Kiteboarding, also known as kitesurfing, is an extreme sport and requires tuition and a good grasp of kite control on land before being attempted. Beginners training is available in the Bay and once the basics are mastered, you can expect to progress quickly with practice, more so than with surfing or windsurfing.
Along with windsurfing, specific wind direction and strength are desirable so it’s often a waiting game. However, when conditions are right the rewards can be extremely exhilarating and ‘airtime’ is a regular feature for the more experienced. When the skies turn dark and the kites return to the beach, it’s time for the windsurfers to pick up their smallest sails and head out. Setting out from Preston,
Paignton or Goodrington in a southwesterly wind offers good freestyle and speed sailing opportunities for windsurfers. With the wind turning easterly conditions for wave sailing improve.
Both sports have a very broad range of equipment depending on the style you develop, the prevailing conditions and level of experience. The learning curves are steep, so its best to hire or use club equipment to learn on.
Broadsands, Preston and Goodrington offer good opportunities for most styles of windsurfing and kiteboarding when the wind blows on shore.
Delivering Harbour, Beach and Marine Services for Torbay Council.
