Windsurfing or Kite?

I've been doing more kitesurfing than windsurfing these days.  A lot more. I think some of my ol windsurfing buddies are glad about it.  "Good to get rid of that bum"!  they think.  But I'm not gone yet.  I still have all my windsurfing gear.  It's waiting for the day when I get bored with this trendy new kiting stuff and start playing with sails again.

Why windsurf? Why kite? How to chose between the two?  I don't know.  I just do what feels good.

Here's my comparison list from someone who loves both sports.


Advantage Windsurfing

• Safer, no risk of being dragged, or lofted and carried by kite
• Safer, no risk of a kite line snapping on a big jump, or at a bad time
• Safer, easier to self rescue, board has flotation, no lines to worry about
• Can launch and land almost anywhere
• Gear is stronger, requires less upkeep, and is less temperamental
• Quicker and easier to rig the gear
• Some people just love the feeling of windsurfing

Advantage Kitesurfing

• Power, can plane and jump in 10-20 MPH, less skunks
• Range, Kite is tune-able on the fly, huge range in 1 kite
• Gear takes up less space in vehicle
• Easy to pack up gear, sling it over a shoulder and walk for miles
• Slightly less physically demanding, less forearm fatigue
• Kites can fly above dunes to get clean wind in bays, slicks, or big waves
• Angle of pull from kite can be directed upwards for more lift when needed
• Lift allows for big jumps without waves
• Lift makes it easier to get out through waves
• Lift allows for riding on very small, nimble boards
• Very small boards, very small fins, can go in very shallow water
• Lift makes complicated tricks and spins possible at an intermediate level
• It's fun to make your own boards, almost anything works, more or less
• Some people just love the feeling of kitesurfing 

Hardings- Felt good today. Nice Summer Day, turquiose water. Wind was up and down. I bunch of us got stranded on the flats for awhile but no worries.  The wind came back better than before. Kited most of the day, beautiful sunset.

Hardings, Kitesurfed, 5-20, SW, WSW, 14M Rally/Mako King & Flx138, with Frank, Sam, Andrey, Colleen, Nick, George, Des, Ron, Others.