixed on achieving his ultimate dream. However, Brazilian surfer Filipe Toledo walked away with his first world title at this event. We are pretty confident that Kanoa won’t give up any time soon. For now, we believe that Kanoa will focus on the qualification spot that Japan won for the men’s event for the 2024 Olympics. Considering that Kanoa won his first gold medal at the 2022 ISA World Surfing Games, we do not doubt that he will bring home a gold medal from the 2024 Olympics. He is currently taking all the steps needed to work towards his ultimate goal, a world title. We suggest you … Read more

The Thrilling Adventure of Coasteering: A Guide to This Extreme Sport

May 28, 2023by Luke Morris

If you’re lucky and live close to the beach, the chances are good that you have experienced some form of coasteering, either by watching others or by climbing rocks and jumping from cliffs yourself. Coasteering is a unique way to explore a shoreline, which can only be described as a full-on nature adventure. Mix rock climbing, rock jumping, scramble climbing, cliff jumping, abseiling, belly flopping, and adventure swimming together, and you get the picture of the extreme sport called coasteering. Coasteering is a thrilling way to explore a coastline’s rock formations, hidden caves, and cliffs. Coasteering originated in the United Kingdom during the ’80s. Today, coasteering is very popular worldwide, with many people of all ages paying for guided coasteering adventures. Kitted with protective gear and a group of like-minded individuals, people are facing their fears one skip and a jump at a time. What Is Coasteering? Coasteering is a thrill-a-minute exploration of coastlines where the adventurer climbs rocks, jumps from cliffs, and swims in the ocean. Abseiling is often incorporated into the coasteering experience by professional adventure providers and experienced coasteering regulars. The Cambridge Dictionary describes coasteering as follows: “The sport of climbing and swimming around a rocky part of a coast: The aim of coasteering is to work your way along the coast by any means necessary.” Coasteering takes place between the ocean and the coastline. The sport allows a person to explore the parts of the shoreline where the waves meet the rocks, where the tide, winds, cliffs, ravines, and caves come together. The idea is to move along a challenging part of the coastline without the aid of watercraft, instead using feet, arms, and a safety rope when required. Coasteering is the sport of exploring the parts of the coastline that is inaccessible or unreachable without climbing, jumping, and adventure swimming. What To Expect In A Coasteering Adventure? Expect a physical and mental challenge. Thrill seekers who participate in coasteering can expect a mixture of the following when hitting the coastline: Rock climbing Rock hopping Scramble climbing Leaping Belly flopping Jumping from cliffs Adventure swimming Unique fauna, flora, and marine life experience A permanent smile What Equipment Is Needed For Coasteering? Most coasteering companies will provide the client with a standard kit which includes a safety helmet, wetsuit, and a buoyancy device such as a life jacket. According to a popular Pembrokeshire coasteering company, Celtic Quest Coasteering, the following kit is the perfect balance of accessories and equipment when hitting the coastlines: Wetsuit (4-season wetsuit with reinforced seat (lumbar), knee, and forearm protection) Helmet (Choose one that is designed for watersports) Buoyancy aid (Choose a comfortable fitting PFD) Wetsuit gloves (Choose a double-fitted pair with grippy palms) Wetsuit socks (Choose a pair that can be worn inside of your coasteering trainers) Footwear – Here, your choices include wetsuit boots (split or rounded to e) canyoneering shoes, specially made aqua shoes, old trainers with good thread, or any protective shoe that provides a good grip on wet and dry rocks. Old shorts (offers protection to the seat area of the wetsuit) Rope (throw line and climbing rope) for extreme locations and situations A communication device (mobile or hand-held VHF) Safety Tips For Coasteering Coasteering has a certain element of risk, no matter the difficulty level of a specific coastline. Nature equals risk, and coasteering is about exploring nature in an unusual and often risky way. The best and safest way to plan a coasteering mission is to book a tour with a reputable provider. A reputable coasteering provider would have meticulously mapped out a course that’s both challenging, extremely fun, and on the safe(r) side. If you decide on a solo coasteering mission, please take heed of the following safety tips: Study The Weather And Ocean Conditions Before heading out on your adventure, it would be best to research the predicted weather conditions for your excursion date. If 100-mile winds, rain, and rip tides are predicted, then canceling the trip is probably best. Safety First You might feel that a wetsuit, helmet, old trainers, and a life jacket makes you look goofy. Coasteering is doing goofy oceanside things compared to the normal beachgoer, so suck it up and protect yourself. Tell A Relative Or Friend When you go coasteering by yourself, ensure that someone knows where you’re heading and inform them of your possible route. That way, the search party knows where to start looking for you if something happens to you. Test The Course Nothing beats finding a new cliff to jump from. The thrill of the new experience is second to none. But before you make the jump, test the waters first. Ensure that no rocks or other obstructions are hiding underneath the water surface. Ensure the water is deep enough to handle your summersault, and only then bomb away! Don’t Be A Hero Adrenaline plays a big part in a coasteering adventure. Don’t let adrenaline tell you things that your mind and body would never believe under normal circumstances. Have fun and take risks, but don’t try things that can potentially put you in a wheelchair. The Best Coasteering Locations Around The World With thousands of miles of available coastlines that can be used for coasteering, you might wonder where the best coasteering experiences lie in wait. Dust off your bucket list and make room for the best coasteering locations worldwide. Pembrokeshire (Wales): The birthplace of coasteering is the wild and enchanting coasts of St. Davids in Pembrokeshire, where surfers of the 80s had to scramble and climb rocks to get to popular surfing spots. Be sure to check out the caves in St. Noni Bay. Jumping into The Blue Lagoon in Abereiddy Bay is a fun experience. Dorset (United Kingdom): Dorset is a cliff-jumping haven. Jurassic Coast is a beautiful stretch of challenging coasteering environment, including a Purbeck stone quarry called Dancing Ledges. Here you get to explore multiple caves, with one containing historic fossils. Cape Town (South Africa): … Read more

The Rise Of Mikaili Sol: A Young Champion

May 28, 2023by Luke Morris

Mikaili Sol is a remarkable young woman in the kiting community, and it’s safe to say she’s a prodigy thanks to her current six GKA World Champion titles, and she’s only 18 years old! Her life glitters championship after championship, and she’s had a remarkable journey that continues to impress the world. Mikaili Sol started kitesurfing at the age of eight, thanks to the influence of her kitesurfing parents. By the time Mikaili was 13, she was a four-time winner of the Junior World Kitesurfing Championships. She holds GKA World Champion titles for 2018, through to 2023, and her pursuits continue. It’s almost impossible to miss how bright Mikaili shines, and the sheer magnificence of her talent continues to stun the kitesurfing community. There are plenty of interesting factoids about the rise of Mikaili Sol and there’s a story behind the legend she’s already become. Who Is Mikaili Sol? If you’re into kitesurfing, you’ve probably heard her name already! Mikaili Sol sometimes goes by Mika and is an American-Brazilian kite surfer. Kitesurfing is her passion and profession, and she’s insanely talented at it. Currently, she travels the world from competition to competition and practices at different locations in her spare time. She was born on October 30, 2004, in Brazil. Her father is Brazilian, and her mother is American. Mikaili Sol feels her personality is more from her American heritage but honors both nationalities equally. Mikaili calls Brazil home when she’s not traveling the world. How Mikaili Sol Got Into Kiteboarding Mikaili Sol has always been called to do sport and knew how to ride a horse by age four. Her parents owned a small beach hotel, and they were avid kite surfers who passed their passion down to their daughter when she was old enough – which was eight years old. Once she started, she never looked back! Between ages 10 and 13, she claimed four Junior World Champion titles and another when she was 14. She started her GKA Championship journey at 13 and surprised the kitesurfing world with what she could achieve at such a young age. Mikaili Sol’s Notable Achievements It’s challenging to find a Mikaili Sol achievement that isn’t notable! She has won every world championship she’s ever taken part in! From 2018 to 2022 and counting. 2020 didn’t have any crowned champions because of the pandemic, but she won multiple titles in the competitions. Her main GKA Championship titles are in freestyle, but she has claimed multiple GKA Strapless/Wave wins in 2019 and 2020. She also holds 1st in the Brazil National Championship in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, Mikaili won second in the GKA Kite World Tour opening in Qatar and then first at Salinas del Rey in Colombia, and hopefully, there will be many more titles to come. What It’s Like To Be A Young Champion In Kiteboarding Indeed, there’s a lot of pressure to compete in massive competitions from a young age. Mikaili Sol takes it in stride, and the pressure hasn’t seemed to stop her thus far. She gets to travel the world, experience new places and cultures, and live out her undying passion for kitesurfing. Being young, people she met along the way tried to shape her personality for the public eye, but she pushed back and stayed true to herself, so growing up in such a dynamic environment was not without its challenges. She completed high school in 2019 after taking a break from 2017. She studied online while juggling competitions, which has its difficulties, but she feels blessed to have knowledge from around the world. Her rise to fame has also allowed her to connect with peers via social media, and she appreciates being able to share her life with others. The Impact Mikaili Sol Has In The Community Mikaili is a friendly, welcoming personality and a delight to meet. She promotes acceptance and strongly appreciates diversity and community, especially in the kitesurfing world. She aims to share her passion to inspire others to be true to themselves. She is not particularly an LGBTQ+ activist, but she is gay and proud to be who she is, inspiring others who struggle to be delighted with who they are, no matter what others say. She promotes that the kitesurfing community is very accepting of different people from all walks of life, inspiring others to participate in the sport without fear of rejection. Mikaili Sol’s Training And Fitness Regimen Mikaili spends every moment she can kitesurfing. It’s her passion beyond just work. If there’s wind, she’s on her board. If she isn’t on the water, she spends plenty of her time in the gym, working on fitness and strength. Mikaili doesn’t have any particular regime, but she always practices at the location of her next competition to get used to the waves. Tips And Advice For Aspiring Kiteboarders Based On Mikaili Sol’s Success Mikaili appreciates people for their authenticity and advocates that people should stay true to themselves, in all circumstances. She had others try to influence how she should be in her career as a young person and was able to overcome it. She believes the best person you can be is yourself, and you should keep that in mind with anything that you do, whether kitesurfing or not. Mikaili Sol’s Future In Kiteboarding Mikaili Sol has dreams of competing in the Olympics sometime in the near future, but as for now, she has a Freestyle event in August 2023. She has been competing under her Brazilian nationality for her career thus far but has moved under her American citizenship. As of 2023, she competes for the USA. Mikaili has always had a competitive flair and will continue to do her best going forward. Conclusion Mikaili Sol is a kitesurfing prodigy and has been a consecutive winner for the past ten years of her kitesurfing career, which is incredibly impressive for someone who is only 18 years old. She aims to inspire others to be themselves and continue … Read more

The Biggest Kitesurfing Competitions

May 28, 2023by Luke Morris

Kitesurfing is a thrilling multidisciplinary water sport that has gained popularity in recent years. There are several major kitesurfing competitions worldwide, most focusing on one discipline of the sport. Some of the disciplines in kitesurfing include big air, wave riding, course racing, and freestyle. The Global Kitesports Association (GKA) organizes the GKA Kite World Tour, which includes a series of kitesurfing competitions in various locations around the world. The tour features some of the best kitesurfers in the world competing in freestyle, wave riding, and big air competitions. Other top kitesurfing competitions in the world include Red Bill King of the Air, KiteFoil World Series, Kitesurfing World Cup, and Kiteboarding Pan American Games. Each competition focuses on a different aspect of kitesurfing. For this article, we’ll focus on the GKA Kite World Tour, which unifies fans and athletes in this multidisciplinary sport. GKA Kite World Tour: The Premier Kitesurfing Championship Series The Global Kitesports Association (GKA) is a premier kitesurfing championship league sponsored by Qatar Airways. They host various events throughout the year, unifying the many disciplines within the sport. What Is The GKA Kite World Tour? The GKA Kite World Tour is the only official kitesports tour that holds professional competitions in all the expression disciplines of international kitesports. It is a world-famous competition series attracting the top professional kiteboarders from all over the world. The GKA Kite World Tour comprises several events at different sites around the globe. These events feature a variety of kitesurfing disciplines, including the following: Freestyle, Wave Riding, and Big Air competitions (surf and hydrofoil). Each of the events in the GKA Kite World Tour is scored separately. Then, the overall tour champions are ranked based on their performance across all events in the tour. The winners of the tour each win a lucrative cash prize. For example, the total prize money for the 2023 Tarifa Big Air event sits at €40,000. It is equally divided between the male and female champions of each discipline. How Many Events Are In The GKA Kite World Tour? The number of events in the GKA Kite World Tour can vary from year to year. Still, typically there are ten to twelve events in various locations around the world. The tour usually starts at the end of Winter or early Spring and wraps up in the Fall. The specific dates and locations of the events change from year to year as they are dependent on the following factors: Wind conditions, Weather conditions, Local support, and The availability of suitable venues. Who Are The Top-Ranked Kitesurfers In The World? The top-ranked kitesurfers for the 2022 GKA Kite World Tour are tabulated below: GKA Kite World Tour Ranking 2022 Discipline: Kitesurf Men Rank First Name Last Name Total Points 1 James Carew 2000 2 Matchu Lopes 1470 3 Pedro Matos 1450 4 Sebastian Ribeiro 1450 5 Gabriel Benetton 1190 6 Hendrick Lopes 1000 7 Reece Myerscough 1000 7 Matt Maxwell 1000 9 Med Ali Beqqali 840 10 Camille Delannoy 840 10 Yaris Dell’omo 840 10 Francesco Cappuzzo 840 10 Artur Morais 840 GKA Kite World Tour Ranking 2022 Discipline: Kitesurf Women Rank First Name Last Name Total Points 1 Capucine Delannoy 1770 2 Maria Kesiane Rodrigues 1580 3 Frances Kelly 1450 4 Camille Losserand 1280 5 Johanna-Catharina Edin 1190 6 Marcela Witt 1160 7 Bruna Kajiya 870 8 Sonja Bunte 840 8 Charlotte Carpentier 840 8 Daniela Moreno Rodriguez 840 11 Zoe Bazile 700 Upcoming GKA Kite World Tour Events To date, four events have been completed in the 2023 GKA Kite World Tour season. The upcoming events for the rest of the 2023 season are as follows: Event Location Date Big-Air Tarifa, Spain 26 May – 16 Jun 2023 Youth Freestyle & Youth Kitesurf Tarifa, Spain 20 – 25 Jun 2023 Kitesurf Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 31 Jul – 11 Aug 2023 Freestyle Dunkerque, France 16 – 20 Aug 2023 Kitesurf Sylt, Germany 22 – 27 Aug 2023 Kitesurf Dakhla, Morocco (TBC) 26 Sep – 1 Oct 2023 Freestyle Ceara, Brazil 7 – 11 Nov 2023 Kite-Surf & Hydrofoil-Freestyle Ceara, Brazil 14 – 18 Nov 2023 Freestyle Fuwairit, Qatar 5 – 9 Dec 2023 Kitesports Association: Uniting and Promoting the Sport The Global Kitesports Association (GKA) strives to unite and promote the interests of all professional and recreational kite riders under one inclusive banner. The kite disciplines they support and promote include kitesurfing, freestyle, park-style, and racing. What Is The Global Kitesports Association? The GKA is a united, independent body formed by kitesurfing’s most established brands. They advocate that kiting as a sport can be enjoyed in all countries and in harmony with nature. As such, the GKA focuses on maintaining high safety standards on kiting equipment. They also assess the feasibility of suitable beaches for hosting professional kiting competitions. Additionally, GKA provides reliable information regarding developments in the market, plus the opportunity for kite riders to achieve GKA goals. They do this by creating positive relationships with various national kiting associations and professional kite sports organizations. A Short History The GKA wasn’t founded to run competitive world tours. However, at the end of 2016, they were granted the right to run World Championship tours in the expression disciplines of kitesurfing. So, after three successful seasons of running the Kitesurf World Tour (wave and strapless freestyle), they launched the GKA Kite World Tour in 2018. Kiteboarding Riders United (KRU) held the official freestyle competitions (World Kiteboarding Championships) under the license of the GKA. The racing classes are run by the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA). However, 2019 saw significant changes in the world of professional kiteboarding. All competitions of expression disciplines are now managed by the GKA, including Wave/Strapless Freestyle (with a surfboard) and Freestyle (with a twin-tip kiteboard). How Does GKA Promote And Support The Sport? GKA promotes and supports kitesurfing in the following ways: Working with all the major brands in kite sports. Overseeing global kitesurfing competitions, ensuring they are run … Read more

Is Kitesurfing Dangerous: Understanding Risks

May 28, 2023by Luke Morris

Kitesurfing offers tons of health benefits. But because it’s an extreme sport, it comes with some risks, and you might think that this is reason enough to avoid it. This comprehensive guide to kitesurfing will show you how to minimize those risks. Kitesurfing is dangerous. Some risks associated with kitesurfing are poor weather and water conditions, equipment failure, and water hazards. However, if you receive proper training, take note of weather conditions, and follow safety guidelines, the risks of kite surfing are greatly minimized. If you want to learn more about the risks and dangers of kite surfing and how to navigate them, read on! What Are The Risks Of Kitesurfing? Like with any sport in general, kite surfing comes with various risks that can be managed. So, here is a breakdown of what the risks of kitesurfing are so that you can be more informed. High Winds And Strong Currents As Kite surfing is highly reliant on a specific range of wind and wave conditions, it pretty much goes without saying that you should first and foremost avoid high winds and strong currents. If you choose to kitesurf in these conditions, you risk inflicting an injury on yourself or being blown off course. Risk Of Collisions With Other Kitesurfers, Boats, Or Obstacles With kite surfing, especially in more populated destinations, you risk collisions with other kite surfers, boats, or obstacles that dot the water. Equipment Failure Or Malfunction Another risk that comes with kite surfing is an equipment failure or malfunction, and ranges from having your harness break or come undone, having your kite tear, or becoming unconnected to your board. Risk Of Injury From Jumps And Tricks As with any extreme sport, you should expect kitesurfing to have the risk of injury from jumps and tricks, which have landed many kite surfers in the hospital! Potential For Getting Caught In The Kite Lines Or Dragged Underwater With kitesurfing, especially in popular holiday destinations jam-packed with other kite surfers, there is also substantial potential for getting caught in kite lines and getting dragged underwater. By getting caught in another’s kite surfer’s line, you can get pulled toward other kites, boats, etc. Lack Of Proper Training Or Supervision Another risk factor of kite surfing is a lack of proper training or supervision since this can result in accidents, injuries, and even death. Many kite surfers with no training try to do complex or dangerous stunts that can have terrible consequences. Fatigue Or Exhaustion During Long Sessions Since kitesurfing is a physically demanding sport that quickly saps the energy of all who engage in it, it also presents the risk of causing you to feel fatigued or exhausted during long sessions. Fatigue in kite surfing opens a whole can of worms regarding your and others’ safety. Hazards In The Water, Such As Rocks, Reefs, Or Marine Life Another risk of kite surfing is the presence of hazards in the water, such as rocks, reefs, or marine life like seals, sea birds, or sharks. These hazards can knock you off your board or cause you to injure others and marine life. Sharks can also pose a risk in the form of attacks. However, this risk is more of an issue in specific locations such as Australia and California. How To Minimize The Risks Of Kitesurfing Now that you’re informed about the risks of kitesurfing, let’s look at easy ways you can minimize their impacts. Receive Proper Training And Instruction From Certified Instructors One of the most effective ways to lessen the risks of kite surfing is to receive proper training and instruction from certified instructors. Through this step, you can significantly minimize your chances of being involved in an accident. Use Appropriate Equipment And Maintain It Properly Another way you can reduce your risk of becoming injured is to use appropriate equipment and maintain it properly. Through regular equipment maintenance, you’ll be able to reduce the likelihood of it failing. Stay Aware Of Weather And Water Conditions Before And During The Session You should also always stay aware of weather and water conditions before and during the session. One should always follow this rule in case there are high winds, waves, and temperatures that can cause you to become injured, overpowered, or blown off course into more remote waters. Always Wear Appropriate Safety Gear, Including A Helmet And Impact Vest To prevent injuries, it is also vital to always wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet and impact vest. That way, you will have the most protection in case you accidentally fall off your board or get caught in another rider’s lines. Stay Clear Of Obstacles And Other Kitesurfers Always be sure to stay clear of obstacles and other kite surfers. It might seem less fun or challenging, but obstacles and hazards are contributors to kite surfing accidents. It is in your best interest to avoid them. Monitor Your Physical And Mental Fatigue Levels Another method of minimizing the risks associated with kitesurfing is to monitor your physical and mental fatigue levels. This step will prevent your tiredness from decreasing your awareness levels and response times which are always needed to avoid injury. Never Kite Alone And Always Have A Buddy System In Place One of the golden safety rules of kite surfing is to never do it alone. You should always have a buddy system in place. On many occasions, most kite surfers struggle to launch their kites themselves, so having an extra pair of hands is always helpful. Furthermore, you should always aim to have a buddy system composed of at least one person on the beach who watches you for the duration you are kitesurfing. A buddy system is a fantastic way of minimizing your risk of being stuck out at sea by yourself. So, if you have an accident or have been swept out to sea, you will have help. On many occasions, buddy systems have even saved lives! Follow Local Rules And Regulations For Kitesurfing The … Read more

How Long Does it Take to Get Good At Surfing?

May 28, 2023by Luke Morris

how many hours does it take to get good at surfing

Getting good at surfing doesn’t happen overnight. Ok, maybe for some. But it’s not the case for everyone. If you’ve never been on a surfboard before, it’ll take a few days of intensive practice in the water before you can say you’re good at it. Under the right conditions, learning to surf can take as little as fifteen minutes. However, to be good at surfing, it will take many hours of practice to learn the skills. You can speed up your progress by spending lots of time in the water, staying fit, and hiring a surfing coach. However, not everyone has the right conditions when they decide to learn to surf. For some, it can take a few months or years, especially if there’s no ocean nearby. The truth is, you can only expect to get good at surfing with actual practice. But how long would it take someone with the determination and the right conditions? Is There a Magic Number of Hours to Become a Good Surfer? Unfortunately, there isn’t a magic number of hours to become a good surfer; besides, “good” is a subjective adjective. Learning to surf can take anything from 15 minutes to a few months, but becoming a good surfer takes more practice in the right conditions. For example, imagine you’re on holiday in Hawaii. You’ll learn to surf faster by spending every day in the warm water there than by practicing every other weekend in cooler conditions. The truth is, you will learn to surf and become good at it at your own pace. Check out the following factors that will affect your learning pace. What Are Some Factors That Affect Learning to Surf? Many factors affect someone’s ability to learn how to surf. However, if you’re looking to learn to surf quickly, the following factors will stand in your favor: Adequate Levels of Fitness and Strength Surfing requires a lot of energy, so you must have moderate fitness, strength, and stamina. For example, you need to paddle a lot to get to the right waves, endure swells, and be able to pop up on your board quickly when the time is right. Without adequate fitness, mobility, strength, and stamina, you will tire quickly and need to rest more frequently between surf sessions. Flexibility Surfing requires flexibility for the different stances on the board. You must be able to jump between different riding positions quickly, whether paddling on your belly, popping onto your haunches, or riding in a goofy or natural pose. Being flexible helps to switch between these positions more readily. Try to practice some regualr mobility exercises for surfing, or many surfers swear by yoga! Good Balance Balance is another factor that will influence a person’s ability to learn to surf. A good start is having a strong core, but the ability to balance on a moving object is advantageous. Having a background in skateboarding, snowboarding, or other board sports could be helpful because you need to balance and transfer your weight while on a board. However, remember that the ocean offers more variables than solid ground, so the balance required in surfing is more dynamic. Equipment Learning to surf will be easier if you have equipment suited to your needs. For example, beginner surfers tend to learn faster on longboards. However, your surfboard should be suitable for your weight and height. Additionally, wearing the right wetsuit will help you stay in the water longer, especially on cooler days. Other equipment that could benefit a beginner surfer’s learning include a leash to keep your board close, and even a helmet. Age As with anything, the earlier you learn a skill, the more time you have to master it. People who grew up in a surfing culture are more likely to be good at surfing than someone who only learns in their 30s, for example. There is no age limit on learning how to surf. If you have the willingness, fitness, equipment, and ability to read waves, you stand a good chance of learning to surf. Location Learning to surf is easier when you’re at a beach with smaller, consistent waves . Additionally, it helps if the seabed below you is sandy and not rocky or near a coral reef. Rocky beaches with inconsistent waves aren’t ideal places for people to learn to surf and might slow the learning process. Foresight Foresight usually comes with a bit of practice and experience. For example, it helps to use your energy wisely when paddling. Also, it would help if you had the foresight to help position yourself to catch the waves at the right time. Tips To Help You Progress Faster in Surfing There are ways to help you progress faster through the intermediate surfer phase. Here are some tips to guide you: Regular Practice The more you practice surfing, the better you’ll get. You’ll improve your fitness, wave-reading, and skill through regular practice. If you can practice regularly, try out different surfing spots to expose yourself to various sea conditions. Some aspects of surfing you can focus on during early practice sessions include the following: Your paddling speed and capacity between catching waves and when lining up for a wave. Popping up to a standing position quickly. The faster you can get to an upright position, the better. Your foot positioning. For example, your front foot shouldn’t be positioned straight forward. Instead, it should be at a 45° or less for improved control. Your standing stance. It should be relaxed, with knees slightly bent, unlike the beginner “poo man” stance, which looks like you’re squatting to go to the toilet. Catching waves at an angle before they break so you can ride them for longer. Get Feedback from Experienced Surfers Experienced surfers have a wealth of knowledge and a keen eye for what works and doesn’t work in certain conditions. You can ask more experienced surfers for feedback or advice on an aspect of surfing you’d like to improve. Alternatively, you can sign … Read more

How Fast Do Electric Surfboards Go? Exploring

May 28, 2023by Luke Morris

Is there anything worse than wanting to surf but having no waves to do so? Fortunately, you can always use your electric surfboard to get on the water, whether nature wants it or not. Thinking about how fast you’ll go before doing so would be a good idea. So, how fast do electric surfboards go? Electric surfboards can reach a speed of up to 40 miles per hour. Most surfers choose a much slower speed, so they can ride for longer. The average surfboard battery can last from thirty minutes up to six hours. The battery lasts less at higher speeds. Do you want to ride some waves, no matter the weather? Grabbing your electric surfboard and going to the beach may be the perfect answer. If you don’t have one yet, it’s time to do research before buying yours. First, you have to learn what an electric surfboard is. What Are Electric Surfboards? An electric surfboard is a regular surfboard with a small engine. These engines often use lithium batteries to power through, making it safe to go out to open waters and surf with no trouble. The main difference between a regular surfboard and an electric one is its weight (besides having an engine). An e-surfboard weighs 70 pounds on average. In contrast, your average surfboard usually weighs 10 times less, 7 pounds or so. An electric surfboard, in other words, is a 70-pound board that can reach speeds of up to 40 MPH. How Do Electric Surfboards Work? Electric surfboards rely on their engine to power either a propeller or a jetstream. More often than not, these engines rely on lithium batteries to work. You leave your board charging for an hour or two and get up to six hours of fun in return. It may seem like this type of surfboard is simple and straightforward, but it’s a technology that’s been close to a century in the making. These surfboards have come a long way since their first appearance in 1935. They were long and heavy at first and not for commercial use. Manufacturers made them to help lifeguards. It evolved a fair bit throughout the years, but it wasn’t until the 2010s that it caught the people’s attention. If an electric surfboard catches your attention, you should learn a few safety tips. Safety Tips For Electric Surfboards You should always keep your cool when riding an electric surfboard, use protection (e.g., headgear and vest) if you’re a beginner, and never ride in crowded areas. Don’t go too fast at first, and make sure you know how to fall (e.g., fall to the side of the surfboard’s direction and stay away from the propeller). Are you going to store your electric surfboard for a long time? Make sure you keep its battery at 40 to 50%. Charge them a bit every one or two months, but never above that number. Speaking of batteries, never keep your surfboard under the sun because it can overheat them. How Fast Can Electric Surfboards Go? The fastest electric surfboards reach speeds of up to 40 MPH. Some may reach speeds a tiny bit faster than that. Most models on the market will probably take you to speeds of up to 30 to 35 MPH, and they will do so for a short time since batteries will run out of power if you go that fast. Riding on an electric surfboard is not about going as fast as possible. It’s about enjoying the sea and having fun. On that note, it’s important to know you can surf for hours if you’re not trying to top your e-surfboard speed nonstop. Do you want speed? Jet skiing is a great alternative. Will My Electric Surfboard Be As Fast As A Jet Ski? The average jet ski is much faster than the best e-surfboard. A jet ski can travel anywhere between 40 to 70 MPH without trouble. In contrast, an electric surfboard can reach up to 40 MPH. These two products don’t have the same features or goals. A jet ski provides speed. However, an electric surfboard offers something much more interesting. It gives you a different experience when out at sea. You’re much closer to the water and in more control of the board. Simply put, riding on an electric surfboard is an interesting, hands-on experience. Riding a jet ski is all about speed. Both are fun! What Is The World’s Fastest Electric Surfboard? You can find multiple electric surfboards that have top speeds of up to 40 MPH. Most e-boards don’t get anywhere that fast, as they top out at 30 to 35 MPH. Remember, speed is not the name of the game when riding one of these boards, though it’s understandable to want to go fast when you have to spend $5000 to $10000 to get this type of board. Exploring The Speeds Of Hydrofoil Surfboards Are you looking for an electric surfboard alternative? You may want something different or faster than the average e-surfboard. However, hydrofoil alternatives are not faster, though they’re lighter, making them a bit more convenient. These boards usually weigh 10 pounds less. How Fast Can Electric Foil Boards Go? You can go up to 30 MPH when riding an electric foil board. Most people prefer to ride at 12 MPH to make the most out of their board’s battery and have better overall control. Electric surfboards can go much faster than these boards. What Is The Fastest Electric Foil Board? One of the faster electric foil boards (perhaps the fastest) is the Lift Cruiser eFoil. It can go as fast as 34 or 35 MPH. It’s almost 20% faster than the average electric foil board. Conclusion An electric surfboard can reach speeds of up to 40 MPH. Most surfers prefer to go much slower than that to make batteries last for longer. First-time e-surfboard riders should start slow to understand how to use the board. At the same time, both beginner and veteran riders should … Read more

Longboard Surfing Tricks: How to Step Up

May 28, 2023by Luke Morris

Longboard surfing connects you with the ocean and lets you express yourself on the waves. Still, you’ll have to learn exciting skills and tricks to stand out from the crowd besides just riding out the wave. And this guide shows you how to rock the longboard like a pro, from the basics to the advanced moves. So, how can you step up your longboarding game? You must learn different maneuvers to elevate your longboard surfing skills, such as turns, cutbacks, re-entries, and nose rides. You also need to try some tricks that involve spinning, rolling, flying, and shuvits while practicing regularly, watching other surfers, and keeping a positive mindset. You’re about to enter the extraordinary world of longboard surfing, where you’ll learn how to nail the basic moves and the coolest tricks while remembering that it’s not all about technique. We’ll also give you some killer tips that will change your game and bring out the best surfer in you. So, don’t miss this chance to boost your skills and have a blast on the longboard. Let’s get started! Mastering The Basic Longboard Surfing Maneuvers So, getting to the basics – Longboarding surfing is a relaxed and laid-back style that requires a longboard, usually about three feet longer than your height. Different types of longboards, such as the nose rider, the performance, and the hybrid, suit various preferences and conditions. And starting longboarding surfing requires practicing your balance on a static board on grass or a rug and looking for waves breaking far from the shore. It would be best to include basic equipment, such as a swimsuit or wetsuit (optional), a fin, surf wax, a leg leash, and sunscreen. But before you can attempt any fancy tricks on your longboard, you need to master some essential skills and maneuvers that will help you control your board and ride the waves easily and in style. These are the basic longboard surfing maneuvers that every surfer should know: Bottom Turn Known as your first turn after catching a wave, it sets you up for the rest of the ride by positioning you on the face of the wave. Performing a bottom turn requires you to shift your weight to your rear foot and lean in your desired direction. Then, as you reach the lower end of the wave, you need to shift your weight to your front foot and look up at where you want to go next. Vision is essential for this role, allowing your body to respond and plan ahead on what you see rather than what you feel. And to top that up, Cross-stepping (mentioned below) can be extremely challenging without a proper bottom turn and board setup. Top Turn This is the turn you make at the top of the wave, allowing you to change direction and generate speed by using the power of the wave. Top turning is best approaching the lip of the wave with speed and angle your board towards it. Then, as you reach the lip, you must push hard on your back foot and twist your upper body in the opposite direction. It will make your board carve around and spray some water, and you’ll need to look down at where you want to go next and follow through with your board. Cutback A Cutback, or Front/Backside cutback, is the turn you make when you want to get back to the pocket, or power source, of the wave, allowing you to maintain speed and will help you stay on the wave for much longer. Among surfers, the common saying is “When fat, cutback!” which requires you to ride along the face of the wave until you feel like you are losing speed or getting too far ahead of the breaking section. You must shift your weight to your back foot and turn your board towards the whitewater. As you reach the whitewater, you need to shift a good portion of your weight to your front foot and turn your board back towards the face of the wave, making your board do a roundhouse arc and get back into position. It can be a slight learning curve for new surfers to get the hang of, but keep at it – and once you have it, it’s hard to forget the feeling! Re-Entry Re-entry is when you want to hit the lip of the wave with power and style, allowing you to show off your moves and impress other surfers. Every surfer’s arsenal must include a re-entry, which can take various forms, from a simple straight up and down to an explosive re-entry with no fins. The maneuver aims to ride the lip back to the flats after rebounding from the lip. To do a re-entry, you need to approach the lip of the wave with speed and angle your board slightly towards it. Then, as you reach the lip, you need to push hard on your back foot and lift your front foot up. This will make your board go vertical and hit the lip with force, where you will need to bring your front foot down and lean forward to land back on the face of the wave. Cross Step The Cross-stepping technique is used when you want to walk along your longboard and change your position on it. It allows you to adjust your trim and balance according to the size and shape of the wave. Cross-stepping also helps you adjust your position on the board and stay in the wave’s sweet spot. Start with your feet together near the middle of your board to do a cross-step – then, you need to move one foot forward by crossing it over or behind the other foot. Then, move the other foot forward by crossing it over or behind the first foot. You need to repeat this method until you reach your desired spot on your board – and sometimes, you’ll find that you do not need to go to the … Read more

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