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Emerald Coast Kiteboarding

PANAMA CITY BEACH, Fla. - On a windy day, you’re bound to see people flying kites on the beach.

But lately, there’s been an increase in people riding kites!

It’s one of the newest sports based on one of the oldest concepts: the power of wind.

While kiteboarding started in the late 1990’s, it’s popularity has blown all the way down to the Emerald Coast.

“Today there’s not a lot of wind,” kiteboarding instructor Mark Rush said.  “The wind is about 12 to 15 miles per hour.  An extra mile per hour or two would be good.”

The first surprise about kiteboarding is the kite itself.  It has to be blown up, so it’s not your average kite flight on the beach.  Plus, most kites are 16 ft. in length.

“Panama City Beach has excellent wide open beaches,” Wayne Griswold, owner of Emerald Coast Kiteboarding said.  “We have good wind year-round.  It’s a great place to learn.”

Kiteboarders are hooked up to the kite, a safety harness, and several lines used for steering.  Which allows for maximum control for your ride.

“It’s just like riding a bicycle,” Rush said.  “The two outside lines steer.  If you want to go right, steer it right.”

Even though it may cost around $1500-$1800 to get started, just about anyone can become a kiteboarder.

“I’ve seen kids from 10 years old to as old as 60-to-70 ripping it up,” Griswold said.

“You actually can jump off water, 50-to-60 feet!” Rush said.  “When you’re riding, flick the kite to send it up, and you’ll take it off the water.  Us old guys are lucky just to go up and land.”

A good instructor can save you from possible injury and embarrassment.

“If you’re someone that can go up in helicopter and say I can fly this, then you don’t need lessons,” Rush said.  “It can be dangerous unless you’re supernatural.”

For more information, you can contact Emerald Coast Kiteboarding at (850) 235-2444 or http://www.pcbkitesurf.com.

Posted by on 07/27 at 07:59 PM
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