Kitesurfing in tropical conditions? This is what you should know!
You are ready! Freshly arrived at your tropical destination you are ready to blast your first kitesurfing session. With your 7 up in the air you step into the crystal clear water for the first time. You steer your kite into the power zone and then suddenly you notice that you do not have enough power in your kite. That’s strange, because at home this is THE perfect kite for this wind conditions. How come? This blog gives you the answer and will help you have a better kitesurfing experience on Bonaire.
Molecules, Airtightness, Kite!
Don’t click away! Because this is important to know. The air we live in is made up of all kinds of molecules. You can’t see them, but you can feel them. When the wind blows, these molecules are in motion and collide with you or your kite. This is caused by the flow of air from a high pressure area to a low pressure area. The greater the pressure difference, the harder the wind blows.
The air temperature determines the distance between these molecules. The warmer it is, the greater the distance between the air molecules. As a result, there are fewer air molecules in a cubic meter of air and the air density is lower.
Air resistance
Now it gets interesting. A lower air density ensures less resistance in your kite because there are simply fewer air particles pushing against your kite. That is why it happens that with the same number of knots less power is generated in a warm place than in a cold place.
Summarised: Warm air = fewer air molecules per m3 = low air density = less power in your kite.
So start on Bonaire with a larger kite. Need advice on which kite you need? We are ready for you at Atlantis Kitebeach Bonaire. See you at the yellow bus!
