List of Kite Sports A-Z
Kite sports encompass a group of exciting sporting activities that all involve some sort of kite. These sports span all terrains and range from leisurely individual pursuits to highly competitive or even dangerous undertakings. Kite buggy, kite landboarding, kitesurfing (also known as kiteboarding), and snowkiting all rely on a kite to move a person using the propulsion of the wind. Kite combat forces competitors to try to cut the strings of each other’s kites. Kite flying is the most artistic of the sports listed here and probably what the average person thinks of when hearing the word 'kite' because it’s featured in festivals and international competitions. As you might expect, professionals fly kites, but they add music and choreography, allowing them to be judged on their performance. With various different types of sports within this category, there’s something for everybody, no matter their age.
Kite Sports List A to Z
- Kite Buggy
- Kite Combat
- Kite Flying
- Kite Landboarding
- Kitesurfing (Kiteboarding)
- Snowkiting
FAQ
What are kite sports?
Kite sports are those that involve flying a kite. In some instances, flying a kite (or stopping someone else from flying theirs) is the main objective, such as in kite flying and kite combat, but in others, it is not. Kite buggy, kite landboarding, kitesurfing/kiteboarding, and snowkiting require a kite to pull an athlete across water, sand, snow, and other surfaces. The kite is still important, but flying must be balanced with the desire to move quickly and navigate the terrain on your skis, board, or buggy.
What are the most popular kite sports?
Kitesurfing and kite flying are what most would agree are the most popular kite sports. There are international festivals and competitions dedicated to showcasing the beauty and impressive nature of kite flying, the most well-known being the International Kite Festival in Gujarat, India. Kitesurfing is similar to wakeboarding, windsurfing, paragliding, and a host of other sports that involve being pulled across the surface of water or through the air. These sports have drawn fandom from other extreme sports, leading to a passionate audience committed to the stunts these kite sports have to offer. These sports have drawn fandom from other extreme sports, leading to a passionate audience committed to the stunts these kite sports have to offer.
Which kite sports are best for kids?
Given the inherent danger in kite sports that pull a participant from the ground into the air, it’s probably best for children to stick to kite flying. This way, kids can learn the intricacies of kites and parents can rest easy knowing that their children will not suddenly take flight. Once a child is heavy enough not to face the danger of leaving the ground, kite landboarding is a great introduction to other sports such as snowkiting and kiteboarding.
When was kite flying first invented?
The history of kite flying can be traced back to Asia. There is a lot of speculation as to when and where kites were invented; however, most agree that the first people to write about kite flying were the Chinese. A general, Han Hsin of the Han Dynasty, wrote about flying a kite as part of a military strategy as early as 200 BC. Since then, the practice has spread and evolved, transforming into a worldwide sport in the late 20th century.