Kiteboard Racing in UK

Racing in the UK

With the great news of Kiteboarding getting into the Olympics in the Rio 2016 interest in the sport has grown substantially within the UK.

Governance

The BKSA are the National Governing Body (NGB) for Kitesurfing in the UK and is a class member of the International Kiteboarding Association (IKA) a Class Association of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) the worldwide Governing body for Sailing

The BKSA as a class association will be working with the RYA as the Member Nation (MNA) of ISAF representing the UK to get to Rio in 2016

So whats it all about ?

Many sailors have asked how to get into it, so we thought we would take the time to write a full explanation to help you understand the sport if you come from a sailing background.

So how do you get into this great sport that can plane in 6 knots upwards?

First off the pieces of equipment being used are highly specialised pieces of equipment and you cannot simply jump on them.

Would you jump straight into a 49er? First off you need to learn to sail be it in a Pico, Opi or Mirror.

Same with Kiteboarding Race boards you need to learn kitesurf basics.

• Learn to Kitesurf at a BKSA recognised school See HERE
• Keep practising until you are fully confident in going upwind and turning
• Equipment – if you can learn to ride a directional (surfboard style) this will be a great help
• Get used to kitesurfing with other people around you in a mixture of conditions

IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO BEGIN RACING UNTIL YOU ARE AT AN INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Get some Race coaching or go to a small Race Event such as Calshot ( contact 24/7 boardsports)

The following our dates for Race Coaching –

• Exmouth June 21^st contact Edge Watersports
• Poole July 28/29^th contact Easyrider
• Exmouth August 11/12 contact Edge Watersports
• Camber Sands August 25/26^{th   tbc}

Events Calendar – Here with more being added

There are some great articles if you want some more info

IKitesurf Magazine Great article here

Race Board guide Click Here

IKA class rules Click Here