Chasing Blaine Daniel seeks wind and water for an activity that keeps
him coming back, assembling his kiting equipment year-round.
While onlookers are dazzled by his vibrant kites and aerial
transitions, Daniel says he and other local kiters must draw
strength from within to address the mental and physical chal-lenges
of the sport. An understanding of how to control the
kite in different wind patterns and directions is crucial, as are
physical strength, balance and agility to maintain control of
the kite in heavy winds.
Kitesurfers can reach 30 miles per hour on the water, which
is roughly equivalent to 60 mph on land. But speed is only half
the thrill, the other being air time. A kiteboarding jump requires
intense concentration, exact timing and kite placement. The
payoff is huge.
A kiteboarder looking to increase his or her air time must
practice holding the kite at a 45 degree angle and making sure
the kite is directly overhead at the time of the jump. Once the
skill of jumping is mastered, board grabs and midair turns are
next. Huge jumps are generally considered to be anything
above 15 feet.
Yuichi Murakami from Scratch Kiteboarding flies the 2013 12m Switchblade low and powered up.
50 july 2013
WBM