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| Kite surfing or Kite boarding:
is a surface water sport
that uses wind power to pull a rider through the water on a small
surfboard or a kite board (similar to a wake board).
Generally kite boarding refers to styles of riding known as free-ride,
freestyle
or wake-style, whereas kite surfing is more "wave-riding" oriented.
These varied styles usually require different boards and specific
performance kites.
A kite surfer or kite boarder uses a board with or without
foot-straps or bindings, combined with the power of a large
controllable kite to propel the rider and the board across the water.
In 2006, the number of kite surfers has been estimated at around 150,000
to 210,000, with 114,465 inflatable kites sold that same year.
The sport is becoming safer due to
innovations in kite design, safety release systems, and instruction.
Riding styles have evolved to suit riders and conditions, such as wake
style, wave riding, freestyle and free-ride. |  |
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