(Image by Kathalijne van Zutphen. All rights reserved)
Interview with a Kitesurfer
Portfolio Travel Blog : How does Kitesurfing compare with other watersports such as surfing and windsurfing – how is it similar, how is it different?
Marco Bertoldi : I have only been doing it since March or so but it seams to me that with kitesurfing you get a lot of bang for your buck; the kite is your engine, there is so much power that you feel like you are flying when you jump or you can speed along at breakneck speed if that takes your fancy.
But if you want something different you can choose to go with a directional board ala surfboard style rather than a twintip which is more of a wakeboard. Comparatively speaking I do not surf or windsurf hehehe so I couldn't say but from what I hear surfing has more lulls i.e. waiting for waves and windsurfing is hard as you have to work the sail to make it go. With kitesurfing, if you have wind you are gone!
PTB: Kitesurfing looks really tricky. Is it difficult and do you have to be ultra strong to do it?
MB: It’s difficult at the beginning, especially if like me you have no other board experience. Once you have figured out how to fly the kite, you then have to figure out how to ride the board! The initial learning curve is steep but unlike golf, say, it levels off pretty quickly. Anyone can get surfing in a couple of months if you have nice consistent wind!
PTB: Would you recommend lessons to beginners? Or should you just borrow some equipment and give it a go?
MB: Definitely do lessons - they are expensive but you can jump the curve a bit learning-wise. And you can learn with someone else's gear :)
PTB: Where are the best kitesurfing spots in the Cape Town area?
MB: For beginners I would say Muizenberg, I usually just go where there is wind that isn't blowing out to sea.
(Editor: Other popular kitesurfing spots include Witsands near Scarborough, Glencairn (can be dangerous...) and the ultra popular Bloubergstrand to Tableview stretch)
PTB: There has been a lot of controversy in the surfing community around localism. Are kitesurfers competitive in a similar way? Or is their a sense of community amongst kiters on the beach?
MB: It’s a very communal environment. If you turn up at the beach alone people will always help you to launch/land your kite and everyone is helpful. Zero aggression in my experience.
PTB: Is the equipment needed expensive? Is this only a sport for the “rich kids”?
MB: Yes, you are looking at the best part of 20K for a complete setup. Second hand is much cheaper but kiting is hard on the equipment so would definitely buy a new kite + lines but the rest is harder wearing so second hand is usually fine!
PTB: What do you love most about kitesurfing?
MB: Your body is running at max for a long time and you are properly cooled by the water while never getting cold! And you can fly :-)
PTB: Any downsides?
MB: Expensive, can be dangerous but modern kites are designed differently so are less likely - but still can - bite you.
PTB: Thanks man!
MB: No worries
About the photograph & photographer
The stunning image of a kitesurfer on Noordhoek / Kommetjie beach was taken by talented Dutch photographer Kathalijne van Zutphen who is currently living in Cape Town.
For more of Kathelijne's work please visit her website http://www.kathalijne.com/ OR enjoy her flickr stream, or become a fan of Kathalijne Photography on facebook.
Kathalijne is availble for freelance photography projects in the Cape - katie@kathalijne.com