�

Alongside windsurfing, sailing or surfing, flysurf has become one of the most popular high-risk sports. The reason is simply its unparalleled ability to allow you to move at vertiginous speeds over waves on which you literally fly and for the spectacular and complicated manoeuvres involved. Incredible loops and leaps with which to drain some adrenaline while offering an impressive show to those watching.

�

Flysurf derives from traditional surfing and basically involves using a surfboard pulled along by a kite which is attached to the surfer via 30 to 40 meter cables. By harnessing the force of the wind the surfer is able to carry out the spectacular manoeuvres outlined above.

�

This sport originated in the early 1980s when several American surfers came up with this unique and exciting variation when attempting to break speed records. However, the results were not as impressive as expected, although the sport progressively developed into what is known as flysurf. It reached Spain a few years ago and schools, clubs and championships have sprung up all along the Spanish coastline.

�

What is needed
The two basic elements are a specially-designed board and a kite. The kite is made of a specific material which prevents it from sinking in water. The cables are attached to an 80cm-long bar whose function is to control and drive the kite.

�

The surfboard, meanwhile, is smaller than those normally used in surfing: its average length is 2.3 metres. Its base includes two straps for the feet to prevent the board from shooting off. An extra leash covers the ankle is in a standard board as well as a further leash attached to the kite cable that can be held by hand or harnessed to the body.

�

Advice
Beginners to this exciting sport should have experience in the nautical and aerial components of the techniques involved. It is thus useful to know how to control a kite and act in accordance with the forces of traction and wind power. The next step is to surf, not easy when controlled by the force of the wind. Experienced surfers usually take to the sport a lot more easily and soon start realising spectacular acrobatics.

�

The best piece of advice is to have plenty of patience, as the first few hours of flysurf are generally frustrating, especially if you cannot synchronize the kite's flight with the surfboard.

�