What will happen to kitesurf in a few years?

Kitesurfing appeared a few decades ago on our beaches and has conquered many enthusiasts. Whether it is practiced regularly or only during the holidays, the sport has found its place. Even if sometimes the French Federation of Free Flight and the local authorities point the finger at this practice, it is still very popular. But will it last?

Why can kiteboarding last?

Every outdoor sport enthusiast knows that it is above all freedom in a dream setting that he is looking for. And kitesurfing offers him that. With the board under your arm, you will face the elements (sea, fresh water, wind) and surpass yourself.

This sport is therefore an interesting possibility to get away from everyday life. More and more people are taking up kiteboarding and enjoying the moments when they are at one with their kite.

Kiteboarding is a practice that has even managed to get through the doors of the International Olympic Committee. Indeed, the IOC has accepted the participation of kitesurfers in the 2024 Olympics in France. The sport will be part of the sailing disciplines, in the same way as catamaran or dinghy sailing.

We can therefore bet that it will experience a revival of interest from the public who will be able to attend a spectacular competition. The FFV is also betting on a renewed interest from the younger generation and is hoping for a large number of registrations in the various clubs.

Other events are attracting more and more curious people and amateurs such as the Festikite (an international meeting which takes place every year in Montpellier) or the Mondial du Vent which takes place in Leucate. Numerous advertising groups cover these events and improve the knowledge of the sport by the greatest number.

Another fact that contributes to the success of kitesurfing is the equipment which is improving day by day. Brands such as DUOTONE or ION are constantly working to innovate and offer more and more advanced and safe equipment.

We also see an increase in the number of kiteboarders on the French spots, but also from all over the world. The kite schools are very successful and it is not rare that in summer, the courses are full well in advance.

So why shouldn’t this discipline last?

Why should kitesurfing be forgotten?

There are several reasons why kitesurfing may be on the way out.

Let’s go back to the equipment for a moment. To practice you need a kite, a board, a bar and a leash, a line cutter. You also need a neoprene suit, a helmet, a flotation jacket, a harness, neoprene gloves, booties and an anemometer. The amount of equipment and the cost of the various items can be daunting for some beginners. For example, you need to spend at least 200 euros for the board and 100 euros for the wetsuit.

It is a sport that seems very physical and this can also put people off. As long as you haven’t practised, you imagine that kitesurfing requires great strength and physical qualities. And that is scary.

Another element that can worry you is that kitesurfing is like a living mast that holds a kite that is sometimes very bumpy. This seems particularly dangerous. Anyone who hasn’t tried it already has the impression that it is a difficult and risky sport. This is one of the main reasons why kiteboarding is likely to remain a niche sport.

Finding a free spot can also be difficult on some beaches. The town councillors prefer holidaymakers who enjoy the sun without moving. Sharing space is therefore complicated and very often it is the kitesurfer who will leave the space and have to find a more isolated spot (and undoubtedly less easy to access). All the more so as the green associations can get involved in the debate and consider that it is not an ecological practice!

So what is the future of kitesurfing?

Kitesurfing is a sport of passion that allows you to surpass yourself and have fun with the natural elements. But it is also a technical sport that cannot be practiced without having received lessons from professionals. Here, it is not enough to run after a ball to have fun!

And that is the problem. To last, a sport must be practiced by many people, easily.

As long as preconceived ideas remain, the sport will remain confidential. And this is particularly unfortunate. Because it is more than pleasant to do, but also to watch. So, too bad if kiteboarding doesn’t become as popular as football or rugby! Those who practice it know it well, it is an exceptional sport and it will remain so!