Kiteboarding Tricks by Hannah Whiteley in Taiba, Brazil

Kiteboarding, where gravity takes a vacation

At Brazil's Taiba Beach, kitesurfers take flight — literally. The sport blends wakeboarding, surfing, and paragliding. Riders harness the wind to perform aerial maneuvers on a board, a kite delivering the power. Seeing Taiba’s flat lagoon, clear water, and bright sky, you wouldn’t blame Hannah Whiteley for wanting to fly entirely: The thrill has pulled in surfers and sun-seekers from all over Northeast Brazil. What draws the professionals and amateurs alike to Taiba isn’t just the sun and sand — it’s the lagoon’s flat, open spaces. Ideal for aerial tricks from beginner to advanced. The winds in Taiba are reliable, flat water provides a stable base for tricks, and the spectacle of it all is enhanced by the landscape.

The gravity-defying appeal of kitesurfing

Kiteboarding has evolved over the decades since it was invented in the 1990s. It’s now more than a water sport, it has become a windswept show of adrenaline. The sport is more than a hobby, it’s an attraction for pro kitesurfers and spectators alike. Riders chase speed and sensation while pulling off intricate maneuvers. Kitesurfing is a dynamic and evolving sport, with new tricks being invented as kites and boards are reinvented. The sport is ever-evolving, and the visuals enrapture the world outside Brazil.

Kite control and board design — the mechanics

Kitesurfing requires a harness and a kite. The harness connects the rider to the power kite — generally 5–13 meters wide. The board and harness absorb forces from the kite, while the kite beckons the wind. The harness keeps the rider stable. Kitesurfing boards generally are smaller than surfboards, and some riders opt for a board with foot straps. The kite, is steerable usually with four or five lines controlling it.

The science behind the sensation

Kitesurfing merges a sense of flight and riding on the waves. The kite’s power provides three-dimensional motion — how the rider uses the wind; it’s the sine qua non of the sport. The board allows the rider to control direction and speed, while the kite commands the altitude and lift. In kitesurfing, the rider is pulled by the wind and plane through various angles instead of slicing through the water. The wind — like gravity — holds the kite aloft. Professional riders command the energy to execute mind-bending tricks.

Life on the edge — wind’s ferocity

Kitesurfers face a risky game. The wind’s speed and direction can shift without warning and a sudden gust can have a rider flying 20 feet above the water. Wind patterns create the best conditions for kite aerodynamics — the lift and agility of a kite — to operate. Every shift of the kite means a change in the rider’s direction. This is why most kitesurfing spots have monitored conditions. Taiba’s location between the beaches of Pecem and Paracuru ensures constant winds and a flat lagoon. The oceanic breeze is all the fuel this sport needs.

The Taiba effect — the energy of the scene

Taiba’s beach stretches along 40 kilometers of waterfront. Kitesurfers have the fitness and the drive to become pilgrims for the sport. It’s this that makes the kitesurfing scene in Taiba a spiritual experience. The flat lagoon makes for steady conditions, while the scenery is breathtaking. The beauty of the local beaches along with the wind makes the destination ideal for aerial tricks.

How to try your hand

Contrary to appearances, kitesurfing classes are widely available. Classes go beyond the hardware. Classes start in shallow water, where students learn to control the board and kite. Choose a class based on prior water experience.

• Get certified: More experience comes from kitesurfing schools. These schools provide proper training and certification. Learning to kiteboard means learning to fly and fall.
• Check your gear: The wind and weather on the day of your lesson will determine the type of kite and board you need. Take note of your instructions on everything from harnesses.