"We refer all of our kiteboarding lessons to the Kiteboarding School of Maui (KSM). They offer professional, individual instruction at great rates."
Kevin Ozee
President-Neil Pryde Maui
Kiteboarding Questions
Are bow kites better than other kite designs?
Bow kites were first introduced mid-year 2005 by Cabrinha and immediately KSM, the only authorized Cabrinha kiteboarding school on Maui, began teaching beginners on the kites. KSM instructors recognized that the quick depowering capability of bow kites (due to pulleys on the control bar and bridle lines), which allows the rider to instantly reduce power and avoid an accident, is an excellent safety feature for beginners and intermediate riders. (That same quick depower feature makes kitesurfing in the waves more fun for advanced riders). The ease in water launching the kite is another design feature that makes bow kites better for beginners. When the kite is leading edge down on the water (or snow), you simply pull on either the left or right leader line to choose the direction you would like to launch the kite and the wingtip will rise out of the water. The increased range of the bow kites is also an important factor that makes the kites so popular for all levels of experience over other designs. Kiteboarders around the globe can now accommodate most wind conditions in their riding area with only 2 kite sizes. Kites are easy enough to pack for your travels but if you can get away with taking only 2 sizes of bow kites, versus 4 of the classic design, this is a big plus.
- What are the terms and names for kiteboarding tricks?
- What is the difference between kitesurfing, kiteboarding, and flysurfing?
- What is the wind window?
- Can I relaunch the kite from the water?
- Do I need assistance to launch or land the kite?
- How much does equipment cost?
- How big a kiteboard should I choose?
- What is the typical wind range of a kite?
- How many kites do I need?
- Will I need a wetsuit on Maui?
- What equipment do I need to kitesurf?
- Do I need to bring anything with me for the lesson?
- When is the best time to come to Maui for lessons?
- Is kiteboarding safe?
- How hard is it to learn how to kite?
- I am a windsurfer, is it hard to convert?
- How fast will I learn the sport?
- What sort of physical shape do I need to be in?
- I have done some trainer kite flying and body draggng. Will I be able to take a class starting with the kiteboard on my first lesson?
- Will I be riding on a board the first day?
- Will I get on the water on the first day of lessons?
- What is the best time of day for lessons?
- My son and I would like to take a lesson together. Do we have to each take private lessons or can we take lessons with one instructor?
- What can I do to prepare for my lesson ahead of time?
- I already kiteboard. Can I rent kites?
- What does FAA have to do with kiteboarding on Maui?
- What does the IKO and PASA certification offer students?
- Is KSM insured?
- How long has KSM been in business?
- How much experience do KSM instructors have?
- What sets KSM apart from other Maui kiteboarding schools?
- What should I look for so I know I have found a safe, quality school?
- Will the 2009 Cabrinha IDS control bar work with 2008 Cabinha kites?
- Is the bow kite bridle system complicated?
- How do the bow kites turn?
- What does the bridle on a bow kite do?
- Can I use the bow kite with a 5th line?
- Are bow kites better than other kite designs?
- How did kiteboarding start?