With the steady tradewinds blowing, Aruba is among the best places in the world to kite surf. When I first visited the island, wind surfing was all the rage. This is done with a board and a sail fixed to mast that is attached to the board. Kite surfing on the other hand is done with a kite that flies well above the surfer, who stands on the board with his feet in special loops. Here’s a photo taken near the Malmok area of Aruba.
These guys move fast, fast enough to jump waves, do stunts, and actually travel for miles if they want to. That guy in the frame is shooting a rooster tail!
Using two handles that control the lines up to the kite they’re able to maneuver the kite itself and increase or decrease the amount of power derived from the wind. I’ve seen some surfers just cruise along, while others go full blast.
The kite is actually shaped like a wing. This is what allows it to “fly” above the surfer. The lines change the shape of the wing, just like the control surfaces on an airplane. So, if you’re kite surfing, you’re sort of flying. Someday I have to give this a try. It has to be incredible fun.
The Bent Page 
Since moving to PR I have taken up regular surfing but at all my fav surf spots I have found kite surfers – I wish to try it someday – it looks fun. Although since I only weigh a hundred or so pounds, I am afraid that the kite will just lift me up and take me away! 🙂
Holy cow. This is awesome looking. I would love to try this. Great photo’s.
Kitesurfing is a lot of fun. If you are going to try it, make sure to have someone give you a few lessons. It is easy to learn, but very dangerous if you don’t know the the basic safety precautions (you may end up in a tree!). You can also buy trainer kites for about $100 that teach you how the wind works. Well worth the purchase and they are fun to fly. You can see more kitesurfing photos we take at http://www.tidalstock.com/blog.