ROCK SPORTS:
Rock Climbing  |  Caving

AIR SPORTS:
Hang Gliding & Paragliding  |  Gliding & Microlighting  |  Ballooning & Parascending

WATER SPORTS:
Waterways  |  Canoeing & Kayaking  |  Sailing  |  Surfing  |  Fishing  |  Watersports Centres

ON FOOT:
Distance Walking  |  Festivals  |  Geocaching  |  Orienteering  |  Fell Running  |  Activity Centres  |  Safety Information

ON WHEELS:
Beginners Cycle Routes  |  Longer Cycling Adventures  |  Mountain Biking

HORSE RIDING:
Trails  |  Riding Centres

EASY ACCESS:
Routes & Experiences

Week 8 - Air Sports

Level of Fitness
The level of fitness and experience required depends on the wind speed and your abilities as well as the size of the kite.

Blue to black

The Experience
If you can fly a kite then this is for you.  Even though power kites are considered an extreme sport, the sport is aimed at almost everyone, as there are different skill levels for every individual who decides to take up the sport. For beginners it is recommended that you try out some kind of training programme that some power kite shops and companies provide; this is very useful as there is some level of training required to really get you started in your new sport.  Otherwise the advice is start with a small kite and in sensible wind speeds!

Start small, bring your kite into the power zone, lean back and let the power of the kite pull you skidding along the beach - wear old slick soled trainers.

When you mastered the art of 'scudding' you can progress to try using your kite to power you along on a mountain board or a purpose built buggy.  Wear old clothes as you will get wet and sandy.

Progress to tricks, stunts and jumps, but remember to keep out of the way of everyone else using the beach!  Walkers, dogs and even horses are familiar sites to the area.

Have a go
This is great in winter as it is often windier and the beach is quieter so you have more room. All you need is a power kite - but start with a small one! Whilst in the region, why not visit Ripley Castle and combine the great outdoors wth a chance to experience a real sense of history and architecture.

Find out more
There are kite shops in York, near Harrogate and in Skipton and plenty of information on the web. 

You can book a kite lesson from Action Pact based at Ripley, near Harrogate