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Surfing is a sport which involves riding of waves. While it can be done on any body of water, the most common type of surfing is done on the ocean and sea. Surfers ride moving waves in either lying or standing position using surfboards to glide across the water.
The second kind of surfing involves 'windsurfing'. Windsurfing is a sport where you use a board, known as 'wind surfboard', to glide across the water surface without any moving waves. Often times, windsurfing is done on rivers and lakes which have faster winds than the ocean.
Windsurfing vs Kitesurfing - What's The Difference?
While both of them are known as 'wind surfing', there are few major differences between the two sports which lead to their categorization into different sports.
The basic difference is with regard to the board used. While windsurfing uses a fixed-wing sail, kitesurfing uses a buoyant force created by an aerodynamic kite. Whereas in windsurfing, the board is connected to a single sail and moves only in one direction along the wind's force, in kitesurfing there are 2 sails attached on either side of the board. These 2 sails help control both lateral and longitudinal movements of the kiteboarder.
Windsurfing vs Kitesurfing - Which One Is The Easiest?
Both windsurfing and kitesurfing on the surface seem quite easy. There are no waves to tackle and both sports can be done without much training or equipment. Many argue that kitesurfing is comparatively easier because of its buoyant force which makes it possible to stay above water with just a simple board. However, both sports require specialized board and lots of practice to reach a level where one can be considerate good at either.
On the other hand, windsurfing is easier in terms of learning as it involves only one sail and a comparatively light board. Wind surfing additionally requires less practice as it uses currents for gliding across water surface.
Windsurfing vs Kitesurfing - Which One Is Faster?
Speed-wise, windsurfing is much faster than kitesurfing. This is primarily because of the use of a powered sail which has its own motor in board and requires much less energy to move across water surface. The speed of windsurfers can reach up to 40 KMPH.
However, speed is hardly a reason for skill when it comes to windsurfing and kitesurfing. To get high speeds in either of the sports, there are techniques called Jibing and depowering which help achieve those high speeds with little risk involved.
Windsurfing vs Kitesurfing - Which One Is More Popular?
Windsurfing is more popular than kite surfing due to the relative ease involved. Also, as opposed to high costs of a board and a kite required for kitesurfing, windsurf boards are comparatively cheap and easier to operate.
Furthermore, both sports require a clear water body which makes it not feasible to carry out either of the sports. Whereas windsurfing can be done on any large body of water including lakes and rivers, kitesurfing is limited to beaches and oceans or waters with high speed winds. However, both are equally as popular and have gathered a huge fan following.
Windsurfing vs Kitesurfing - Which One Is Safer?
Both sports are extremely safe and have almost no risk involved. However, while kitesurfing is relatively safe with no requirement of a boat to carry it out, windsurfing has few risks associated with it. Wind sailing is considered less safe as compared to other water sports like surfing or scuba diving because of the high speeds that it can attain.
Windsurfing vs Kitesurfing - Which One Is Better?
In terms of ease, safety and popularity all are almost equal in windsurfing and kitesurfing. So, based on the choice of one's interest, either sport can be an excellent activity to enjoy during free time.
Windsurfing vs Kitesurfing - Physical requirement
The physical requirements for windsurfing and kitesurfing are almost similar to each other. While it is true that kitesurf requires less effort than wind, both sports require an equal degree of balance on water's surface. Also, both require tiring arm movements as well in order to steer across water surface.
Windsurfing vs Kitesurfing - Best season for both sports
Windsurfing and kiteboarding are the best water sports to be enjoyed during summer season. Since there is almost no physical strain involved, they can be done anytime of the day regardless of whether it is a sunny or rainy day.
Windsurfing vs Kitesurfing -Equipment cost
Again, cost of equipment is almost similar in both sports. Kitesurfing requires the most expensive gear as a high quality kite and board are required to perform well. However, the board can be used for other purposes if it is not damaged due to rough use.
Conclusion
Both windsurfing and kitesurfing are relatively easy sports which require little training to master. They both have many benefits including the fact that they help in building endurance and physical fitness, not to mention the fun that can be had while practicing these sports.
So, if one is getting bored of the routine exercises and workouts, these sports can be a great option to get involved in.
