Top 4 Kitesurfing Styles You Can Enjoy at Boracay

Photo credit: jerrykite.com

Boracay Island in the Philippines is one of the best places in the world to go kitesurfing. Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding, is a surface aqua sport which is a unique blending of wakeboarding, surfing, gymnastics, windsurfing, and paragliding. It is an extreme hobby where the kite-surfer utilizes the strength of the wind with a large manageable power kite to be driven across the water on a kiteboard.

Depending on the skill and preference of the kite surfer, foot bands or bindings may be used. Just like any sport, certain rules are followed and, like swimming, there are various styles of kiteboarding:

Freestyle

With this style, the kite and board are used to get big air jumps so that a variety of tricks can be done while airborne. This is used for competitive events and no prescribed format is observed. Smaller twin tip boards and kites with good boost and hang-time are used.

Jumping or Air-style

Image Source: inmotionkitesurfing.com

Jumping is similar to free-ride except that is entails jumping high using kite loops. During strong winds, shorter lines with smaller kites are highly suggested. C-kites and twin-top boards are commonly used in this style.

Free-ride

Image Source: pacificwatersports.com.au

This is the most popular style of kitesurfing as it allows the surfer anything that he wants to do. Most boards on sale today were designed for this style since it is suited for learning new techniques or simply having fun. For a full kitesurfing experience, twin-tip boards and kites with a good re-launch and a wide wind range should be used.

Wave-skate

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Wake-skaters use a strapless twin-tip board which looks so much like a skateboard.

The best time to go kitesurfing in Boracay is from November to April each year. This is when the waters are flat on shore and generally not deep. The island also holds various schools on kitesurfing for beginners, advanced, and professionals. The island is considered a safe learning ground for kitesurfing as its waters are protected by a reef.

Boracay is just an hour from Manila, Clark, or Cebu by plane. Being a world famous tourist destination, it has numerous boracay hotels and resorts that offer facilities for kitesurfing among the many sports offered in the island. Their hotel personnel would be more than ready to assist you with your inquiries and requests.

For the last seven years. Boracay has hosted many kitesurfing events including the annual Boracay Big Air Challenge of the Boracay International Funboard Cup, Kiteboard Tour Asia, and the All Chicks Kite Camp.

Take your Gym to Boracay: Health Benefits Of Water Sports

photo credit: rey031

Boracay, one of the world’s famous beaches, is not only a haven for our soul’s retreat, but also an athletic ground to the fitness buffs. The Balibago shore of Bora is home to a wide range of water sports activities from the fun banana boat ride to extreme parasailing (see more water activities.) But do you know that these water sports give you a better cardio workout than a gym? And the best part is, it’s a lot more fun and exciting. Here are some water sports activities and their benefits.

Swimming
Swimming is a great cardio and muscular workout. You can burn up to 300-900 calories an hour depending on your weight and your effort. You use every muscle in your body, toning it in the process. Being under the water also exercises your lungs. It has always been recommended for those with respiratory and heart problems. It also provides an ideal place to work stiff muscles and sore joints, especially if you’re overweight or suffering from arthritis since the water helps carry your weight.
Scuba diving or snorkeling
One of the most noticeable benefits of scuba diving is the mental and emotional therapy the deep sea provides the diver. Being weightless and seeing the beautiful flora and fauna calms the nerves and washes away stress. It is a cardiovascular and muscular workout at the same time because the body moves against the natural pressure of the water without straining the joints.
Kayaking
Although it may seem like the arms are the only part of the body that kayaking can work out, it’s actually more than that. In kayaking, your strength should come from your core muscle, not your arms. After a while, you’ll feel like you’ve done a hundred sit-ups. Kayaking also exercises your mind as it tries to figure out where to steer the kayak.
Parasailing
This is one of the most thrilling yet risky water sport. Being up in the air releases tension and pressure from your body, while the wind caresses your skin. Like any extreme sport, it eliminates stress because of the sudden adrenaline rush, creating a great feeling of wellness. Plus, inhaling sea air is healthy. The negative ions in the salty air combat the free radicals in your body, relieving your body from toxins.
Kite Surfing
It is one of the best exercises for the body and mind. It tones your body, strengthening your abdominal area while increasing strength in your arms as you steer the kite. Riding the board will improve your balance. And while you’re at it, you are focused on several tasks at once which improves your coordination and concentration skills.
Jet ski
Jet skiing is a high speed water sport that is great for developing your balance and co-ordination skills because it requires concentration to stay on board. It strengthens the arm and leg muscles, giving you a good workout.