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Hi,
Looking at getting into either wind surfing or kite surfing, and want to hear from those who have done both.
Which do you prefer and why?
BTW, I am 51 years old and have surfed for 40 years and done some sailing, so expect to pick either up reasonably easy.
Cheers,
Ken.
I have done both for more than 15 years but stopped sailboarding when I took up kiting so I'm not up to speed with the new gear they use today. Both are as good as each other but when it all boils down to it I like kiting now mainly due to getting a bigger buzz in lighter wind that we get in Queensland. kiting I think is much easier to learn and much less strain on the body so I don,t get how kiters think sailboarding is for old farts. What I do miss about sailboarding is sailing in stupid high winds which you gan do in kitting but it gets a bit hairy when things go wrong. Do both if you can but at least try both as both are exceptional water sports.
If you have enjoyed sailing you might prefer windsurfing. When you windsurf you become an integral part of an awesome sailing machine.
Checkers vs chess.
Passenger vs pilot.
Expense similar as windsurfing can be waaay cheaper to buy initially and no pro lessons required (especially as you have sailed and understand centre of effort vs centre resistance, sheeting angles etc) so could teach youself -- but then later kiting is way cheaper as you don't change all your stuff 3x from beginner to expert.
Kiting better if low wind. generalisation...
Windsurfing way better if you are often the only one out (no launch buddy needed) and if you have good winter front kinda stuff going on like 30kn plus, dead onshore winds Of course we all need to shut up (Except for Harcarve) cos he asked to hear from people who have done both.
Usually windsurfing wins from those who have, but age may go against you it is a lot more physical than kiting hooked in all the time and you won't learn to gybe til you're in your late 50's so just go the easy route. 
Honestly Windsurfing is heaps better and more fun.
kitesurfing was cool when it took off and I had the first wipika kite in Tassie
over time I went back to windsurfing and never looked back
In favour of kitesurfing:
- way easier to travel with the gear (I envy them that).
- bigger jumps on flat water.
- plane up faster in light winds (though potentially no difference if you have formula windsurfing gear).
- easier getting out through surf.
In favour of windsurfing:
- way safer particularly in the beginner/ intermediate stage.
- no need for loads of lessons. Safe for a mate to teach you.
- you don't need a buddy to launch and land you as a beginner.
- you can sail at loads more locations (e.g. small lake with trees in launch area) and wind directions.
- plenty of cheap second hand gear around (that is safe to use).
- fewer show ponies. We do it because we like it, not because it's cool.
good wishes on picking up windsurfing reasonably easily, some have, some havent, its a long road but worth it
Ive done both...
On the drawing board kiting looks sweet, and these are my biggest positives:
-light wind planing
-Great for tidal beaches like those north of Adelaide with shallow, flat water and lots of weed
-Can just chuck a kite in the car on surf trips and you have windy days covered
-flat water freestyle is a **** load easier than windsurfing freestyle
- Its easier overall
Kiting definitely has its place depending on your conditions. But, even though I like both... I like windsurfing heaps better.
The main reason is hard to explain... it just feels better!! I liken the feel of kiteboarding to wakeboarding, and windsurfing to surfing.
There are many opinions out there and eventually you will make up your own mind and go for it. What I picked up from reading through the threads was the idea that if one of the two was easier then it would be a positive. I disagree. For example, bodysurfing is easier (and cheaper) than most forms of surfing, but that does not necessarily make it better. I took up windsurfing in my 50's and have not regretted it. The learning curve is, I'm told, steeper than kite surfing. That is called a 'challenge' and it is the challenge of windsurfing that provides so much appeal, whatever the level or preference of gear, conditions or performance.
Good morning, Kenny,
Windsurfer since 1991. Kitesurfer (learner) last year.
You can be a competent kitesurfer in 3 months. Windsurfing takes MUCH longer.
Kitesurfing is inherently dangerous and you should be aware of this. There have been horrific injuries and deaths. Windsurfing is much safer.
For kitesurfing you MUST take lessons from an accredited instructor.
When things start to go wrong in kiting, it happens VERY quickly, usually too fast to react. Don’t think it won’t happen to you, ‘cos it will.
In kitesurfing, know how to self-rescue.
Kitesurfing is more cost effective, with a wide wind band and the gear can fit into a Honda Jazz. Us windsurfers dream this was true of our sport.
Recommend only getting KS gear made in the last 3 to 4 years, particularly the quick-release bars (such as the Cabrinha Overdrive 1X, or equivalent). Google “best learner kites”.
You said “…….have surfed for 40 years and done some sailing, so expect to pick either up reasonably easy”. From experience of KS, it’s harder than it looks, but it all comes down to Time On Water.
Hope this helps.
Thanks very much guys, some good food for thought there.
I must say, I do like the look of what can be done on a wind surfer in the surf, when I watch video of pro's and just real good w-surfers.
But at the same time realize that it aint easy. But wish I could do it because it looks like awesome fun.
One thing that stood out to me with some of the comments here was that kiting is better for lower wind. I live in south east Queensland on the sunshine coast, don't know how that rates as a wind surf spot? Certainly don't see many doing it, or any really, but always plenty of kites.
How much wind is needed to enjoy wind surfing?
Thanks heaps to all who have commented!
Done both for quite a while and Barri is on the money here. Kiting I think is closer to wakeboarding. Even has a slight snowboard feel if that's your reference. Both great sports. If I was only ever going to go in tiny beach breaks or flat water, I would probably kite a whole lot more. They excel in those conditions. But If there is some good waves or messy winter fronts, or strong winds, then I think windsurfing is better. Windsurfing I think is a lot safer so if you on your own, or if this is a big factor, consider windsurfing more. I actually found kiting tougher on the body. More back strain, legs fully working when edging hard. For me personally, I way prefer windsurfing.
re. light wind kites & sailboards are both on water bout same time here though the windsurfers will be on big slalom kit. Both kites & sailboards can go much bigger than what we see used every day. We all start going out around the 11 knot mark, no one bothers below that.
Gees this is pleasing to read with no bitching and negative carry on!
All constructive points both pros and cons.
Well done !!
kiters have nowhere near the wind range of windsurfers. what you find though is most windsurfers don't care for light wind sailing.
I'm one the water way before any kiters can even look around for someone to help them launch. catching waves on my sup with a 5.8m sail when the only people out are guys on surfboards or sups. the "majority" of the sunshine coast wavesailing crew are on the water as soon as the waves are good. it's not about wind as much as some people think.
whether supsailing or on purpose built lightwind wave gear the options are there.
some of the best wave sailing I've seen has been in 5-10knots.
this leads us onto the next topic......
the problem with windsurfers........
You'll get a lot of back and forward. They are both great fun. I started off kiting (basic flat water stuff) and am still trying to windsurf after ~6 years but it not easy. I have to admit it is addictive despite my lack of skill. It all comes down personal preference, or do both if you can afford.
Windsurfing: Great in big waves, small waves, flat water, rough water, light wind, extreme wind. Launch from the rocks, near trees, etc etc. I was planing in 10 knots a fortnight ago on freerace gear and having a ball (I weigh 97kg at the moment). Went out in gales a while back :( Travelling is more difficult but I have done it several times with heaps of gear. I will say if you like ultimate freedom then windsurfing is awesome. Take a look at some of the latest windsurfing clips and see what they can do in any type of waves, or just have a ball going out and back.
Kite surfing: Easier to progress to the fun intermediate back and forth level. Kit is smaller. You get the kite above the low level turbulent wind zone so can pick up cleaner air in light gusty conditions on some occasions, though usually is gusty for both. Travelling is easier with kite gear. Feels a bit like wake boarding as you tend to go with the kite/wind more compared to windsurfing.
Windsurfing is a bit like surfing on steroids but gets a lot from sailing. your surfing background will be great for you but you still have a steep learning curve. If you get into waves the board riding skills of surfing will be gold and your sailing skills will help with knowledge of the wind and how to do the basics of sailing. Sailing and surfing would have to be two of the best backgound sports for windsurfing IMO. Wakeboarding and kite flying would be great for kiting if you have done those?
Good luck with either as they are both awesome sports. I recommend you do intesive courses in either where you dedicate a week/2 weeks or at least a couple of full weekends with good qualified instructors. Maybe fly to WA for a week or so over summer!
I'll keep it short, been windsurfing since early 80's, and have never quit. I've got many friends who quit windsurfing to go to kiting, 2 of them are now in wheelchairs for the rest of their lives, because if kiting. I've got no friends that have ever been that seriously hurt windsurfing, not even close.
Windsurfing harder to learn? Yes, and you need to be in better shape.
Safer? Way yes! And it keeps you younger longer.
To me the choice is simple.
depending on how big your sup is you can probably have a go at learning windsurfing on it.
best conditions for sup sailing in light winds are 5-10 knots cross to cross offshore. with sup you don't need footstraps so you can walk about the board like a surfboard. if the day is better for surfing then go surfing. if it's a good sup day put on a 5.8m sail
this video looks to be less 5 knots.
Kenny, one other thing, don't worry about your age, you are never too old, take a look at this guy:
