Action
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.
Action
OBLU NATURE Helengeli, partners to celebrate inaugural Women’s Dive Month in July

Taking a bold step in championing women in diving, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, part of the distinguished Atmosphere Core portfolio, and in partnership with TGI Maldives, ELE|NA Ayur spa and Marine Biologist Luca Melodia, have together launched International PADI Women’s Dive Month. This pioneering initiative extends the excitement of PADI Women’s Dive Day on 19th July into a full month, giving more thrill seekers the opportunity to experience the magic of the Indian Ocean.
Following a 2024 “PADI Outstanding Contribution to Women’s Diving” award, both TGI Maldives and OBLU NATURE Helengeli have been continuing their enthusiastic support for introducing more and more women and families into learning how to dive.
Helengeli island provides an incomparable diving experience. The island’s exotic house reef located just metres from the shoreline, and its surrounding dive sites are among the most sought-after in Malé Atoll, ideal for all skill levels, from beginner snorkellers to professional scuba divers. Throughout July, solo women travellers, adventurous families or even groups of friends escaping to this tropical haven, will find special offerings designed to encourage diving and exploration. All guests at the island resort enjoy the fully comprehensive OBLU Island Plan™, and in honour of PADI Women’s Dive Day, guests can enjoy a curated holiday package including wellness sessions, discounted dives, and engaging marine life talks.
Dive centre TGI Maldives boasts over 40 years’ experience supporting women in the sport of ocean diving. Known for their progressive approach to encouraging locals and travellers alike, the dive centre offers exclusive discounts on all dives booked by women throughout July, including the PADI Discover Scuba Dive for beginners. With a dedicated instructor, the discovery session is a safe and rewarding introduction to diving, even for non-swimmers, whilst for the professionals, excursions out into the big blue will unveil the Indian Ocean’s secrets.
TGI Maldives Operations Manager Greta Marcelli highlights the reasons for introducing this year’s Women’s Dive Month festivities, “There’s nothing like seeing guests’ emotions after their first dive. While we celebrate women in diving year-round, PADI Women’s Dive Month in July provides a platform to offer more reasons to join us in paradise. Partnering with the ELE|NA Ayur spa team and Marine Biologist Luca Melodia, we are creating an unforgettable and educational journey. We aim to bring together women, friends, and families for an immersive escape. Guests will enjoy diving, spa wellness classes, and all-inclusive dining. It’s a soulful island adventure into the aquatic world and beyond.”
To enhance the underwater adventure, the island’s ELE|NA Ayur spa team has curated over 18 different wellness activities, rotating throughout the month. From sunrise yoga by the ocean to aqua aerobics and core stability classes, these sessions help improve flexibility, endurance, and stamina, all essential for moving through the water with ease. And as a special treat, women who book a dive experience with TGI Maldives Helengeli will receive discounts on ELE|NA Ayur’s famous signature Coconut Shell and Sand Bundle massages. Drawing on age-old Maldivian healing practices, these unique rejuvenating therapies feature only locally sourced, sustainable ingredients and are just two treatments from the spa’s extensive award-winning menu.
Matt Wenger, PADI Regional Manager for the Maldives, stated, “As a leading PADI certified dive centre in the Indian Ocean, the team at TGI Maldives brings exceptional expertise in introducing ocean enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds to the wonders of scuba diving. This July, by extending our PADI Women’s Dive Day celebration into a month-long event at the truly stunning OBLU NATURE Helengeli resort, we aim to welcome even more newcomers to the sport while also offering advanced certifications for existing enthusiasts”.
This July, guests are invited to take full advantage of the PADI International Dive Month at OBLU NATURE Helengeli and book their stay with a generous 20% discount on a fully inclusive stay of a minimum of four nights. TGI Maldives is offering 20% discount on all women’s PADI-certified dive courses booked throughout the month of July whilst ELE|NA spa also extends a 20% discount on the Coconut Shell and Sand Bundle signature treatments for every female guest who books a PADI Dive Month course.
Action
Jet Car: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi unveils ultimate family adventure

Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is once again making waves with the launch of its latest water sports adventure—the Jet Car Experience. Set against the backdrop of the island’s turquoise lagoon, the Jet Car offers an exciting way to explore the ocean in comfort and style. With its sleek automotive-inspired design and smooth performance, this water ride is perfect for families, couples, and friends looking to add a little adventure to their stay. Whether cruising under the sun or capturing perfect picture moments, the Jet Car adds an extraordinary and refreshing twist to island leisure.
Launched in anticipation of the resort’s whimsical Easter festivities, the Jet Car sets the stage for an action-packed holiday in paradise. From Easter egg hunts and creative kids’ programs to beachside feasts, live entertainment, and themed dining events — Easter at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is a celebration for every generation.

Easter Holiday Offer – book by April 20, 2025, for stays until December 23, 2025. Enjoy free seaplane transfers for one guest with a 4-night stay, plus up to 30% off villas and beach dining. Book a 90-minute spa treatment and receive a 120-minute upgrade for free. Two children can enjoy complimentary wakeboarding or water skiing with two paying adults.
Whether you’re chasing adrenaline or serenity, the Jet Car experience and Easter escape at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi deliver the perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and family-friendly fun.
Action
Rise of solo travel: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Maldives meets the need

As travel becomes more about personal fulfilment and self-discovery, solo journeys are on the rise. In 2024, 16% of holidaymakers are travelling alone which is up from 11% in 2023, whilst searches and bookings for solo travel have also surged by 223% over the past decade. Often seen as a romantic escape, the Maldives is also an ideal destination for independent travellers seeking tranquillity, adventure, and a deeper connection with nature. At Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives, solo travellers can find a collection of bespoke experiences designed to enrich their journey.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers the perfect quick escape, just a short speedboat ride from Malé, allowing you to drop your bags and step straight into adventure. With a seamless blend of excitement and relaxation, the resort has earned a devoted following, drawing guests back year after year. Days here are filled with new experiences, whether gliding across crystal-clear waters on a kayak, feeling the rush of windsurfing, or mastering the art of stand-up paddleboarding, while an extensive range of watersports ensures there’s always something to discover. For those seeking the ultimate thrill, big game fishing presents the chance to reel in barracuda or tuna, transforming a day on the water into an unforgettable story to take home.
For those drawn to the underwater world, Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon offers an unparalleled diving experience, with its legendary house reef regarded as one of the best in the Maldives. Just steps from the shore, divers can glide through vibrant coral formations where reef sharks, eagle rays, and schools of tropical fish create a mesmerising scene. Whether you’re an experienced diver or taking your first plunge, every dive presents the chance to encounter an extraordinary array of marine life, from graceful sea turtles to majestic manta rays. For an added thrill, night dives transform the ocean into an entirely different realm, revealing the nocturnal wonders of the reef, where elusive creatures emerge under the glow of a dive torch.
As part of Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon’s commitment to sustainability, guests can learn from the resort’s in-house Marine Biologist, who is dedicated to preserving the island’s ecosystem. Solo travellers can engage in educational talks and even participate in hands-on coral planting activities, actively contributing to the restoration of coral reefs while gaining valuable insight into the resort’s marine conservation efforts.
For travellers seeking both elegance and luxury, Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives offers a serene escape surrounded by the endless blue of the Indian Ocean. A standout feature is Marlin Restaurant, where seafood takes centre stage, from succulent lobster and fresh tuna to refined Maldivian specialities. For those eager to explore the Maldives beyond its shores, a visit to the historic Keyodhoo shipwreck or nearby islands like Thinadhoo and Felidhoo provides a glimpse into authentic island life. And finally to unwind, Mandara Spa offers a serene sanctuary, with treatments designed to soothe both body and mind.
Solo travel at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives is an invitation to embark on a transformative journey. You could be seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, however, each resort offers a unique blend of personalised experiences designed to help you discover new facets of yourself. With the Maldives’ endless blue and sunny skies, every moment becomes an opportunity for self-reflection, growth, and unforgettable memories.
-
Cooking1 week ago
Renowned Japanese Chef Yuko Furuya takes residency at COMO Maalifushi this Easter
-
Action1 week ago
Jet Car: Sun Siyam Iru Fushi unveils ultimate family adventure
-
News1 week ago
Velassaru Maldives hosts 50th visit of Gerhard and Corina Klein
-
Family1 week ago
Hop into adventure this Easter at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa Maldives
-
Food6 days ago
Milaidhoo Maldives unveils Azure: Chic beach shack dining experience
-
Drink7 days ago
Patina Maldives presents culinary experience with Luciano Cucina Italiana x Veleno Bar
-
Awards7 days ago
RAAYA by Atmosphere crowned ‘Opening of the Year’ at Travel Time Awards 2024
-
Family4 days ago
‘Bunnies Gone Wild’ becomes bold, Playboy-inspired Easter celebration at Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort