kitesurfing in singapore @ changi

while driving along changi coast road i caught sight of some parachute-like objects in the sky. i turned into the car park at coconut grove and saw this group of men and one woman having a whale of a time surfing and flying a huge kite at the same time.

kitesurfing or kiteboarding is a blend of surfing, water skiing and kite flying.the inflatable power kite usually comes with three sets of strings attached. the surfer has to wear a harness with one of the controls for the strings hooked to a carabiner.

before he can get off the ground, the surfer has to use an air blower to inflate 5 to 7 tubings before he can use the kite. he usually has a spotter or launch partner to help him with the strings so that they do not get entangled.

watching them at it, i realise it is not easy to pick up this sport on your own. you need to take lessons from a qualified instructor. these lessons - usually spread over 2 days - will set you back about $400. first, you have to learn how to manoeuvre the strings to control the kite. next, you have to get used to using the kiteboard or wakeboard while manipulating the strings of the kite.

you need to spend quite a tidy sum of money if you want to take up this sport. to get a set of kite and board, i think you need to cough out at least $1000. then there are other accessories which you may want to get, like half gloves and a helmet.

subsequently, i came across kite-surfers when i visited st kilda's beach in melbourne. there were quite a number of them having a swinging time at the bay.