Do I need to be fit for windsports?
Whether you are planning a trip to a popular kiteboarding spot or looking for something fun to do on the water, you may be wondering what level of fitness is required for each one.
Here, we will dive into specific physical requirements for kiteboarding and wingfoiling.
Fitness Requirements for Kiting
Along with the requirements for windsports listed above, there are some specific fitness requirements to be aware of when learning to kitesurf.
Control and Technique > Brute Strength
While some arm strength is required, you can’t “muscle” your way to controlling the kite. Learning how to maneuver the kite with finesse makes for smoother piloting.
A Balancing Act
As with any boardsport, balance is crucial. Your core is the most important muscle group for maintaining balance. We always tell students that if they want to progress quickly in windsports to train their core and focus on balancing exercises.
Exercise Focus for Kiting: Flexibility and Core Strength
A strong core can vastly improve your kiteboarding progression. You need both core strength and coordination to body drag and recover your board after a fall. You have to learn how to move your upper body and lower body independently.
For people that kiteboard, we recommend pilates and yoga. Pilates is great for core and yoga can help loosen up the hips as well as improve balance.
Fitness Requirements for Winging
Winging is more physically challenging than kiting. Many students get exhausted quickly from holding the wing in the wind not to mention falling, recovering the board, and standing back up.
A Test of Endurance
Beginners walk upwind more often, so having a good base of endurance can help you spend more time learning. If you want to learn quickly and spend less time on the beach walking, we offer a jet ski assist lesson, which will keep you on water while you get help going upwind.
If you’re worried about your fitness level, we don’t want you to push yourself too far. Stick to shorter lessons and session durations while you build strength and endurance.
Just Keep Swimming
In any water sport, when you fall off, you'll need to swim or body drag back to your equipment.
Having a level of comfort in the water is super important when learning to kiteboard. Many beginners can feel overwhelmed by the wind and waves/swell, and that can cause panic. Since you are wearing a floatation device and a wetsuit, you cannot sink. It is essential to remain calm when things get chaotic.
Exercise Focus for Wingfoiling: Upper Body Strength and Endurance Training
Swimming is a great activity to help improve your wingfoiling. Not only are you activating key muscle groups in your arms and shoulders, but you are also helping build the endurance and stamina required to be out on the water for longer periods.
Some more exercises that will help you build a base for wingfoiling are pushups, pull-ups, and tricep dips.
eFoiling is for Everyone
Are you concerned about your lack of strength, flexibility or endurance? Try out eFoiling. It gives you the thrill of riding above the water without the physical requirements. If you love it, you will be motivated to improve your fitness to try other watersports like kiting and winging.
What happens when I fall?
Falling is inevitable for all board sports; luckily, with kiteboarding, wingfoiling, and eFoiling, you will (likely) fall in the water, reducing your chances of injury.
After you fall, you will have to recover your board. If you are kiting, this means body dragging, so its super important to have that skill perfected. If you are winging or eFoiling, you will have to recover your board before pulling yourself out of the water to stand up again.
As you progress, your endurance and strength will improve. You will learn how to use the wind to your advantage and ride with more finesse.