cammd said..

One of the differences I see is kiter's rarely go out further than a few hundred metres from shore, sailing around so close to shore and needing people to launch and land seems to be real restrictions. Windsurfing seems to offer more freedom and independence ,

Kite launching needs more room as you need a safety buffer downwind in case something goes wrong with the launch. So high tide can mean there is no safety buffer. A few kiters have died (even experienced ones) due to something going wrong with the launch and having no safety buffer. So high tides and launches with hazards make it easier to find somewhere safe to launch for windsurfers.

With a windsurfer, you are less likely to get separated from your board and you can paddle the board in. With kitesurfing usually you wouldn't have a board you could paddle in on.

Windsurfings heaps cooler than kites, kites are for kids

John340 said..

JOYRIDER said..

cammd said..

One of the differences I see is kiter's rarely go out further than a few hundred metres from shore, sailing around so close to shore and needing people to launch and land seems to be real restrictions. Windsurfing seems to offer more freedom and independence ,

Kiters point higher upwind so they don't need to go out as far to make up ground.

Kiters stay close to shore so they have to swim less when the wind dies.

that too.