Surfing creates a connection with the waves, kiting involves ultra-spectacular evolutions: both sports require a lot of practice to master.

Do you like water sports? Then you will undoubtedly know two similar disciplines, which have several aspects in common but also some differences: surfing and kitesurfing.

Although both take advantage of the wind and waves, and both activities are unique and offer different experiences. Let’s discover together what makes surfing and kitesurfing so special, diving into the characteristics of both disciplines and helping you discover which one is right for you.

Surf: dancing on the waves

Born in Polynesia centuries ago, surfing has become more of a culture than a sport, it is spectacular and fascinating. Thanks to a long and thin board, the surfer rides the waves using his strength to move over the water. The sensation of challenging the sea, of getting in contact with wild nature through the waves is what makes surfing such an attractive sport.

Surfing relies primarily on the physical strength of the surfer. Propulsion is generated by paddling or body movements, and requires a lot of balance and coordination. The surfer is always looking for the perfect wave and often travels in search of places that offer optimal surfing conditions.

Read also: The 7 best beaches for kitesurfing in the Canary Islands.

Kitesurfing: a sail in the sky

Kitesurfing is a more recent discipline that combines surfing with the power of the wind. The kitesurfer is dragged by the kite, “the kite”, a kind of kite that captures the wind and provides the necessary momentum to glide across the sea. The heart of kitesurfing is precisely the kite: attached to the surfer by lines and bars, it allows dynamic control of speed and direction.

Kitesurfing boards are shorter and more agile than traditional surfboards: they must facilitate maneuvering to make the most of the wind’s power.

But the true and great beauty of kitesurfing is being able to ride both air and water, with spectacular tricks and acrobatics.

Differences between surfing and kitesurfing

Let’s see what the differences are between one sport and the other.

In surfing, power is generated by human strength and nature. In kitesurfing, power comes from the combination of the wind and the use of the kite. While surfing favors a long, thin, unidirectional board, kitesurfing uses shorter, more maneuverable boards: they are usually bidirectional square shaped and are especially strong because they have to withstand the recoil of the highest jumps.

A distinctive feature of kitesurfing boards are the streps, bands installed on the top that serve to keep the feet anchored during acrobatics. Surfboards, on the other hand, have a firm grip on the top.

Another element that differentiates the two sports is the ideal place to practice them. While surfing requires the presence of waves, kitesurfing can also be practiced in calmer waters, since the wing is used for the practice. This flexibility allows kitesurfing in the open sea and even on lakes in case of wind.

What is different, as already mentioned, is the equipment: surfing requires a board and a wetsuit, kitesurfing requires more articulated equipment in addition to the board, i.e. a wing, a harness and controls to steer the wing while surfing.

Finally, learning difficulties. Both disciplines require patience and practice. It is said that learning kitesurfing is more accessible than surfing, but handling the wing requires a lot of rehearsal, calm and skill: it is not at all easy, therefore, even with “kite” and board. A good surf school, especially located in resorts that seem to have been created especially for this sport like Fuerteventura, can teach the basics of both sports: a trained instructor knows all the steps to prepare for both classic surfing and kitesurfing.

Read also: How to choose the best period for surfing in Fuerteventura.

Conclusion: what to choose between kitesurfing and surfing?

The choice between surfing and kitesurfing depends on your personal preferences and your relationship to the wind and waves. Both offer an exciting experience: on the one hand, surfing offers a direct connection to the sea and a “challenge” – safely – to the waves; on the other hand, kitesurfing offers no less fun than surfing, being a spectacular and adrenaline-filled sport that also involves acrobatics of a certain level.

What also changes, to a great extent, is the equipment: surfing requires a good board and a wetsuit; kitesurfing, on the other hand, needs a “kite” and controls in addition to the board.

What does not change is the commitment necessary to learn the art of surfing… and kitesurfing. That’s why, once you get to one of the spots in Europe, for example Fuerteventura, it is advisable to enroll in a kitesurfing and surfing school (including Point Break) and start practicing.

So it’s up to you: kite or surf, start practicing and have fun!

Takeaways

• Surfing relies primarily on the surfer’s physical strength and control over the waves, while kitesurfing harnesses the power of the wind through a kite, combining elements of air and water.
• Surfboards are long and thin, designed to glide over the waves. Kitesurfing boards, on the other hand, are shorter and more maneuverable, with straps (streps) to hold the feet during acrobatics.
• Surfing requires the presence of waves, while kitesurfing can be practiced even in calm waters, thanks to the impulse provided by the wind. This makes it a more flexible option in terms of locations.
• Surfing only requires a board and, optionally, a wetsuit. Kitesurfing, on the other hand, requires more complete equipment, including a kite, a harness and a control system.
• Both sports require patience and practice. Kitesurfing may be more accessible to learn, but controlling the kite requires skill and precision, which adds an additional challenge.

FAQ

What is the main difference between surfing and kitesurfing?

The main difference lies in the source of power. In surfing, the power comes from the surfer’s body and the waves, while in kitesurfing, the wind propels the athlete by means of a kite.

What equipment is necessary to practice kitesurfing?

To practice kitesurfing, you need a board shorter than a surfboard, a kite, a harness, lines and a control system to handle the kite.

Is it more difficult to learn to surf or kitesurf?

Both disciplines require practice and patience, although many consider kitesurfing to be more accessible to learn. However, handling the kite in kitesurfing is also technically challenging.