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Kitesurfing kites: A comprehensive guide for beginners

Kitesurfing, also known as kiteboarding, is an exhilarating water sport that combines aspects of surfing, windsurfing, and paragliding. Central to this activity is the kitesurfing kite, a specialized piece of equipment designed to harness wind power and propel the rider across the water. The evolution of kitesurfing kites has been marked by innovation and technological advancements, making them more efficient, safer, and more accessible to a broader range of enthusiasts. This article delves into the various types of kitesurfing kites, their features, and how to choose the right kite for your needs.
Types of Kitesurfing Kites
There are several types of kitesurfing kites, each with its unique characteristics and suited for different styles of riding and conditions. The most common types include:
- Inflatable Kites: These kites feature inflatable bladders that give them structure and buoyancy. They are the most popular type of kitesurfing kites and come in various shapes, including C-kites, Bow kites, and Hybrid kites.
- C-Kites: Known for their predictable power delivery and responsiveness, C-kites are favored by advanced riders and those performing freestyle tricks. They have a distinctive curved shape that provides excellent control but can be challenging for beginners.
- Bow Kites: These kites have a flatter profile and more extensive depower range, making them safer and more user-friendly. They are ideal for beginners and those looking for a versatile kite suitable for various conditions.
- Hybrid Kites: Combining elements of both C-kites and Bow kites, hybrid kites offer a balance of performance and ease of use. They are popular among intermediate riders who want to progress in their skills without sacrificing control.
- Foil Kites: Unlike inflatable kites, foil kites have no rigid frame. They rely on a series of cells that fill with air to maintain their shape. Foil kites are known for their efficiency in light wind conditions and are often used in racing and long-distance kitesurfing.
- Delta Kites: Characterized by their triangular shape, Delta kites provide excellent lift and stability. They are easy to relaunch from the water and are suitable for a wide range of skill levels.
Key Features of Kitesurfing Kites
Modern kitesurfing kites come with various features designed to enhance performance, safety, and ease of use. Some of the critical features to consider include:
- Depower System: A crucial safety feature that allows the rider to reduce the kite’s power quickly. This system is vital for handling strong winds and performing controlled maneuvers.
- Bar and Lines: The control bar and lines are used to steer the kite and adjust its power. The length and configuration of the lines can affect the kite’s responsiveness and performance.
- Relaunchability: The ease with which a kite can be relaunched from the water is essential, especially for beginners. Kites with good relaunchability can save time and effort during a session.
- Wind Range: The wind range of a kite refers to the range of wind speeds it can handle effectively. A broader wind range means more versatility and fewer kites needed for different conditions.
Choosing the Right Kite
Selecting the right kitesurfing kite depends on various factors, including your skill level, riding style, and typical wind conditions. Here are some tips to help you make an informed choice:
- Skill Level: Beginners should opt for kites with good depower, relaunchability, and stability. Bow and Delta kites are excellent choices for novice riders.
- Riding Style: Freestyle riders may prefer C-kites for their quick response and control, while those interested in wave riding might choose a kite with a stable drift.
- Wind Conditions: Consider the typical wind conditions in your area. Light wind areas may benefit from foil kites, while high-wind regions might require kites with robust depower systems.
Kitesurfing kites are the heart of the sport, and understanding their types, features, and how to choose the right one can significantly enhance your kitesurfing experience. Whether you’re a beginner looking to dip your toes into the water or an advanced rider seeking the next adrenaline rush, the right kite can make all the difference.
This informative article on kitesurfing kites was originally submitted by kitesurfing equipment supplier S2AS.
Visit Surface2Air Sports website https://s2as.com/collections/kitesurfing to find more about kitesurfing equipment and accessories.
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Netflix’s ‘All the Sharks’ puts global spotlight on tiger shark paradise in Maldives’ Fuvahmulah

The first episode of Netflix’s new competition series All the Sharks is set in Fuvahmulah, Maldives — an island now confirmed by scientists as home to the largest documented aggregation of tiger sharks in the world.
The global series, which premiered Friday, follows four teams of marine experts racing to photograph the most shark species across six biodiverse marine locations. Its opening episode brings viewers into the waters of Fuvahmulah, a shark diving hotspot in the southern Maldives, where recent research has identified 239 individual tiger sharks over six years — more than any other single location globally.
A peer-reviewed study published earlier this year in Nature.com, led by Lennart Vossgaetter of the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research in Germany, used non-invasive photo identification to confirm Fuvahmulah’s ecological significance. Researchers found that adult female tiger sharks show strong site fidelity, remaining in the island’s warm, food-rich waters for extended periods during gestation.
The big picture: Science meets streaming in Fuvahmulah
Fuvahmulah, long renowned by divers for consistent encounters with tiger sharks, now features prominently in both marine research and global entertainment. The Netflix episode captures this extraordinary setting as part of a larger series spanning Japan, South Africa, the Galapagos, Australia and the Bahamas.
According to the study, Fuvahmulah’s waters — influenced by oceanic currents and lacking a surrounding atoll — provide ideal reproductive conditions for tiger sharks, particularly pregnant females. The research team documented the world’s highest number of individual tiger sharks identified in one confined marine area.
The scientists described Fuvahmulah as a “bright spot” for tiger shark conservation in the Indian Ocean, bolstered by the Maldives’ national shark sanctuary status.
Zoom in: A friendly global shark race
All the Sharks follows four two-person teams — Shark Docs, Gills Gone Wild, British Bait Off and Land Sharks — competing to photograph the most and rarest shark species at each location.
The series is hosted by Tom “The Blowfish” Hird, a marine biologist known for his dramatic delivery and braided pirate-style beard.
Points are awarded based on species rarity, with the season’s top team winning US$50,000 for a marine conservation charity of their choice.
Though the show leans on reality TV conventions, its content remains grounded in ocean science and conservation. Fuvahmulah’s inclusion in the series serves as both a dramatic setting and an educational entry point into the world of shark biology and environmental protection.
Details: Unregulated tourism meets scientific concern
The Nature.com study also raised concerns about the rapid growth of shark tourism in Fuvahmulah, particularly at the island’s famed “Tiger Harbour.” While tourism provides a major economic boost for the island, shark provisioning and diving currently remain unregulated, with no official national guidelines.
The researchers warned that the absence of regulation — including standardised safety measures and environmental practices — could jeopardise both shark welfare and the long-term viability of the tourism industry.
They pointed to successful models in countries like Fiji, where community-managed marine protected areas (MPAs) have been implemented to balance economic activity with ecological sustainability. The study recommended similar frameworks for the Maldives, calling for inclusive stakeholder management plans to ensure responsible ecotourism in one of the world’s most important shark sanctuaries.
Why it matters: Maldives in the global spotlight
The series premiere and the scientific findings together shine a global spotlight on the Maldives’ critical role in shark conservation. As the world celebrates 50 years since Jaws and enters another summer of shark-themed content, All the Sharks provides a rare blend of adventure, education and scientific relevance.
The show includes conservation graphics detailing the biology and threatened status of each shark species, shifting the narrative from fear to appreciation. For viewers — and for the Maldives — the message is clear: these apex predators are essential to ocean health and worthy of protection.
The bottom line: Fuvahmulah is both spectacle and sanctuary
As All the Sharks captures the thrill of underwater discovery, Fuvahmulah emerges not only as a top-tier dive destination but as one of the most ecologically important shark habitats in the world. With Netflix bringing its waters to millions of viewers and science affirming its global conservation value, the moment calls for action — to protect, to regulate and to preserve this unique corner of the Maldives for generations to come.
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Dive for free at Kandooma, just named Maldives’ leading dive resort

Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has been crowned ‘Maldives Leading Dive Resort 2025’ at the prestigious World Travel Awards, marking a major milestone as the inaugural winner of this newly introduced category.
The announcement was made at a glittering gala ceremony held on 29 June in Tanzania, attended by tourism and hospitality leaders from across Africa and the Indian Ocean. The accolade honours Kandooma’s commitment to exceptional diving experiences and innovation in accessible underwater tourism.
“We’re surrounded by some of the most awe-inspiring marine life in the Maldives – it’s truly like diving in a living aquarium,” said Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives. “From graceful manta rays and reef sharks to turtles, moray eels, and vast schools of tropical fish, our waters are teeming with life.”
Just minutes from the resort are world-class dive sites including Kandooma Thila, a renowned cleaning station for grey reef sharks; Guraidhoo Corner, famous for its strong currents and pelagic encounters; and Medhu Faru, where divers drift alongside vibrant coral walls. The close proximity of these sites allows for up to three dives a day – ideal for enthusiasts chasing underwater thrills.
Central to Kandooma’s diving success is its bold ‘Dive Free’ initiative – a game-changer for the scuba community. Guests who stay three nights or more and are certified divers receive two complimentary boat dives per day, including equipment and professional guidance.
“Diving can be an expensive pursuit, so we decided to flip the script,” Eletr added. “Our ‘Dive Free’ program removes the barriers and makes the underwater magic of the Maldives accessible to more people than ever.”
Kandooma’s on-site 5-star PADI dive centre offers courses for beginners through to advanced, specialty certifications and refreshers, as well as private excursions for underwater photography, night dives, and wreck explorations.
With its commitment to sustainability, marine preservation, and guest experience, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives has proven that world-class diving doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag – just a sense of adventure.
For more information or to book a diving escape, visit: www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com
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Siyam World kicks off August with star-studded football camps

No shoes, no stress, just goals! This August, Siyam World Maldives is turning up the heat with not one, not two, but three football legends taking over the island for exclusive five-day Football Residence Camps – Wayne Bridge, Kean Bryan, Andrew Johnson.
Wayne Bridge | August 1–5
A former England international and Premier League left-back with over 300 top-flight appearances, Wayne is best known for his time at Chelsea, Manchester City, and Southampton. His elite-level experience, from Champions League nights to FA Cup triumphs, makes him the ultimate coach for young players looking to level up.
Kean Bryan | August 11–15
A midfield dynamo with a Premier League pedigree, Kean’s career includes spells at Manchester City, Sheffield United, and West Brom. Known for his technical skill and tactical brain, he brings a youth-focused approach packed with energy, precision, and motivation.
Andrew Johnson (AJ) | August 17–21
A former England striker and Crystal Palace legend, AJ lit up the Premier League with his pace and goal-scoring flair. His sessions will bring fast-paced drills, goal-scoring tips, and a whole lot of fun to the pitch.
Each 5-day camp for kids between 5 and 12 years, takes place on the resort’s own World Sports Arena, as part of their exclusive Football Residences programme, designed to inspire the next generation of football stars while having the time of their lives in paradise. Spots are limited, and trust us, they’ll go fast. Give your child the chance to train with football legends, make lifelong friends, and experience the magic of the Maldives—because this is one match they won’t want to miss.
Siyam World has already hosted some of the biggest names in football, with past camps featuring stars like: Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves, Daniel Agger or Esteban Cambiasso. Joining this incredible lineup, those football legends in August are making Siyam World the go-to destination for football-obsessed kids and their families.
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