A discipline that doesn't flounder
20.8.2018
Translation: machine translated
Video: Manuel Wenk
Today I'm here with Andrea Gaffuri, a kitesurfing instructor, for a session and to test myself on Lake Silvaplana. The water is very cold and this discipline can be really impressive. So we'll take our courage in both hands and go for it!
I met Andrea in Silvaplana in mid-June, with the summer heatwaves still a long way off and the lake cold. I soon realise that kitesurfing is a) an overload of equipment and b) a complex sport, which isn't going to make my job any easier, because after all, I'm not the most skilful person. To top it all off, this sport requires a fair amount of fearlessness from the beginner in me.
Equipment invasion episode 1
Nothing short of donning the harness requires my help from Andrea. And nothing to do with clumsiness here! Then you have to connect the wing to the bar and then to the waist, as the professionals call it, a sort of diaper-like harness. Here's what it looks like:
After a few dry exercises on dry land with the kite provided, Andrea and I assemble the kite with structure - a 14 m² structure with air chambers to inflate - which will then rise almost 25 m above our heads. This type of wing generates much more energy than the one used for ground training. Depending on the gusts, I have to use a certain amount of force to tame it. And what about Andrea? She's standing next to me and says in a peaceful voice: "The wind's hardly blowing today." Come on... into the water!
Equipment invasion episode 2
A moment. I need to change first. As best I can, I put on a wetsuit, dropping swear words here and there that I've given myself permission not to mention in this text for legal reasons. To cut a long story short, the neoprene suit is no mean feat. Then there's the lifejacket, safety jacket, shoes and helmet. Once I'm sweating like crazy, I can finally face the icy waters of Lake Silvaplana. Hallelujah!
Fissa
"Left, right, left, right." Andrea is hanging behind me on my harness giving me instructions on how to handle the wing. And she doesn't beat about the bush. There were times when I didn't let go of the bar straight away, as she'd asked me to do. The reaction was immediate: "When I say let go, you let go, not two seconds later, but right away! Be aware that the situation can quickly degenerate and become dangerous. Yes, I understand. And for those who aren't convinced, here's a little compilation of kiteboarding bowls.
Aside from that, Andrea is a friendly and jovial woman. We had a lot of laughs this afternoon.
4 hours versus 1 and a half days
According to Andrea Gaffuri, a beginner's course lasts a week, at the end of which you should be able to hover a little above the lake on your board without endangering yourself or others. I had four hours in all. No wonder I couldn't get on that board. That said, towing in the lake is normally on the programme for the afternoon of the second day. So I'm pleased with myself and my teacher.
As I emerge from the water, emotion overcomes me for a brief moment. It must be the adrenaline. In the air, I'm starting to freeze, in the water, I hadn't felt the cold. For the record, a neoprene wetsuit is a pain to put on, but a pleasure to wear.
Kitesurfing and skiing
Kitesurfing reminds me of skiing, and more particularly of the arduous beginnings: huge boots, skis and poles that I couldn't carry very well. In my day, there were still those unspeakable bum pullers I kept breaking my face on when I was at ski school. Then it was downhill runs in a stemm and so on. In short, the beginnings are chaotic, but once you've mastered the technique, it's a blast. With kitesurfing, it's the same thing. The first sensations of success keep the pleasure going. After all, the appetite comes with eating.
Find the entire Galaxus kitesurfing range here
Follow the adventures of "Patrick does sport with..."
After Silvaplana, head for the Urban Surfwave in Laax. The kitesurfing wing stays in the Upper Engadine. I get myself a skateboard and try my hand at this new discipline called "surfskate". No water this time. So much the better! Jump on the skateboard with me and follow my author profile so you don't miss any of my stories!
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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