Kiteboarding Dictionary

Here is a dictionary of words used in the sport of kitesurfing, in alphabetical order, along with their explanations:

- Airtime: The time a kitesurfer remains in the air while performing a jump or trick.

- Anemometer: An instrument used to measure wind speed, important for kitesurfers to know the wind conditions before going out on the water.

- Backloop: Similar to the backroll, it is a trick in which the kitesurfer performs a complete rotation backwards, but in this case while jumping in the air.

- Backroll: A trick in which the kitesurfer performs a complete backward rotation in the air.

- Windward: This is the wind direction coming from the side from which the wind is blowing. In the context of kitesurfing and other water sports, "windward" refers to the area facing away from the wind. If the wind is blowing from the north, the area south of the current position would be considered "windward."

- Bar: Also known as the "control bar", this is the bar that the kitesurfer holds to control the kite.

- Big air: Refers to a very high jump performed by the kiteboarder.

- Body drag: A method of moving through the water without using a kiteboard. The kitesurfer uses the kite to drag themselves through the water.

- Body drag upwind: This is the technique a kitesurfer uses to move upwind without using a board, using only the kite and their body. It's commonly used to retrieve a board that's been left upwind.

- Cabrinha: A renowned brand of kitesurfing equipment and accessories.

- Close-hauled: Sailing against the wind, it involves zigzagging to go upwind.

- Chicken loop: This is a safety loop on the bar that attaches to the kiteboarder's harness and is easily released in case of emergency.

- Kite collapse: Occurs when the kite loses air pressure and closes partially or completely, losing its normal flight capacity.

- Kite: Also known as a kite, it is the main element of kitesurfing, used to generate traction and momentum to glide over the water.

- C-loop: A type of kite loop in which the kitesurfer makes a "C" shaped turn with the kite.

- Crossover: A term used to describe a kitesurfer who also practices other water sports, such as surfing or windsurfing.

- Depower: The action of reducing the kite's power by adjusting the control lines. This allows the kitesurfer to control speed and traction.

- Drifting: When you are unable to maintain your position against the wind and it pushes you to leeward.

- Downloop: This is a maneuver in which the kite is directed downwind while making a tight turn.

- Downwind: Sailing in the same direction as the wind, taking advantage of it to navigate.

- Edging: Tilting or adjusting the angle of the kiteboard while riding to control direction and speed.

- Freestyle: A kitesurfing discipline that focuses on performing tricks and acrobatics in the air, such as jumps and rotations.

- Frontloop: A trick in which the kitesurfer performs a complete forward rotation while in the air.

- Head-tapping gesture: This is a common signal used by kiteboarders to indicate that they need help landing the kite.

- Handlepass: A trick in which the kitesurfer passes the control bar behind his back or around his body while in the air.

- Hooked-in: A term used to describe the position in which the kitesurfer is hooked to the control bar with a harness.

- Hydrofoil: It is a type of board with an elongated fin that submerges in the water and allows the kitesurfer to glide over the water's surface with a sensation of flight, reducing resistance.

- Kite loop: A trick in which the kitesurfer does a complete turn in the air with the kite.

- Kiter: The rider or surfer who rides or controls the kitesurf.

- Lifeline: The lines that connect the kite to the control bar. They are responsible for transmitting the power generated by the kite to the kitesurfer.

- Megaloop: An extreme kite loop in which the kitesurfer makes a complete, large turn.

- Safety knot: A specific knot used to quickly release the kitesurfer's kite in case of emergency or dangerous situation.

- Wave: A modality of kitesurfing in which the objective is to surf the waves of the ocean using the kite to generate speed and traction.

- Pop: It is the action of making a quick and energetic movement with the board in the water before a jump to obtain greater elevation.

- Ramp: A natural formation or wave that provides additional lift for performing jumps or tricks.

- Relaunch: It is the process of putting the kite back into flight position after it has fallen into the water.

- Leeward: This is the direction opposite to the wind. In the context of kitesurfing and other water sports, "leeward" refers to the area in the same direction as the wind, or toward which the wind is blowing. If the wind is blowing from the north, the area north of your current position would be considered "leeward."

- Strapless: A style of kitesurfing in which the kitesurfer does not use straps or restraints on the board, allowing greater freedom of movement and maneuverability.

- Straps: These are adjustable straps on the kiteboard that hold the rider's feet to keep them connected to the board while performing maneuvers.

- Let go of the bar: An expression used to stop the kite from pulling and propelling the rider. It's widely used by instructors in kitesurfing courses. It also gives its name to a clothing brand and a reference website for failures and accidents on the internet.

- Trimming: Correct the kite's control lines, leaving the steering lines correctly and ensuring perfect power operation in the bar, the kite does not collapse and receives its full wind capacity, when releasing the bar the kite must also be depowered, each rider can have their own trim.

- Twin-tip: A type of symmetrical kiteboard that can be used with both ends, making it easier to change direction without having to stop.

- Unhooked: A style of kitesurfing in which the kitesurfer unhooks from the control bar and performs tricks without being attached to the harness.

- Upwind: The direction opposite to the wind. Sailing "upwind" means sailing in the direction of the wind or at an angle to the direction the wind is blowing.

- Venturi Effect: A phenomenon in which wind speed increases when passing through a narrow space, such as between buildings or mountains, which can affect wind direction and strength in kitesurfing areas.

- Wind window: The area in the sky where the kite can move and generate power, limited by the lifelines.

- Water start: This is the technique used to get up from the water and start sliding on the board with the help of the kite.