New water sport: kitesurfing

A big Kite Bonanza is being planned for November with kitesurfing courses and stunt kite shows by foreign professionals.

The new water sport was recently promoted at Ghadira, sponsored by Rip Curl and Flexifoil local agents, The Free Way Surf Stores.

British Kitesurfing instructor Martyn Hogg was here for the promotion, for which around 80 people turned up.

By November The Free Way aims to have the first Maltese kitesurfing instructor on the island, running courses all through winter. Beginner courses usually last from three to four days.

Kitesurfing is a relatively new sport. It involves a kite, normally having two or four lines, a kite board or wakeboard, and last but not least the kite surfer.

The kite propels the surfer on his board by harnessing the power of the wind. Once riders become more proficient, they can perform the most amazing tricks, letting the kite pull them 20 to 30 feet into the air, board and all, and then letting them float back down to a soft landing on the water.

Spokesman for the agents Joe Muscat said the aim was to set up the sport properly with good local support for enthusiasts who are already doing the sport and also for people interested in starting.

He may be contacted on 99496517 or mojo@waldonet.net.mt.