Prep your body for kitesurfing

Alright, so you're gearing up for your next kitesurfing session, but let's be real—are you focusing on building muscles or boosting your stamina? Spoiler alert: you need both. But let’s break it down.

Core strength: The unsung hero

Your core is the MVP of kitesurfing. Whether you're riding waves or pulling off tricks, a strong core keeps you balanced and stable. But don’t just focus on crunches—flexibility is key too. Sure, bracing is crucial, but when you're twisting and turning mid-air, you need a core that’s as flexible as it is strong.

Pro tip: Add Pilates or yoga to your routine. Imagine nailing that trick with a core that’s both rock-solid and limber.

Leg day, every day

Legs are your best friend when it comes to going upwind. They’re your powerhouse for that extra boost, so don’t skip leg day! Squats, lunges, and deadlifts are great, but also throw in some explosive moves like box jumps. Why? Because your legs need to be ready for anything—from smooth landings to those "I definitely didn’t plan that" crashes.

Practice your landings: Prepare for impact

Landing a jump in kitesurfing isn’t always graceful—sometimes it’s more of a controlled fall. That’s why you should include plyometric exercises in your routine. These help your body get used to landing in different positions. Think of it as training for those "I swear that gust of wind wasn’t there a second ago" moments.

Pro tip: Try burpee box jumps or single-leg hops. They mimic those awkward landings and help your body adapt to whatever the wind throws at you.

Cardio: The endurance game

Yes, your muscles need to be strong, but without good cardio, you'll be gassed out before the fun even starts. Mix up your routine with some high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or a run to keep your heart rate up and your energy levels even higher.

Final Thoughts

Getting fit for kitesurfing is all about balance—literally and figuratively. Strength, flexibility, endurance, and a dash of “oh no, what now?” readiness are your best bets for an epic session. Plus, let’s not forget the most important part: have fun with it! After all, you’re preparing to fly over the water, not auditioning for a fitness commercial.

And if you’re lucky enough to have wind every day, don’t forget to cool down after a session. Stretching and foam rolling will help your body stay kind of ready for your next session.

xox Berit