A Kitewing is a wing shaped sail designed to provide power and lift. It is used to provide the power to give pilots traction on a number of different vehicles and surfaces:
The difference between a Kitewing and a sports kites / traction kite is that Kitewing does not have separate control system (see kite control systems). Instead, a Kitewing is held directly in the hands of the user, which provides greater control, stability and depower when compared to a traditional power kite. In addition a Kitewing does not have lines to tangle, and can be manoeuvred easily to perform a wide variety of tricks, turns and fast speeds.
This superior control also makes a Kitewing safer to use. The instant depower reduces the risk of pilots being overrun in strong gusts, and the close proximity of the Kitewing to the pilot makes it safer for other users of the space as there is no risk of injury from kite lines.
Learning to use a Kitewing is easy and safe. The wind range for Kitewing use is huge, different techniques can be taught in different conditions. For basic learning only a small space is required to allow students to familiarise them selves with the wings assembly and handling characteristics.
Kitewing is a very spectacular and rapidly growing action sport. In the correct wind conditions a Kitewing can reach speeds of over 90 km/hour. Some very experienced pilots can perform controlled jumps of up to 500 meters or perform jump turns and other advanced manoeuvres.