Are You Really Ready for Winter and Cold Sessions?

1. Neoprene and accessories

Of course this is the first and most important point. Which wetsuit do you have? Which thickness? It is flexible enough to move your arms and are you not feeling constricted in your movements. So many brands offer many different options for female winter wetsuits and you will only have to close the one you really like and which suits your budget.

2. Are you fit enough?

Being able to kite in warm weather and warm water in a bikini or a spring suit is not the same than kiting in cold water and strong wind. Your body will be tense and cold and you will need to be in good shape to have enough energy during your session. If your body needs to fight the cold it is going to burn more calories so get ready and go to the gym, workout and train your stamina to make the most of your winter kite session.

3. Be mentally prepared

When you are ready to kite in a nice lagoon you don’t really prepare yourself mentally. You just grab your stuff, pump your kite and run to the water. When it is cold outside and the conditions are tough you need to get ready and get some motivation because you know that it is going to be HARD! So motive yourself, listen to music before your session, call your friends to have a session with you and most of all WARM UP!!

4. WARM UP

Every single sport we do should start with a good warm up and kiting is no exception! So yes, you might think that everyone will look at you while you are jumping and moving (and maybe they will) but whatever, you will not injure yourself and will have a better session as a result.

5. Be ready to get change quickly (and get into warm clothes)

No question of staying freezing cold after your session by looking around searching for your underwear while you already have removed the top of your wetsuit! You need to be well organised and have a nice decent poncho to keep you warm. Prepare your clothes in your car and prepare your Poncho, your Ugg boots and your beanie to keep you warm from the head to toe.

6. Warm your insides and stay hydrated

Before each session we should drink water to stay hydrated and avoid injuries. During winter it can be hard to drink as we don’t really feel thirsty and don’t really feel the need to drink. Replace your bottle of water for a hot tea in a thermos flask and warm your insides too!

7. Check the conditions and check your gear

Of course we do it in summer too but we need to be even more aware during winter as the weather can change quickly and you don’t want to get stuck on the water when it is minus 5 degrees outside because your safety release just broke. Be prepared and check all the parameters that could turn your session into a kitemare.

8. Adapt you style of riding

Do you know that cold wind is more dense and makes you fly higher and longer?! Yes!! Have you already tried a kite loop with a 7meter in cold strong wind? Be aware of that think twice before attempting tricks you cannot not control in tough conditions. Maybe it’s time to have an nice old school session and work on your grabs instead off trying so hard on your freestyles skills.

9. Be efficient

Your winter sessions will be shorter… so make the most of them and be efficient! Stop taking ages to prepare your gear on the beach when it is freezing and your body is getting cold quickly. Stop doing loads of tacks before to attempting a trick! You need to be efficient and engage your riding during a short period of time to stay warm and motivated. So winter session = no wasting time!

10. Have a little thing to eat

You finally deserve to have that little chocolate bar that was hiding in your car. You need energy and you can for once have a bit of sugar in your life so enjoy it!
Keep some biscuits, cereals bars or whatever makes you happy to be sure you are not suffering from a post session lack of energy.

Published on: 5th December 2016