Two popular manufacturers are Wipika and Kiteski.

The Kiteski system uses a rigid framed-kite, which is launched by hand, and surfer uses a control bar that lets out slack to inflate kite higher as surfer gets further away from shore. Once kite deflates and hits water, control bar has a reel attached to bring kite in for quick re-launch with minimal downtime. The Wipika system uses an inflatable kite that floats out on water first and is launched without reeling it in, even though they both have a control bar and reel-in function.

The kites are made up of several parts: The Kite (Leading Edge) 2 Bridle Lines 2 Flying Lines 1 Control Bar

You will also need: A Wet Suit Life Jacket or Buoyancy Jacket Helmet Water Shoe Safety Release Board Leash

Backcountry activities such as hiking, orienteering, hunting, climbing, geocaching, fishing, four-wheeling and camping are all loads of fun - until you get lost. That’s why you should know how to navigate. But navigation doesn’t start when you find yourself hopelessly lost. Navigation begins BEFORE your adventure begins so that you don’t place yourself in harm’s way. Let’s take a look at top tips for successful off road navigation.

The first group of tips pertains to getting ready to go: * Prepare your body. I cannot overstate necessity for proper preparation. If you are not in good physical condition when you begin your adventure, you are placing yourself in danger. No matter what your current physical conditioning is - improve it before you start. An exhausted body will negate any acquired navigational skills. * Prepare your mind. If you are using tools, and you should be, such as a map, a compass or a GPS Unit make sure you know how to use them. In order of priority: Maps are most important to understand and use, proper use of a magnetic needle compass is next and finally a GPS unit. Do not rely solely on your GPS. GPS’s only work well when you’re moving and they don’t work at all with dead batteries. Take a class on using your compass with a map. It is not only interesting, it is also a required life skill for outdoor enthusiast. * Have a plan and tell someone about it. Whenever you go into vast backcountry, be sure to tell someone back home where you plan on going, how you plan on getting there and when you’ll be back. If you break your leg, it would be nice if help could find you.