Name: Chrystalla Skari Class: G’3 Subject: Project 1 Unit 2, Extreme Sports Kitesurfing Teacher: Eudhokia Anastassiou Year: 2010-2011

Definition of Extreme Sports The definition of extreme sports is not very clear. Generally speaking, extreme sports are activities that are associated with ‘the’ adrenaline rush that is felt by the participant. These activities are often dangerous and any mistake could result in injury or even death. Extreme sports are usually, done by individuals rather than teams.

Kitesurfing Kite surfing, also known as kite boarding, is an adventurous sport that can really get your adrenaline high. Many people also feel that kite surfing is the most extreme water sport around. So, what exactly is kite surfing? Kite surfing is like a combination of wakeboarding, widesurfing surfing, and paragliding, all mixed up. When kite surfing, you use an inflatable kite to propel you across the water, while you maneuver on top of a small board, which is somewhat like a surfboard. Many sports enthusiasts like kite boarding more so that its relative wind surfing, because you will not have a sail in your face and it is much easier to gain speed and do jumps. Although kite surfing is primarily done in the water, it is also done on land and on snow.

Kitesurfing So as we have already metioned kite surfing is a sport that takes place on the surface of the water, on top of boards that are similar in design to wakeboards, with the surfer propelled by a harnesses the power of the wind. The popularity of kite surfing has grown, although it is rather difficult to master, and can be dangerous if proper care is not taken. kite surfing uses the same equipment as kite boarding, but is generally given more to riding on top of waves, rather than on smaller lakes or other placid bodies of water.

Kitesurfing Kitesurfing as a recreational sport began in the 1980s, but didn't gain popularity until the turn of the millennium. Before 2000 there were less than a thousand kite surfers worldwide. In 2005 that number had increased to nearly 100,000. Kitesurfing is also commonly known as kiteboarding, and in some European countries as flysurfing.

Equipment First you will need to select a board. When selecting a board, you will want to consider your weight, age, your approximate wind speeds, and the activities that you will want to do. As a beginner, you will want a board that is easy to steer. After you have chosen a board, you will have two options, to partake in lessons or to be self-taught.

Equipment A new kitesurfing kit be bought for $1,000-$2,500 (US dollars). Lessons range from $200-4500 for a two to three hour session, and usually a few lessons are required before sufficient competence is achieved to begin surfing on one’s own. With the rising popularity of kitesurfing, most major seaside cities offer classes and have kitesurfing cliubs, and many tropical destinations are following suit. For a strong person with the right dedication, kitesurfing can prove to be a very fun, incredibly exciting sport, with no limit to the complexity of tricks and new moves one can discover.

Danger and safety Power kites can be dangerous. Because of strong forces that can be generated by sudden wind gusts, people can be lofted, carried off, dashed against water, buildings, terrain or power lines, resulting in what's termed a "kitemare" (a combination of kite and nightmare). Most kiteboarding fatalities are the result of being lofted or dragged out of control, resulting in a collision with hard objects including sand. It is possible to be seriously injured simply by hitting the water surface at speed or from a height.

Speed records French kitesurfer Sebastien Cattelan became the first sailor to break the 50 knots barrier by reaching 50.26 knots on 3 October 2008 at the Lüderitz Challenge in Namibia. On 4 October, Alex Caizergues (also of France) broke this record with a 50.57 knots run

Conclusion Kitesurfing or Kiteboarding is a surface water sport that uses the wind to pull a rider through the water on a small surfboard or a kiteboard. There are a number of different styles of kiteboarding, including freestyle or wake-style and wave-riding which is focused on big waves using a board designed for wave riding. A kitesurfer or kiteboarder uses a board with or without foot-straps or bindings, combined with the power of a large controllable kite to propel the rider and the board across the water.Kitesurfing has become more popular than windsurfing as a watersport because it is easier to learn the basics and because it is much easier to transport the necessary equipment.

Conclusion It is a rather dangerous sport if you are not careful enough. It is getting more and more popular these days. I think that I would like to try it one day, of course after I have received the right training.

Bibliography http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitesurfing http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extreme_sport http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-kite-surfing.htm http://www.essortment.com/hobbies/kitesurfing_szov.htm