I remember the near-perfect wind conditions: a clean 18 knots from the north. Smooth water slid under my board as the setting sun lit up my yellow Duotone 10. It was a glorious day in the Cyclades off the Greek mainland, behind a strip of land just south of Naxos. What made it unforgettable was the girl.
My heart jumped when I saw my friend and fellow cruiser, Yuka, launch from her boat on a pink Duotone 9 and begin crisscrossing my wake. I had no idea how rare the company of women in this sport would be. Nearly two years have passed, and I’ve yet to befriend another cruising female kiteboarder.
With women also being historically underrepresented in the sport of sailing, my kiteboarding observation shouldn’t be surprising—though there are compelling reasons for change. Female cruisers hold an advantage, being adept at harnessing wind for travel and being able to reach prime kiting locations by boat. And technically, kiteboarding is about finesse, not strength. As an instructor once told me, women tend to learn faster than men because they don’t try to “muscle”the kite. It’s a fantastic way for women of any age to have fun and exercise on those days when you can’t get to shore. And don’t underestimate the “badass factor.” A female kiteboarding off her sailboat is undeniably lit.
There are many things to consider about learning to kiteboard off your boat—including lessons, equipment and safety—but the most important factor is attitude. I’m an apprehensive, instant-gratification seeker, and in the beginning, fear and frustration almost overwhelmed me, but my stubbornness drove me forward. I refused to give up on the fun.
Over time, I overcame imaginary sharks, real muscle pain, and tearful moments of despair. Eventually, I stopped dragging downwind through the chop in search of my board and managed to edge upwind. I learned to do what seemed impossible because of my attitude. Also, I had help.
I invested in three semiprivate half-day lessons in Antigua, which were pricey, but found better value with private hourly lessons from locals on Union Island. My husband, Michael, provided invaluable support and laughter as we both learned to kite. Additionally, the group dynamic at Frigate Bay, Union Island, in spring 2020, provided extra support. However, kiteboarding from your boat ultimately requires a solo effort and an internal “go girl” attitude to succeed.
To get started, you will also need equipment. New gear packages typically begin around $3,200, covering the kite, harness, board, bar and impact vest. The preowned market has quality equipment at discounted prices, often available through bartering with other cruisers or at end-of-season kite-school sales.
Kite and board sizes should match the rider’s weight, height and wind conditions. Harnesses, either waist or seat, are made to suit different preferences, with quality bars and lines being crucial for steering and safety. While impact vests and helmets are optional, they add protection during rides.
Kiteboarding from a private sailing vessel offers unique advantages with few drawbacks. While emergency dinghy rescue might pose a challenge for solo sailors, the safety, convenience and adventure outweigh concerns for most. Launching mishaps are less hazardous on the water than onshore (think soft splash rather than sand burn), and onboard instruments allow monitoring of windspeed changes. Access to amenities such as a freshwater hose on the stern platform for rinsing off salt adds to the convenience. Also, we can avoid the crowds by dropping the hook in anchorages inaccessible to land-based kiteboarders. Finally, seeking out the perfect kite spot is a never-ending epic adventure. (If you’ve stumbled upon one where cruising female kiteboarders hang out, please let me know.)
We began our kiteboarding journey on a monohull, but now we’re launching from our catamaran. Most cruising yachts with sufficient clearance above the aft platform can accommodate kite launching, with stern rafts solving clearance issues if necessary.
Launch setups vary. The most common methods include running lines around the boat’s deck, but we prefer storing lines in space-saving water-filled buckets for tangle-free convenience. Partners should collaborate to devise the best setup for their boat.
There’s little to stop female cruisers from getting in the kiteboarding game. Give yourself time and remember your sailing skills. You know how to harness the wind. You can reach ideal kiting locations.
Some tips to help you get started include utilizing board-sports skills. Experience in snowboarding, skateboarding or wakeboarding can smooth the transition. The same goes for kite skills. If you have no previous kiting experience, invest in a trainer kite. Also, watch instructional YouTube videos that feature women. When you’re ready to begin lessons, look for teachers who use headsets. It’s hard to hear an instructor without them. Wear a full wetsuit to prevent bruising at first. Apply sunblock and protect your eyes with a sacrificial pair of sunglasses. Know that kiting is for everyone, regardless of age, shape or size. Finally, when you accelerate for the first time, embrace the exhilaration, and feel free to curse like a sailor because chances are, no one can hear you anyway.
As cruising friends often are, Yuka is far away now, but I think of her often. On her recommendation, we recently anchored in Musha Cay, Exumas. There, the Bahamas’ azure waters—shallow and serene, gently rippled in 16-knot winds from the east—are perfect for kiteboarding. I delighted in watching my husband’s tricks, then challenged myself amid the company of enormous, friendly stingrays. The day was magical.
Yet something was missing: the girls. To my fellow female cruisers who might be hesitant: I understand that you’ve likely spent your life waiting for a free moment to read that book, learn that foreign language or take that nap. So why should you consider a time-consuming activity that seems meant for the guys? The answer lies in the sheer joy of it. Kiteboarding is a gift you give yourself—a chance to embrace fun and adventure simply because you can. I encourage you to accept this gift and relish the experience. Go on and give it a try. •
Jill Gallin, a US Coast Guard-licensed captain, pediatric nurse practitioner and mother of two, is sailing the world with her husband, Michael, on their 2011 Outremer 49. She started kiteboarding at age 50. Check out their blog at svgerty.com.
